New Mazda plant in Mexico to make Mazda2, Mazda3 in 2014

The cars will be the same as the Mazda Demio and Mazda Axela models in Japan, the only difference is that the factory will be located in the city of Salamanca, in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

Bruno Ferrari, minister of economy of Mexico, was the guest of honor at a ceremony held to mark the beginning of construction of the new assembly production facility. The ceremony was hosted by Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda Motor Corp.'s chairman, president and CEO, and Sumitomo’s executive VP, Kazuo Ohmori, on the site where the plant will be built. “Since Mazda established its sales network in Mexico six years ago, we have experienced a remarkable acceptance from the people of Mexico. Last year Mazda sold over 25,000 vehicles and captured over 3% market share,” Yamanouchi said. “We are excited to be constructing this new facility here in Mexico with our partner Sumitomo Corp. It will be vital to bolstering our expansion in Central and South America.”