The Japanese car maker announced that production for the facelift version 2010 Mazda2 (known as the Mazda Demio in Japan) begun at the company’s site in Thailand.
Most of the 2010 Mazda2 units produced in Thailand will reach the ASEAN markets that will target around 20,000 units per year.
Besides the minor exterior redesigned elements like the new front bumper and grille that are easily noticeable no technical specifications regarding the 2010 Mazda2 have been released.
So far we don’t know if the 2010 Mazda2 will be sold in U.S.
Mazda press release :
Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it has commenced production of the Mazda2 (known as Mazda Demio in Japan) at the new passenger car plant at AutoAlliance Thailand Co., Ltd. (AAT), a joint venture manufacturing facility with Ford Motor Company. Mazda2 units produced at AAT will be sold mainly in the ASEAN markets.
To celebrate the start of production, AAT today held a ceremony at the new passenger car plant in Rayong’s Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate. The ceremony was attended by executive officers from Mazda’s head office in Japan, including Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer Masazumi Wakayama and Managing Executive Officer Yuji Nakamine.
The Thai-produced Mazda2 will be one of Mazda’s core products in the ASEAN region, with ASEAN sales targeted at approximately 20,000 units per year.
“The Thai-produced Mazda2 will be a key element in Mazda’s future growth in the ASEAN region, which is continuing to see growing demand for small cars. We consider that the Mazda2 model will also play a pivotal role in Mazda’s global strategy,” said Mazda’s Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, Masazumi Wakayama, before the ceremony.
“Since its launch, the Mazda2 has received more than 50 awards globally, including Car of the Year in over 20 countries. In 2008, Mazda2 was named World Car of the Year, acclaimed for its beautiful design, sporty driving performance, and outstanding eco-friendly features,” added Wakayama. “I firmly believe that the Mazda2 being built at our state-of-the-art facility in Thailand will make an immense contribution toward establishing the Mazda brand in ASEAN markets and will be our main driving force in the region as we go forward.”
