Mazda 2013 Annual Report Download - page 19

“Since its introduction, SKYACTIV has received high praise. We will not rest on
these laurels, however, but will continue to pursue world-class technologies
as a global leader with the aim of becoming the one-and-only brand that our
customers aspire to own.
Monotsukuri Innovation means maintaining our competi-
tiveness by thinking hard about how to create economies of
scale, equivalent to those available with large-volume produc-
tion, by optimizing parts design and procurement as well as
production centers. In the area of development, this doesn’t
mean simply standardizing parts, but instead using integrated
planning to standardize platforms, parts, and the basic struc-
ture of systems. We also defined common areas and variable
areas and then aimed for optimal parts and systems for each
model and production center. In the area of manufacturing, we
introduced flexible production methods by which different
models could be assembled on one production line with the
same efficiency as if a single model was being produced con-
tinuously. Through these efforts, we achieved development and
manufacturing efficiency, and cost improvement, as planned.
Our achievements were not only in the area of costs. To
realize Monotsukuri Innovation, we also coordinated the activi-
ties of various departments involved in development, produc-
tion, and purchasing, as well as our dealings with suppliers. By
breaking down departmental barriers to facilitate discussion
at various levels and consolidate expertise, I believe that we
were quite successful even though our goals were set high. I
also believe that these activities provided engineers with even
greater training than our conventional training programs.
Nevertheless, we are still in the initial stages of Monotsukuri
Innovation. Currently, we have developed two models using
Monotsukuri Innovation, the CX-5 and the new Mazda6, these
two models representing less than 20% of our sales volume in
the March 2013 fiscal year. We expect even greater results
from Monotsukuri Innovation going forward as the proportion
of SKYACTIV-equipped vehicles grows, including our new
Mazda3, which we plan to launch in the fall of 2013.
What is Mazda’s fundamental policy
regarding safety performance?
We believe that when driving, the best computer is the “person.”
Accordingly, our first priority is to provide an environment in
which the driver can accurately recognize situations, make
decisions, and operate the vehicle safely. We do not simply rely
on automated operations. We emphasize driver position in rela-
tion to the seat, the pedals, and other equipment, in addition to
the field of vision.
At the same time, humans do sometimes make mistakes, and
driving is no exception. For example, traffic accidents often
occur at night, and it is said that in many cases the accident
could actually have been avoided if the driver had been using
high beams at the time. Therefore, since the introduction of the
new Mazda6 our cars are now offered with an automated low-
beam/high-beam switching function. SKYACTIV-equipped vehi-
cles use advanced i-ACTIVSENSE safety technology, which
includes this function (please refer to Page 15 for more informa-
tion). We believe that providing an environment for driving with
peace of mind is part of the driving pleasure that we pursue.
What does the future hold for SKYACTIV?
Going forward we will introduce SKYACTIV-equipped vehicles
around the world as we replace aging models, and we intend to
increase the portion of SKYACTIV-equipped vehicles to 80%
by the March 2016 fiscal year.
SKYACTIV also continues to evolve. We are increasing vari-
ations in terms of engine displacement and transmission sizes
and types. We are also fine-tuning the technology making con-
tinuous improvements with each successive model year.
Do you have anything to say in conclusion to
shareholders and other investors?
Our goal continues to be “providing all customers with driving
pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety perfor-
mance.” We will not cease in this pursuit, and will continue to
strive to be a world leader. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, KODO
design, and Monotsukuri Innovation will continue to evolve. We
will also strive to ensure that these efforts translate to positive
financial results. I ask for your continued high hopes and sup-
port for Mazda in the future.
”
Mazda Annual Report 2013 17