Mazda's Japanese Production Back to Non-Crisis Schedule

Mazda's Japanese production returns to normal following the cuts announced last months, the car manufacturer announced in a press statement today. The Hofu Plant No. 1 and the Hofu Plant No. 2 will resume production on Fridays while the Hiroshima Plant's Ujina Plant No. 1 and Ujina Plant No. 2 will have production on the first and second Fridays in April (April 3 and April 10).

Mazda initially idled operations of its production plants across Japan on Fridays in February and March but, thanks to the slightly sales increase, the company is now working on a normal schedule.

"Mazda will continue to manage inventory levels and maintain an appropriate balance in production supply, monitor market conditions that are changing daily, and respond swiftly with appropriate measures as necessary," the company said in a statement for the press.

In case you missed the news, Mazda recently announced its sales figures for 2009, admitting the first signs of recovery started appearing, mainly a result of the company's fuel efficiency-oriented production lineup. Overall, Mazda's share of the European passenger car market was increased by 0.3 percent in February.

"The relatively strong performance in 12 markets helped to increase Mazda Motor Europe's passenger car share, both European-wide and on a country level," the Japanese car manufacturer said in a statement for the press. "Government incentives have encouraged some consumers into buying cars again in Germany, where Mazda has performed very well of late."

Aside from these good results, Mazda also recorded its highest February market shares in multiple countries across Europe, including the UK, Spain, Turkey and Poland. Moreover, in Ukraine, Mazda increased its market share to 5 percent, the company said in February 2009 figures.