CX-5 shoots for the stars

Mazda is increasing production capacity of its new CX-5 to meet the increasing demand for the CX-5 globally.

Mazda's crossover SUV has already surpassed sales targets worldwide.

Mazda is increasing production capacity of its new crossover SUV, the CX-5, from 200,000 units to 240,000 units a year.

The company is expanding production from Ujina Plant No. 2 to also include Ujina Plant No. 1 and will upgrade the assembly line.

The upgrade includes Mazda's new manufacturing system that will enable the Japanese company to produce the new skyactiv products at Ujina Plant No. 1 earlier than anticipated.

The move is made in response to increasing demand for the CX-5 in countries all over the world.

The CX-5 is the first model to fully incorporate skyactiv technology. It has gained a reputation for offering both excellent fuel economy and an exhilarating driving experience.

Since sales began in February, Mazda has received orders far surpassing initial estimations and upgraded its annual global sales target from 160,000 to 190,000 units for the fiscal year 2012.

As of July 1, CX-5 orders in Japan had reached approximately 24,000 units, more than doubling the annual domestic sales target in only four and a half months from the start of sales.

The CX-5 is proving popular in overseas markets as well. For example, in Russia, Mazda's biggest market in Europe, orders for the model already exceed 10,000 units, drawing close to the annual sales target of 12,000 units for that market.

Mazda's chairman and CEO Takashi Yamanouchi said, "I am grateful for the high praise the CX-5 has been receiving from customers all over the world.

"This production capacity increase for the CX-5 demonstrates that we are working hard to deliver the vehicle to waiting customers as early as we possibly can.

"It will also help establish a flexible production system that enables us to produce new-generation skyactiv products at Ujina Plant No. 1. I believe that it shows Mazda is making steady progress in optimising its automobile manufacturing processes."