Tag Archives: Operations

Mazda

Rising Star Recognition for Bob Pan at Mazda

WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 11, 2023) – Bob Pan, the Senior Director of Sales Planning & Supply Chain Innovation at Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), has been honored as a 2023 Rising Star by Automotive News.

The Rising Stars program acknowledges talented and dedicated executives in the U.S. automotive industry who are under the age of 45. These individuals have the potential to become future leaders in various sectors such as manufacturing, supply, mobility, and services.

Tom Donnelly, the President and CEO of MNAO, expressed pride in Bob Pan’s recognition as an Automotive News Rising Star. Donnelly credited Pan’s leadership for transforming Mazda’s operations in the United States and contributing significantly to the company’s growth in North America. Pan and his team utilize a data-driven approach that provides actionable insights.

Bob Pan began his journey at Mazda in 2008 and has been a part of the Sales Planning department. During his time there, he has revolutionized Mazda’s perspective on its business and challenged the organization to be more adaptable in deploying incentives and placing vehicles in markets with the highest potential. As a result, Mazda has achieved three consecutive annual market share records since 2019.

Pan also previously worked in Mazda’s Strategic Planning department, where he played a crucial role in developing and solidifying Mazda’s value creation strategy known as Brand Value Management. This new direction required Mazda to redefine its fundamental beliefs and set goals to increase both volume and transaction price, a rare accomplishment in the automotive industry.

Automotive News has been recognizing rising stars in the industry since 2014. This year’s honorees represent 24 companies and various disciplines, including executive management, purchasing, engineering, mobility, and design.

Mazda North American Operations, headquartered in Irvine, California, oversees the sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support for Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia through around 795 dealers. Mazda Canada Inc. manages operations in Canada, while Mazda Motor de Mexico and Mazda de Colombia handle operations in Mexico and Colombia, respectively.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Stay updated with MNAO’s social media channels on Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

Contact:

Tamara Mlynarczyk, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com
Drew Cary, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com

Motorsport

GM To Cut 200 Engineering Positions Amidst Strategic Evolution

General Motors (GM) has announced plans to eliminate approximately 200 engineering positions as part of its ongoing efforts to adapt and streamline operations. The company assures that affected employees will have the opportunity to transition into other roles within the organization.

This decision is part of GM’s broader strategy, called “Winning with Simplicity,” which aims to simplify design and engineering processes, reduce costs and complexity, and enhance marketing, engineering, and manufacturing efficiency. By significantly reducing the number of trim levels and part numbers, GM aims to retain desirable features while streamlining operations.

In a statement, GM confirmed the decision, stating that it is rebalancing its engineering resources to align with its growth strategy and will help engineers affected by the cuts to apply for other open positions within the company. GM is also targeting $2 billion in cost reduction over the next two years and plans to reduce sales and marketing finances by $800 million.

However, in addition to internal adjustments, GM also faces external pressures from changing industry regulations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a significant increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which has sparked debates and concerns within the automotive sector, including GM.

Prior to the public release of the proposal, GM presented a claim to the Biden Administration warning that strict fuel economy standards could result in potential fines of up to $300 billion for automakers. However, as the proposal undergoes further examination, GM’s certainty regarding this figure has started to waver.

Mazda

Statement on Safety Recall 6123H

Washington, DC. (Aug. 7, 2023) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has filed a safety defect notification with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning certain 2024 MY CX-90 vehicles.

The issue involves the pedestrian alert system, specifically the warning sound for driving in reverse. Due to missing software in the “AVAS ISB” amplifier, which controls the warning sound, the sound may be activated in any gear other than “reverse”. This problem can occur when quickly shifting the vehicle gear selector lever through different gears. The AVAS is responsible for alerting pedestrians near the vehicle by generating an approaching vehicle alert sound at low speeds. Improper activation of the warning sound may affect the perception of the vehicle’s movement and increase the risk of accidents or injuries.

No warning is given before this defect occurs, and there have been no reported accidents or injuries related to it.

About 17,600 CX-90 vehicles in the U.S. and U.S. Territories are affected.

Affected owners will receive notifications by U.S. Mail. To stay updated, please visit mazdarecallinfo.com or nhtsa.gov.

Mazda North American Operations is based in Irvine, California and manages the sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support for Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia, working with approximately 795 dealers. Mazda Canada Inc. oversees operations in Canada, Mazda Motor de Mexico handles operations in Mexico, and Mazda de Colombia manages operations in Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photos and B-roll footage, visit InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO on Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA, and on Facebook at facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

Featured

Renault Nissan India Reaches a New Milestone: 2.5 Million Cars Produced


In its 13 years of operation, the Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Limited (RNAIPL) has manufactured an average of one car every three minutes.

Renault and Nissan, operating as a single entity in India under RNAIPL for the past 13 years, have achieved a significant milestone by producing a combined total of 2.5 million cars.

