Mazda Likely To Abandon Flat Rock, US Production

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Rumors began surfacing about a month ago that Mazda was eying a complete pullout from US production, as it endures weak sales of its last American-built product, the Mazda6. Mazda had reportedly planned for 100k units of Mazda6 production at its Flat Rock plant, which it shares with Ford, before the economic crisis sent the US market tumbling. And with only a little more than 36k Mazda6s built alongside the Ford Mustang at Flat Rock last year, Mazda has little reason to maintain its joint venture, and with it, its US manufacturing presence. Now, the Nikkei [via the DetN] reports that Mazda’s pullout is more likely than ever, citing an unnamed Mazda source as saying it hoped to sell its 50% stake in the Flat Rock AutoAlliance plant to Ford as it restructures its global operations.

Mazda insists that its still studying its manufacturing posture, and that the latest news report is “not based on information released by Mazda.” But as any analyst will tell you, this move is practically predetermined by Mazda’s weak sales (just over 100k total units last year, or about the same number it expected from its midsized sedan alone). With Ford and Mazda divorcing after years of unrewarding union, exiting its joint venture plant seems all the more unavoidable. Which raises a few interesting questions, like where will Mazda move its midsized production (with 80% Japanese production and a rising Yen, it will be somewhere new), and what in the Foxtrot is Ford going to do with that capacity?


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • VanillaDude VanillaDude on Jun 06, 2011

    You can't say that Mazda didn't try. The Mazda 6 is an excellent car. It didn't find enough buyers, that's all. Mazda's decision is the right one to make after twenty years of trying to make a US plant a good business move. The US auto market is too risky right now. Mazda had to decide to gamble with money they did not have in order to remain in a country that has turned it's nose up at their vehicles. I just don't see Mazda as a big player. You can't say they didn't try.

  • Mjz Mjz on Jun 06, 2011

    Seems like a short-sighted move on Mazda's part. Why not switch to Mazda3 production instead?

  • Conslaw Conslaw on Jun 06, 2011

    I test drove the Mazda6 right after this generation came out. I really wanted to like it, but I didn't. It just didn't have the attention to detail that the Mazda3 did. Mostly, I remember little things, like the mirrors did not fold (critical in our crowded garage), and a cheap headliner. As to the Mazda3. I liked it, but it was just a little down on power. My wife ended up getting a certified used Acura TSX and being very happy with her purchase.

  • Cdnsfan27 Cdnsfan27 on Jun 06, 2011

    There isn't a Mazda dealership anywhere near me so although I love the 3 I have a Focus ST in the driveway with Mazda's 2.3. Works for me:)

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