Recently, Japanese automaker Mazda announced its "Lean Asset Strategy," which aims to support the company's multi-path electrification approach while reducing costs.
Mazda considers the period before 2030 as the "dawn of electrification." According to its 2030 business plan, the company will pursue electrification through multiple approaches to flexibly respond to diverse customer needs and environmental regulations.
Mazda's "Lean Asset Strategy" is designed to maximize the utilization of existing assets, enabling the timely development, production, and launch of a diverse range of products and electrification technologies.
Back in November 2022, Mazda announced a ¥1.5 trillion (approximately $10 billion) investment in electrification by 2030. However, due to inflation, the total investment was expected to rise to around ¥2 trillion. Now, Mazda plans to optimize battery investments and other measures to keep the total investment at approximately ¥1.5 trillion. Initially, the company intended to procure all batteries in-house but now expects to halve the original ¥750 billion investment by collaborating with other companies.
Mazda's Innovative "Monotsukuri Innovation 2.0" Approach
In vehicle production, Mazda has implemented a unique R&D and manufacturing innovation initiative called "Monotsukuri Innovation 2.0." The company has already tripled its R&D efficiency, allowing for more complex development projects with the same resource levels.
To reduce costs, Mazda will leverage existing manufacturing plants to produce both electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles on the same production line. This mixed-production line is a long-standing strength of Mazda and incorporates Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and "Rootless Production Equipment," allowing both EVs and ICE vehicles to be built on a single line. This approach enhances flexibility in responding to demand fluctuations and improves asset efficiency. Compared to building a dedicated EV plant, this method reduces initial capital investment by 85% and shortens mass production readiness time by 80%.
Mazda is also working with suppliers to optimize the variety of components and relocate assembly sites closer to production facilities.
Mazda aims to launch a new EV model by 2027 through collaborations with other manufacturers. Compared to traditional development methods, this cooperation will reduce development investment by 40% and cut development time by 50%.
Mazda has already established a range of partnerships in multiple areas, including joint development of electronic architectures with Toyota (which holds a 5.1% stake in Mazda) and collaborations with Denso, one of the world's largest automotive parts suppliers.
Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro emphasized that as a Japanese automaker, maintaining global competitiveness requires strengthening collaborations with other companies in the automotive industry.
By the end of 2027, Mazda will introduce a CX-5 model equipped with its proprietary hybrid system.
For EV development, Mazda's in-house EV-dedicated platform is designed with future battery advancements in mind. It can accommodate various battery types, ensuring flexibility in launching different vehicle models.
