Japan Auto Industry News Briefs

08/27/96

Mazda Plant Gets Award for High-Quality Production

Kyodo reported that one of Mazda Motor Corporation's plants in Japan has won an award recognizing high-quality production from J.D. Power, the California-based consumer research firm.

The plant in Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan received the "J.D. Power and Associates' Asian Bronze Plant Quality Award, 1996." J.D. Power gives the award to plants that produce vehicles which are ranked highly in J.D. Power passenger car survey. The survey evaluates quality based on after-sales claims filed by U.S. car owners for current 1996 models.

The Mazda Millennia, which is produced at the Hofu Plant, ranked sixth out of 110 vehicles surveyed. The plant itself ranked fourth among approximately 150 plants that produce passenger cars for the U.S. market from around the world.

Mitsubishi Motors Will Provide Same-Day Parts Delivery

Nikkei English News reported that Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will set up regional distribution centers in Japan to offer same-day delivery of factory-installed car accessories and parts. The firm hopes to have one distribution center in each prefecture by the year 2000 to meet growing demand for factory installation of car accessories.

Mitsubishi is currently establishing sales outlets for parts and accessories nationwide. The company will also offer greater support to its retail division, including leasing accessory displays to dealers.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel