Mazda has confirmed that by mid-2010 Australia-bound Mazda2's will be produced at its new state-of-the-art production plant in Thailand, bringing with it an all-new sedan version of the popular light car to join it's hatchback sibling.

The recently opened multi-million dollar Auto Alliance Thailand (AAT) passenger car plant will produce around 50,000 Mazda2's each year for ASEAN and export markets. AAT already exports Mazda BT-50 light commercials to close to 100 markets around the world, including Australia.

The new, highly flexible plant utilises the latest automotive manufacturing technologies and systems, including a new stamping line and body shop, trim and final process areas.

AAT uses the Mazda-developed Three Layer Wet Paint system, an environmentally-friendly system which dramatically reduces volatile organic compound (VOC) and CO2 emissions, and improves vehicle painting quality.

Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer Australians the all-new Mazda2 sedan and moving to Thailand production enables us to do this."

For more information contact:

Steve Maciver
Public Relations Manager
(03) 8540 1961
0437 125 589
smaciver@mazda.com.au

Lydia Richards
Media Communications Manager
(03) 8540 1962
0439 347 658
lrichards@mazda.com.au