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Mazda2 Subcompact Production Starts in Mexico. Debut Likely for LA

The Japanese car company famous for making Miatas today announced that an all-new Mazda2 model just started being put together today at a new factory in Mexico. This is the same new 5-door subcompact that has taken Asian markets by storm a couple of months ago, but it has probably been watered down a little in order to meet the expectations of North American buyers.
Mazda2 JP spec 1 photo
Photo: Mazda
Responsible for Mazda2 production is a newly founded company called Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO).The factory has cost the Japanese automaker $120 million to build and is expected to play a key role while the automaker increases its sales to 4.2 million cars annually by 2020.

MMVO President Keishi Egawa said; “With the start of production of the all-new Mazda2, operations underway at the engine machining plant, and an increase in our annual production capacity, we now have an even stronger production framework capable of supplying global markets with SKYACTIV products of the same high quality level as those made in Japan. At the same time, we are pleased to be able to make a contribution to Mexico’s further economic growth.”

The all-new Mazda2 has not enjoyed its North American debut yet. Considering that the Los Angeles Auto Show is less than a month away, we can speculate this is when and where the Honda Fit rival will be shown.

2015 Mazda2, a global product

Mexico is only the third location where Mazda makes its new small hatchback. Production of the new Mazda started at the Hofu Plant in July, sales beginning shortly. After that, Auto Alliance (Thailand) also started making them in September.

This completely revamped hatchback is built on an all-new lightweight platform that replaces the previous Ford-sourced architecture. New Skyactiv engines have also been introduced, including a 1.5-liter diesel that's said to be the most efficient non-hybrid system in Japan. Further down the line, an EV is also planned, speculated to come with a Wankel range extender.

As with the outgoing mode, we expect US-spec Mazda2 units to come only with a basic 1.5-liter 100 horsepower unit available with a 5-speed manual and a simple automatic gearbox system (either 4-speed or CVT).
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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