MAZDA

Ford gradually sold its Mazda shares following the 2008 financial crisis, signaling the end of Mazda’s 12 years under the Ford umbrella. Mazda’s business also suffered due to the recession. While making cost improvements and procuring funds, the company fought for its survival as an independent manufacturer through developing vehicles with unique value. Namely, Mazda adopted next-generation Skyactiv technology and the new Kodo design theme, planned an attractive product lineup that took its vehicles’ performance and design to even greater heights, and implemented a highly efficient production method through Monotsukuri innovation, which achieves both diversity and commonality among products. Beginning with the CX-5, an SUV that went on sale in 2012, each successive new model was well-received around the world, and Mazda created a new market for clean diesel engines. The company also strengthened its business in emerging economies through starting production in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Russia. In 2014, the Mexico plant began operations as a production site to serve the North American and European market in place of AAI.