Mazda to increase production of Skyactiv transmissions

While Mazda waits for its Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission plant in Thailand to become operational by 2016, the Japanese carmaker is increasing the production of its Hofu plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture to cater to the growing demand for its Skyactiv models around the globe.

According to Mazda, while the Hofu transmission plant currently has a production capacity of 750,000 units annually, it will increase to 1,140,000 units starting in July 2014.

In line with this, Mazda will be adding machining and assembly lines to an affiliated company\'s building located next to the Nakanoseki district. Mazda added that preparations for the increased production will begin later this month with the installation of the necessary equipment like multifunctional machining centers.

\"Operations began at the Nakanoseki district of Hofu plant in December 1981, and it is now Mazda\'s chief transmission production facility,\" said Mazda\'s Hofu plant executive officer and general manager Nariaki Uchida. \"This is where we make Skyactiv transmissions for the CX-5, which was named Car of the Year Japan last year, and our flagship model the Atenza (Mazda 6). Moving forward, Mazda is committed to delivering vehicles featuring Skyactiv technology to the greatest number of customers possible.\"

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