These cars were manufactured in the group’s facility in Chennai, with over 20 different car models produced during this period. Out of the 2.5 million cars, 1.15 million were exported to 108 different markets worldwide, including the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, SAARC countries, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Renault accounted for 10 lakh units, and the remaining 15 lakh units were Nissan models.

Renault Kiger, Kwid, Triber and Nissan Magnite

Currently, Renault-Nissan has four models available in India: the Kiger, Triber, and Kwid by Renault, and the Magnite by Nissan.

Dacia Spring 2022

However, the group plans to expand its lineup and increase operations in India. They aim to launch six new models, including two electric vehicles (EVs), and invest INR 5,300 crore in the country.

To learn more about this milestone, you can read the attached press release: 2.5 million cars: Renault Nissan Automotive India crosses momentous manufacturing milestone.

  • One car produced on average every three minutes for 13 years
  • Over 1.9 lakh cars manufactured every year on average
  • The Chennai plant will manufacture six new models

Renault Nissan Automotive Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL) has announced that it has manufactured 2.5 million cars at its state-of-the-art facility in Chennai. Over the past 13 years, the plant has produced an average of over 1.92 lakh (192,000) Renault and Nissan cars every year, equivalent to one car every three minutes. In total, 20 different models have been manufactured since the plant’s commencement of operations.

The Alliance plant in Chennai has not only catered to the Indian market but has also played a crucial role in establishing Chennai as a renowned international hub for automotive exports. More than 1.15 million vehicles have been exported to 108 destinations worldwide, including the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, SAARC countries, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Keerthi Prakash, Managing Director of RNAIPL, expressed his appreciation for the employees and their hard work in achieving this milestone. He also mentioned the plans to manufacture six new models, three each for Renault and Nissan, as part of the Alliance’s investment plan.

Frank Torres, President of Nissan India, highlighted the commitment to growth and manufacturing in India, and the focus on producing high-quality products and innovative technologies that meet the expectations of Indian consumers and global markets.

Venkatram Mamillapalle, CEO and MD of Renault India, expressed his delight in achieving this manufacturing milestone and the alliance’s dedication to deliver exceptional vehicles and mobility solutions. He further mentioned their determination to embrace state-of-the-art technologies and shape India’s future mobility while reducing environmental impact.

The Renault Nissan Alliance plans to invest $600 million / INR 5,300 crores to introduce new products and technologies, boost production and R&D activities in India. This investment will support the production of six new vehicles, including two fully electric vehicles, at RNAIPL.

Read More on : Renault Kiger AMT

News

The GPX Demon GR200R Da Corsa 2: A Small and Aggressive Sportbike

GPX, a motorcycle manufacturer based in Thailand, offers an interesting range of motorcycles. Their models are predominantly small-displacement commuter bikes masquerading as sporty or retro motorcycles. For instance, the GPX Legend 250 takes design cues from classic roadsters, while the Demon is a compact superbike.

The brand’s popularity is growing due to its ability to combine the reliability of a commuter bike with the style of a sporty or retro machine. Recognizing this, GPX has released a limited edition of the Demon GR200R sportbike in the Malaysian market. This little sportbike aims to compete with the Yamaha YZF-R15, Honda CBR150R, and even the KTM RC 200. Let’s examine it closely.

The GPX Demon GR200R Da Corsa 2 Is An Aggressive Little Sportbike

The sportbike clearly draws inspiration from the styling of liter-class superbikes from well-known manufacturers. The front end resembles the Yamaha YZF-R1, while the fairings bear similarities to the BMW S 1000 RR. Additionally, the bike’s proportions are designed for shorter riders, with a low seat height and short wheelbase. This makes it accessible to a wider range of riders and easier to navigate through congested city streets. In Asian cities, motorcyclists spend a significant amount of time maneuvering between cars in heavy traffic, making the Demon GR200R Da Corsa 2 a practical choice.

In Malaysia, the limited edition GPX Demon GR200R Da Corsa 2 is priced at RM 12,588 (approximately $2,691 USD), undercutting its mainstream competitors. The KTM RC 200 is priced at RM 15,888 ($3,397 USD), and the Yamaha YZF-R15M at RM 14,998 ($3,206 USD). Despite its lower price, the Demon GR200R offers similar performance thanks to its 198cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. Equipped with a new four-valve cylinder head, this limited edition sports bike produces 19.1 horsepower and 12 pound-feet of torque.

The GR200R features standard components such as a chain-driven six-speed manual transmission, inverted front fork, YSS rear monoshock, and front and rear disc brakes. Riders can stay informed with the full color TFT instrument cluster, while the road ahead is illuminated by full-LED lights.

