Production of the new model kicks off at the carmaker’s new Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO), as operations also get underway at MMVO’s engine machining plant.

MMVO is Mazda’s third global facility to begin manufacturing the all-new Mazda2 following Hofu Plant in Japan, where production started in July, and Auto Alliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd., where production began in September.

In response to growing demand for its SKYACTIV models the company will increase production capacity at MMVO to 250,000 units annually by fiscal year ending March 2016.

Mazda added that it expects SKYACTIV models to account for 85% of global sales by fiscal year ending March 2016.

Additionally, the automaker is working to establish a global production footprint, one of four key initiatives laid out in the Structural Reform Plan announced in February 2012.

MMVO president Keishi Egawa said: ‘With the start of production of the all-new Mazda2, operations underway at the engine machining plant, and an increase in our annual production capacity, we now have an even stronger production framework capable of supplying global markets with SKYACTIV products of the same high quality level as those made in Japan. At the same time, we are pleased to be able to make a contribution to Mexico’s further economic growth.’