On Tuesday, March 24, the below statement was issued by Mazda Corporate in reaction to the coronavirus.
Mazda Motor Corporation would like to express our deepest sympathy and concern for all those who have been suffering from the novel coronavirus outbreak and extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.
In response to the global spread of the novel coronavirus, many countries have been quickly and extensively reinforcing their infection prevention measures, including curfew implementation, retail business suspensions and restrictions on corporate activities. Mazda has decided to adjust production at our global facilities in consideration of difficulties in parts procurement, the declining global sales, and the uncertainty of future markets.
Mazda plans to suspend production for 13 days and operate daytime-only shifts for eight days at the Hiroshima Plant and Hofu Plant from March 28 to April 30. Mazda intends to transfer part of the production originally scheduled for this period to the second quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2021 or later as we monitor how the situation develops. During this period, administrative operations will be undertaken as usual.
Outside Japan, Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation, our production site in Mexico, will shut down for approximately 10 days, beginning March 25, and AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd., our production site in Thailand, will suspend production for approximately 10 days, beginning March 30.
Mazda places the highest priority on health and safety of local residents, customers and employees, and will continue to take infection prevention measures such as teleworking and sanitizing the Mazda offices and dealerships.