Changan Mazda joint venture officially established, will manufacture new CX-5

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai January 17) - Nearly five months following the separation of Changan Ford Mazda last year, the bilateral joint venture partnership between Changan and Mazda was officially established in Nanjing this week, auto.sina.com.cn reported today.

The joint venture is equally owned by Changan and Mazda. It will conduct joint R&D, production and sales work, as well as oversee the Japanese brand's operations in China. According to Mazda CEO Yamanouchi Takashi, the new JV will strive to fulfill Chinese consumers' desire for high-quality vehicles. The new CX-5 SUV (pictured) will be among the models manufactured by the JV.

During a visit to China last year, Ford CEO Alan Mulally confirmed that the three way partnership between Changan, Ford and Mazda would split up last year following government approval.