Mazda 2011 Annual Report Download - page 11

Q2 What are your earnings forecasts for the March
2012 fiscal year?
Forecasting profitability at all levels
When we announced our results for the March 201 1 fiscal
year in April, the effect of the Great East Japan Earth-
quake on Mazda’s operating environment was still
unclear, and we refrained from announcing forecasts for
the March 2012 fiscal year. We subsequently announced
forecasts on June 17, after we had mostly resumed full-
scale, stable production, for net sales of ¥2,190.0 billion,
with operating income of ¥20.0 billion, and net income
of ¥1.0 billion.
We expect to return to profitability at all profit levels,
while accelerating investment for the future and
negating the impact of the yen’s appreciation and high
raw material prices.
Q3 T he March 2012 fiscal year is the first year of
the SKYACTIV era. What specific measures are
you taking for the future?
Successively introduce models equipped with
SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, beginning with the
new Demio
Beginning in the March 201 1 fiscal year, we released the
new Premacy (overseas name: Mazda5), which is equipped
with our proprietary “i-stop” idling stop system for
superior environmental performance in Japan in July
2010. Sales also commenced overseas, in the European
market in the fall of 2010 and in North America in
January 201 1, and the model’s stylish exterior, flexible
functionality that meets a variety of customer needs,
and smooth, comfortable drive have been well received.
We also launched a new compact car, the Mazda2
(Japanese name: Demio) in North America in August
2010, and a minivan, the Mazda8 (Japanese name: MPV)
in the Chinese market at the end of 2010, with the aim of
expanding our customer base and bolstering our product
lineup in major overseas markets.
With the March 2012 fiscal year being the first year of
the SKYACTIV era, we launched a new Demio, equipped
with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and able to achieve
30km/L in the 10–15 mode, in Japan on June 30. This
new Demio has proven very popular, with total orders in
the first month after its release totaling 13,500 units,
more than twice the planned volume.
We also plan to launch a new Mazda3 (Japanese name:
Axela) equipped with SKYACTIV engine and transmission
in Japan, North America, and other major markets during
the second half of 201 1, and are looking for a global launch
in 2012 of the new compact crossover SUV Mazda CX-5
that is fully equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY.
New emphasis on Central and South America
Mazda has been considering entering emerging markets
after China and ASEAN countries, and as a third pillar our
strategy for emerging markets—in addition to strength-
ening our entry in growth markets and maintain ing cost
competitiveness—a decision has been made to strengthen
the Central and South American business by establishing
a vehicle production facility in Mexico and entering the
Brazilian market.
These efforts have three aims.
First, we intend to build the facility in Mexico to establish
a production structure for small cars, primarily for Central
and South America. Next, following continued strong sales
in Mexico, we intend to enter the growing Brazilian market
and increase our sales in Central and South America. Then,
we will make maximum use of synergies with our business
partner Sumitomo Corporation, which has a wealth of
experience and expertise in business in emerging markets.
Mazda Annual Report 201 1 9