Mazda Malaysia has begun exporting the Mazda CX-5 to Thailand - the first export batch of the Malaysian-assembled SUV, which is built at the Inokom plant in Kedah, began last week when some 200 units were loaded on to a RORO in Port Klang to be shipped to the Kingdom.
The CX-5 models being exported include the SkyActiv-G 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre petrol versions as well as SkyActiv-D 2.2 litre diesel. Thailand is the first of the markets in ASEAN and the region for the Malaysian-made units. Reports indicate that a further 400 units of the CX-5 will be shipped to Thailand soon.
While the SkyActiv-D 2.2 variant is assembled locally, the company said that there are no plans to introduce it here, and you can thank the quality of local diesel for that; the Euro-4 compliant oil burner wouldn't take too kindly to the Euro-2M diesel we have here. The 2.5 litre SkyActiv-G version also isn't sold locally.
Initially launched here in CBU form in May 2012, local assembly of the SUV began in April this year, with three CKD 2.0 variants entering the market in June. The CX-5 is the second Mazda to be locally assembled at the Inokom facility, after the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback.
In July 2012, Bermaz Motor, the distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia since 2008, inked a joint venture agreement with Mazda Motor Corporation for a manufacturing programme in Malaysia with an eye on increasing local assembly and manufacturing activities in the country. Things are certainly looking up with the start of exports.
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