Mazda to Produce Diesel Version of Mazda2 for Latest Thai Eco-Car Project 30-Oct-2014 12:19 GMT News Investments
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Mazda to produce diesel version of Mazda2 for latest Thai eco-car project 30-Oct-2014 12:19 GMT News Investments Mazda's THB9.73-billion eco-car investment in Thailand is moving to the next phase. Mazda Thailand is planning to add production of a diesel version of its Mazda2 subcompact at its plants for the second phase of the government-supported eco-car project, according to the Bangkok Post. Mazda is expected to use its new 1.5-litre SKYACTIV diesel engine for the model, which is capable of producing 105 HP of maximum power, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The model is reportedly capable of achieving a claimed fuel efficiency of 26.4 kilometres per litre (km/l), higher than the 23.3 km/l requirement of the eco-car programme. The model is expected to be priced in the range of THB600,000-750,000 (USD18,449-23,062). Mazda will launch the gasoline (petrol) version of the Mazda2 after the diesel model, sales of which will commence in Thailand in January 2015. Significance: Mazda's THB9.73-billion eco-car investment in Thailand is moving to the next phase. The automaker is aiming to produce about 158,000 eco-cars and 200,000 automotive parts each year in Thailand as part of the programme. Mazda began production of its all-new Mazda2 at its Rayong plant last month. Commenting on the relatively higher price tags of diesel models, and the resulting relatively low demand for such vehicles in the country, the automaker noted that economies of scales would be raised by exporting the eco-car to markets such as Australia and Europe in future. Mazda will be the first automaker to begin work on the latest eco-car programme, with major automakers maintaining a generally cautious approach owing to the current sluggish market conditions. IHS Automotive's light-vehicle production forecasts expect Thai output of the Mazda2 to stand at 27,000 units in 2014, down from 28,000 units in 2013, primarily on the back of the changeover of this model as well as the ongoing political uncertainty in Thailand. However, production is expected to improve to around 42,000 units in 2015, with average annual production volumes predicted at 57,300 units in the medium and long term. The latest model will be exported to new markets in the Middle East and Africa starting from 2015. As well as the Rayong plant in Thailand, Mazda's Hofu facility in Japan and the Salamanca plant in Mexico produce the latest model. The information contained in this presentation is confidential. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, reproduction, or dissemination, in full or in part, in any media or by any means, without the prior written permission of IHS Markit or any of its affiliates ("IHS Markit") is strictly prohibited. IHS Markit owns all IHS Markit logos and trade names contained in this report that are subject to license. Opinions, statements, estimates, and projections in this report (including other media) are solely those of the individual author(s) at the time of writing and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of IHS Markit. Neither IHS Markit nor the author(s) has any obligation to update this report in the event that any content, opinion, statement, estimate, or projection (collectively, "information") changes or subsequently becomes inaccurate. IHS Markit makes no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information in this report, and shall not in any way be liable to any recipient for any inaccuracies or omissions. Without limiting the foregoing, IHS Markit shall have no liability whatsoever to any recipient, whether in contract, in tort (including negligence), under warranty, under statute or otherwise, in respect of any loss or damage suffered by any recipient as a result of or in connection with any information provided, or any course of action determined, by it or any third party, whether or not based on any information provided. The inclusion of a link to an external website by IHS Markit should not be understood to be an endorsement of that website or the site's owners (or their products/services). IHS Markit is not responsible for either the content or output of external websites. Copyright © 2021, IHS Markit®. All rights reserved and all intellectual property rights are retained by IHS Markit..