Mazda 2007 Annual Report Download - page 55
Download and view the complete annual report
Please find page 55 of the 2007 Mazda annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.49
Going forward, Mazda will continue to seek the most effective balance between maximizing
the efficiency of its manufacturing facilities in Japan and expanding capacity at overseas plants,
taking into consideration both market demand and the resources available for allocation.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development costs came to ¥107.6 billion during the year, up ¥11.9 billion. This
spending supports a variety of R&D approaches—underscoring our “Zoom-Zoom” brand
message; ensuring a driving experience that strikes a balance between the joy of driving,
environmental factors and safety; and sustaining innovation.
In May 2006, as part of an industry-academia-government collaboration project Mazda
succeeded in developing the world’s first bioplastic that has sufficient strength and heat
resistance for injection molding and the necessary surface quality for use in automotive interior
parts. We plan to begin using this bioplastic in certain parts from fiscal 2007.
Mazda’s R&D framework in Japan is based on collaboration between head office R&D
divisions and the Mazda R&D Center Yokohama in Japan, which plan, design, test and conduct
cutting-edge research on emerging technologies of new models. Mazda also cooperates with
overseas facilities, including the R&D departments of U.S.-based Mazda Motor of America, Inc.,
and Mazda Motor Europe GmbH in Germany, as well as an R&D division established within
Mazda Motor (Shanghai) Business Management & Consulting Co., Ltd. Joint research projects
are also conducted with Ford Motor Company. In all cases, product development is tailored to
the unique characteristics of each market and aims to enhance the Mazda brand and cement
Mazda brand loyalty.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION
Total assets as of March 31, 2007, were ¥1,907.8 billion, up ¥119.1 billion from one year earlier.
Cash and cash equivalents increased ¥33.8 billion, to ¥242.5 billion. Inventories expanded
¥25.8 billion to ¥282.4 billion, in line with efforts to cultivate new markets and the effects of
exchange rates on the value of inventories at overseas subsidiaries. Net property, plant and
equipment rose ¥26.7 billion, to ¥857.2 billion, as capital expenditures outpaced depreciation.
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies rose ¥11.1 billion, to ¥98.8
billion, owing to increased investment in an equity-method affiliate in China.
(Billions of Yen)
Total Assets/Equity
(%)
Equity Ratio*
20062005200420032002
20062005200420032002
Total assets Equity
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
0
5
10
15
20
25
* The amounts of equity used in the
calculation of equity ratio exclude minority
interests (and, for the current year, stock
acquisition rights).