Expect Mazda Production Delays As Factories Forced To Close

Mar. 25, 2022 12:43 PM ET by Nikesh Kooverjee Industry News / Comments

Its Japanese plants will have to close temporarily due to low parts supply.

It's becoming increasingly common for auto manufacturers to halt production at their facilities. With the pandemic and Russian invasion of Ukraine, both of which have massively contributed to the supply chain crisis, it's just become more of a task to put cars together. Large-scale manufacturers such as Toyota have had to close factories several times due to these annoyances. This has drastically affected its goal to meet production targets.

Things are no different here on local soil, as the Chevrolet Corvette range is also struggling to meet demand due to the frustrating shortage of crucial components. Manufacturers are working hard at resolving these issues with plans to develop a more close-knit supply chain but these are both subject to massive investments and lengthy construction periods.

2016-2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Front View Driving

The next victim to suffer from the crisis is Mazda who has announced that it would be stopping operations at two facilities based in Japan. These will be the Hiroshima and Yamaguchi factories that are currently responsible for putting together the Mazda MX-5 Miata, CX-5, and more. It even assembles the 124 Spider range for Fiat.

In its short statement, Mazda explains that the plant will be shut down on April 4 and 5 because it lacks stock of components needed for assembly. It doesn't clarify which parts it is short on. It also states that the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in China is a contributor to its current dilemma.

A two-day stop isn't as bad as the delays that we've seen so far but it will still leave a small dent in its production goals, considering how many cars these two plants produce every day. Thankfully, the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing facility, located in Huntsville, Alabama, has not hinted at any scheduled delays.

Granted, this factory is only responsible for two models, one being the Toyota Corolla Cross and the other, the fairly younger Mazda CX-50. There's an understanding that the Japanese brand's local production footprint is set to grow in the coming years with the arrival of some new exciting premium SUVs.

Expect Mazda Production Delays As Factories Forced To Close

Join The Discussion

Gallery

Expect Mazda Production Delays As Factories Forced To Close

Join The Discussion

Gallery

Related Cars