Mazda Adds Crossover Output to Second Japanese Plant

To meet growing global demand and improve manufacturing flexibility, Mazda Motor Corp. is expanding production of the all-new CX-5 crossover vehicle to a second plant in Japan.

The company launched the second-generation model late last year at its Hiroshima facility and plans to ramp up output at its Hofu plant in November. Mazda took a similar strategy with the smaller CX-3 subcompact crossover, which now is produced at both Japanese sites.

Producing both crossovers at two locations will give Mazda greater flexibility between plants and vehicles, the company notes. The 2017 CX-5 gets an upgraded chassis system, powertrain and active safety technology.