Mazda 2007 Annual Report Download - page 23
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The further reinforcement of monotsukuri and product
development capabilities are essential to the successful
expansion of production capacity overseas. For this
reason, even if production volumes are low, we will
pursue Monotsukuri Innovation as we work to achieve
innovative design and production, which enables
“Volume and Model Mix Flexible Production” that is
competitive in both quality and cost. More specifically, at
the product development stage, we will expand our use
of common architecture that transcends car lines. This
commonality will enable Mazda to benefit from economies
of scale in its procurement. At the same time, we will be
able to realize “Volume and Model Mix Flexible Production”
leading to swifter changes in unit production and faster
new model introduction with minimum investment.
Looking toward future capacity increases, we expect
to build production capacity that balances our strength
in sales, and optimizes our responsiveness to future
demand fluctuations. In short, we plan to maintain
current production capacity in Japan while raising
capacity overseas.
Hofu Plant
Mixed Model Production of
V6 and In-Line Four-Cylinder
Engines
—Industry’s First Engine Parts Machining
Line to Achieve Volume and Model Mix
Flexible Production—
In May 2007, Mazda began mixed
production of its new 3.7-liter V6
engine and a current in-line four-
cylinder gasoline engine on an engine
parts machining line. The new V6
engine is mounted on the 2008 Mazda
CX-9 for the U.S. market. Jigs and
tools that were previously specific to
each engine model have been replaced
with generic equipment, resulting in a
consolidated process. In addition to
reducing capital investment, this
approach enabled Volume and Model
Mix Flexible Production.
This process uses Mazda’s cutting-
edge production and manufacturing
technologies on the engine parts
machining line that simultaneously
achieves efficiency and diversification.
This flexible production is a concrete
first step toward realizing Mazda’s
concept of Monotsukuri Innovation.
Going forward, Mazda plans to
steadily introduce advanced functions
planned and designed around
Monotsukuri Innovation into all of its
plants in Japan and overseas to
enhance brand value and business
efficiency in its manufacturing.