Mazda mulling China production of more models

Shanghai November 30 (Gasgoo.com) Mazda Motor Co is mulling production of some of its models in China in a bid to enrich its product line-up, the Beijing News reported Tuesday, citing Takashi Yamanouchi, president and CEO of Mazda (China) Enterprise Management Co Ltd.

After Ford Motor Co announced earlier this month it will cut its stake in Mazda to 3.5% from 11%, the Japanese automaker's two Chinese partners-FAW Car and Changan Auto have also made some moves.

FAW Mazda, which has been building only one Mazda model, the Mazda6 Ruiyi for years, rolled out last week the Mazda 8 at its plant in Changchun, capital of Jilin province.

Mazda has imported a number of models to the Chinese market, and will consider local production of the remaining models that have not been locally produced, Takashi Yamanouchi said at the off-line ceremony for Mazda 8.

The cooperation of Mazda and FAW is on high-end models, while that of Mazda and Changan Auto is on introduction of the mid- and small-sized models, Takashi Yamanouchi said, adding that this operational model will not change in the long term.