CX-5-export-02

Mazda has announced that its new vehicle assembly facility in Malaysia has begun operations - located within the Inokom plant in Kulim, the Mazda-dedicated trim and final shop expands on the body shop located within the same grounds. The body shop began operation in April last year.

The opening of the trim and final shop effectively transfers production of the Mazda CX-5 for Malaysia and Thailand from Inokom to Mazda. The CX-5 was previously primarily assembled by Inokom, which carried out build processes such as paint, trim and final and inspection, with paint now remaining as the only process outsourced to Inokom.

Local assembly of the SUV began in March last year, with first exports to Thailand starting last September. Production of the new Mazda3 for Malaysia is slated to begin at the facility later this year, with market introduction set for October. Next year will see CKD production of the Mazda6 begin.

With the expansion of its assembly operations, Mazda Malaysia's annual production capacity is set to double from 10,000 to 20,000 units. A paint shop is also reportedly under consideration - going this route will expand capacity even further to 2,500 units per month. Approximately RM100 million has been invested by Mazda Malaysia for the body and trim/final shops.