The Mazda Motor Corporation would like to express its deepest sympathy and concern for all of those who have been suffering from the novel coronavirus outbreak and extend our sincere condolences to the families it has impacted.
In response to the global spread of the novel coronavirus, many countries have been quickly and extensively reinforcing their infection prevention measures including the implementing of curfews, retail business suspensions and restrictions on corporate activities.
As a result, Mazda has decided to adjust production at its facilities globally due to the difficulties in procuring parts, the plummeting sales in overseas markets, and the uncertainty of future sales.
Mazda plans to suspend production for 13 days and operate day-time shifts only for eight days at the Hiroshima and Hofu plants during the period commencing March 28 through to April 30.
Mazda intends to transfer part of the production originally scheduled for this period to the second quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2021 or later while monitoring how the situation develops. During this period, administrative operations will be undertaken as usual.
For overseas plants, Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation, our production site in Mexico, will shut down for approximately 10 days starting from March 25, and AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd., our production site in Thailand, will suspend production for a similar period starting from March 30.
Mazda will continue sales operations in certain countries including Japan and China. For other regions, including Europe, appropriate actions will be followed to respect the policies being implemented to prevent the spread of the virus.
Mazda will do everything possible to minimise the impact on the sales and service operations for customers.
In addition, Mazda will continue to work on minimising the impact of the virus on local business partners who have always shown their support.
Mazda places the highest priority on the health and safety of communities, customers and employees and we will continue to adopt infection prevention measures such as teleworking and sterilisation at Mazda offices and dealerships.
