Mazda discussing ending production in Russia, Nikkei reports

A Mazda emblem is displayed on the 89th Geneva Worldwide Motor Present in Geneva, Switzerland March 5, 2019. REUTERS/Pierre Albouy

TOKYO, Sept 24 (Reuters) – Japan’s Mazda Motor Corp (7261.T) is discussing ending manufacturing of its autos at a three way partnership plant in Vladivostok, jap Russia, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Saturday.

The Japanese automaker, which bought 30,000 automobiles in Russia final 12 months, mentioned in March that exports of components to the plant had been going to finish and manufacturing would stop when shares ran out. It operates the plant with Russian automaker Sollers (SVAV.MM).

Mazda has not decided about ending automobile gross sales and upkeep operations in Russia, the newspaper mentioned. There was no timeframe for stopping manufacturing on the Vladivostok plant.

A Mazda spokesperson was not instantly obtainable for remark.

Mazda’s rival, Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T), mentioned on Friday that it had determined to finish automobile manufacturing in Russia because of the interruption in provides of key supplies and components.

Many factories in Russia have suspended manufacturing and furloughed employees resulting from shortages of high-tech tools due to sanctions and an exodus of Western producers since Moscow despatched armed forces into Ukraine on Feb. 24.

Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama; enhancing by Clelia Oziel

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