The GPX Demon GR200R Da Corsa 2 Is An Aggressive Little Sportbike

The limited edition model sets itself apart with a map of the Mugello Circuit on the tank and a choice of three sporty colors: Daytona Black, Da Corsa Blue, and Racing Grey. These colors give the sportbike a supersport-inspired aesthetic.

Featured

Ola Gigafactory For Its Own Battery Cells Now Under Construction

Operations are expected to start early next year with an initial capacity of 5GWh

In a push for localising the production of electric vehicle batteries in India, Ola has taken the initiative and started the construction of its Gigafactory, which will be the biggest one in the country when completed. The construction process has started in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu and the facility will be spread across 115 acres.

Also Read: Elon Musk Confirms Tesla India Debut After Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Ola says that this factory will start operations early next year with a capacity of 5GWh (in battery cells) and once the factory is completed and running at its full potential, it will have a capacity of 100GWh. The company also invested a significant amount of money to set up a battery innovation center in Bengaluru last year. 

ola electric car

Ola also plans to further expand its operations in Tamil Nadu and to do that it has signed an MoU with the state government to expand its manufacturing capabilities of battery cells, electric bikes and electric cars. As part of this MoU, Ola will build manufacturing facilities and vendor and supplier parks in the state. With regards to Ola EVs, it had previously claimed that it has plans to introduce 6 models and will debut the first one in 2024.

Also See: First Spy Shots Of The Mahindra BE.05 Have Surfaced

As batteries remain one of the biggest input costs for EVs, localising the manufacturing of batteries will help reduce their overall costs and make them more affordable. Let us know what you think about this in the comments below.

Mazda

Mazda Reports May Sales Results

IRVINE, Calif. (June 1, 2023) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total May sales of 33,262 vehicles, an increase of 117.2 percent compared to May 2022. Year-to-date sales totaled 153,997 vehicles; an increase of 20.6 percent compared to the same time last year. With 25 selling days in May, compared to 24 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 108.5 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

CPO sales totaled 5,262 vehicles in May, an increase of 4 percent compared to May 2022.

Sales Highlights

– 2nd best May sales since 1995 with 32,351 vehicles sold.
– Best-ever May sales of CX-50 with 3,865 vehicles sold.
– 2nd best May sales of CX-30 with 6,091 vehicles sold.

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported May sales of 6,467 vehicles, an increase of 62.7 percent compared to May last year. Year-to-date sales total 22,252 vehicles; a decrease of 2.8 percent compared to the same time last year.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported May sales of 5,945 vehicles, an increase of 178 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 28,986 vehicles; an increase of 107 percent compared to the same time last year.

Mazda Motor de Colombia (MCOL) reported May sales of 1,716 vehicles, an increase of 33.1 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 6,819 vehicles; an increase of 4.4 percent compared to the same time last year.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at News.MazdaUSA.com.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

  Month-To-Date   Year-To-Date
                   
  May May YOY % % MTD   May May YOY % % MTD
  2023 2022 Change DSR   2023 2022 Change DSR
                   
Mazda3 2,468 904 173.0% 162.1%   12,382 13,990 (11.5)% (11.5)%
Mazda 3 Sdn 1,308 405 223.0% 210.0%   6179 5,470 13.0% 13.0%
Mazda 3 HB 1,160 499 132.5% 123.2%   6203 8,520 (27.2)% (27.2)%
                   
Mazda6 0 2 (100.0)% (100.0)%   0 334 (100.0)% (100.0)%
                   
MX-5 Miata 1,090 405 169.1% 158.4%   4,647 2,668 74.2% 74.2%
MX-5  646 160 303.8% 287.6%   2542 908 180.0% 180.0%
MXR 444 245 81.2% 74.0%   2105 1,760 19.6% 19.6%
                   
CX-3 – 0 – –   – 0 – –
CX-30 6,091 2,955 106.1% 97.9%   31915 16,994 87.8% 87.8%
CX-5 14,100 8,093 74.2% 67.3%   67160 75,150 (10.6)% (10.6)%
CX-9 3,349 1,453 130.5% 121.3%   16496 15,023 9.8% 9.8%
CX-50 3,865 1,465 163.8% 153.3%   17934 3,221 456.8% 456.8%
MX-30 18 35 (48.6)% (50.6)%   50 293 (82.9)% (82.9)%
C90 1,545 0 – –   2659 0 – –
C9P 736 0 – –   754 0 – –
CARS 3,558 1,311 171.4% 160.5%   17,029 16,992 0.2% 0.2%
TRUCKS 29,704 14,001 112.2% 103.7%   136,968 110,681 23.8% 23.8%
                   
TOTAL 33,262 15,312 117.2% 108.5%   153,997 127,673 20.6% 20.6%
                   
                   
*Selling Days 25 24       126 126    
                   

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. (PRNewsFoto/Mazda North American Operations) (PRNewsfoto/MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS)

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

For further information: Tamara Mlynarczyk, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com; Drew Cary, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com