Successful Mazda-Ford Joint Venture Reaches Milestone
Rayong, Thailand
Jul 19, 2007
AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) - the successful joint venture between Mazda Motor Corporation and Ford Motor Company - today celebrated the historic milestone of one million units since it started production in 1998. Senior executives from AAT, Ford and Mazda joined AAT staff during a special event at the world-class Rayong facility, where a Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger symbolically shared the ‘one millionth unit’ designation.
In the true spirit of collaboration and partnership at AAT, the two global automotive leaders decided the ‘one millionth unit’ would be a shared distinction, and focused the celebration on the overwhelming success and achievements of AAT’s business and operations.
“This milestone is really the achievement of all partners working together to create a world-class enterprise - including Mazda, Ford, the Thai government, and of course our Thai management and staff, who are responsible for our day-to-day operations, “ said Masamichi Kogai, president of AutoAlliance Thailand. “We’re proud that AAT has played such a key role in driving the one-ton pickup’s success as ‘product champion’ of Thailand’s automotive industry. “
“AutoAlliance Thailand is one of our most visible global success stories, and it continues to illustrate the synergies and strengths of the Mazda-Ford partnership, “ said Robert Graziano, executive vice president, Mazda Motor Corporation. AAT will remain the core of our business strategy in the ASEAN region, and a reflection of our commitment to the continued growth of Thailand’s auto industry. “ Also, AAT pickup trucks have won numerous awards globally, among them Car of the Year awards in Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and Russia. These awards bear testimony to the outstanding quality that our employees at AAT can deliver. “
“Ford and Mazda have one of the most successful partnerships in the automotive industry, and clearly AAT has and will continue to be a win-win opportunity for both organizations. Our collaboration and ongoing commitment to growth in Thailand and the ASEAN region has never been stronger, “ asserted John Parker, group vice president, Ford Asia Pacific & Africa.
In order to keep up with increasing demand for the Ford and Mazda pickups in markets around the world, AAT will produce 175,000 total units (including knock-down (KD) units) this year. AAT also purchases approximately US$1.72 billion worth of components annually from 177 different suppliers - 166 of whom are Thai automotive component companies, representing one of Thailand’s largest supply networks.
Donation to Royally-Sponsored Chaipattana Foundation
In honor of the 80th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej, the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 one-millionth units will be donated to the Chaipattana Foundation to provide transportation for various programs and activities.
The Chaipattana Foundation, chaired by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, is a non- profit organization which provides sustainable support to underprivileged people. The Foundation is engaged in a broad spectrum of development projects ranging from social development to agricultural, environmental, energy, and natural resource management.
About AutoAlliance Thailand
AutoAlliance Thailand Co., Ltd. (AAT) was established in November 1995 as a joint venture between Mazda Motor Corporation and Ford Motor Company to produce pickup trucks for both domestic and international export markets. Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation are equal equity partners in this jointly managed facility.
