Mazda begins mixed-model production of V6 and I4 engines

Hiroshima, Japan – Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it has begun mixed-model production at its Ujina engine plant, near the company’s headquarters in Hiroshima. The newly-designed production line now produces the current inline 1.8- and 2.3-litre four-cylinder engines, and the new 3.7-litre V6, which will be used in the 2008 CX-9 that goes on sale in North America later this summer.

The flexible production line, which Mazda says is an industry first, uses generic equipment in place of specific jigs and tools that previously had to be changed for different engines.

“Achieving mixed model production for the V6 and in-line four cylinder gasoline engines at the Ujina plant is the first step toward volume and model mix flexible production, which lies at the heart of Mazda’s concept of manufacturing innovation,” says Masaharu Yamaki, senior managing executive officer in charge of production and business logistics. “Going forward, Mazda will progressively introduce the latest techniques to its facilities in Japan and overseas, as part of its manufacturing innovation.”