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Mazda First Automaker to use 1,800 MPa Ultra-High Tensile Steel
- Super strongest steel to debut in all-new CX-5 crossover SUV
Mazda Motor Corporation, in collaboration with Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. and Aisin Takaoka Co., Ltd., has become the first automaker to successfully develop vehicle components using 1,800 MPa
ultra-high tensile steel. The super strength steel will debut in the all-new Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV that will commence its global launch in early 2012.
Mazda's new production technology uses 1,800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel to fabricate bumper beams, which fit inside the front and rear bumpers and mitigate damage in the event of a collision. The
bumper bars are 20 percent stronger and 4.8 kilograms lighter than previous versions and are a key part of Mazda's next-generation, lightweight and highly rigid vehicle architecture. The new body architecture was
developed as part of Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY program and incorporates a new energy absorbing structure as well as an expanded use of high tensile steel to reduce weight.
The use of high tensile steel enables vehicle parts to be thinner yet still retain the same degree of strength. This leads to significant savings in vehicle weight. Reducing the weight of bumper beams
is particularly important because, as they are incorporated into the body structure at the farthest point from the vehicle's centre of gravity, their weight has a considerable effect on dynamic performance and
responsiveness. They must also be strong to provide sufficient collision protection. For these reasons, a method of mass producing the parts using stronger steel has been highly sought after.
However, stronger materials are less pliant and therefore absorb less energy in a collision. To overcome this, Mazda conducted extensive research into how bumper beams deform in a crash, and created a
new design that absorbs energy more efficiently. Additionally, in order to ensure the bumpers provide maximum strength in the CX-5, Mazda collaborated with Futaba Kogyo Co., Ltd. to optimize the welding techniques
and establish a reliable manufacturing process.
Going forward, Mazda remains committed to reducing vehicle weight and improving dynamic performance while also maintaining a high level of body rigidity and excellent crash worthiness, in order to
provide all its customers with driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.
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Next Midsize Car for North America To Be Built in Hofu, Japan
HIROSHIMA, Japan—2011.06.07
Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the company will build its next midsize car (CD-car) for the North American market at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, as part of ongoing
efforts to increase global manufacturing efficiencies.
"Currently, production of the Mazda6 (known as Atenza in Japan) exists in three locations: at our Hofu Plant in Japan, AutoAlliance International
(AAI) in Michigan, USA, and at FAW Car Co., Ltd. in Changchun, Jilin province, China. Our intention is to transfer production of our next CD-car for North America from AAI and consolidate it at Hofu in order to
improve production and investment efficiencies and optimize our business," said Takashi Yamanouchi, Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation. "The
decision was made after carefully assessing all risks and opportunities, including global needs, changing demand in North America, and exchange rate exposure. Going forward, Mazda will strive to maintain and grow
our business in America.
"The decision to relocate to Hofu and consolidate the production of the next CD-car, makes the most sense for our business," stated Mr. Yamanouchi. "However, we are
committed to working with Ford, our joint venture partner in AAI, to identify potential future opportunities for the plant. Mazda and Ford have enjoyed a close relationship for over 30 years. We have collaborated on
projects where there are mutual benefits, and both companies remain committed to continuing this strategic partnership."
The current North American Mazda6 will continue to be built at AAI until the end
of its current cycle plan. Mazda is conducting various studies with Ford on the future of AAI and will announce details at the appropriate time.
AAI was established as Mazda Motor Manufacturing (USA)
Corporation in 1985. It became a joint venture between Mazda Motor Corporation and Ford Motor Company in 1992, when the name was changed to AutoAlliance International, Inc. Since production commenced in1987, the
facility has produced over 1.7 million Mazda vehicles, including the Mazda MX-6, Mazda 626 and the Mazda6. Mazda6 production began at AAI in 2002, and to date the facility has built over 500,000 units. The Mazda6
went on sale in 2002 as the first of Mazda's new generation products to personify the Zoom-Zoom brand message, and it has continued to gain a strong following ever since.
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