Where is cx5 made

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The Mazda CX-5 is primarily manufactured at Mazda's Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi, Japan, which produces the majority of global CX-5 units. Additional production occurs at Mazda's joint venture plant in Nanjing, China (Changan Mazda), and at the AutoAlliance Thailand facility in Rayong, Thailand, which supplies vehicles for Southeast Asian and Australian markets.

Key Facts

The Mazda CX-5 has been produced at Mazda's Hofu Plant in Japan since its launch in 2012, with over 2 million units manufactured globally by 2020.
Mazda's joint venture with Changan Automobile in Nanjing, China began CX-5 production in 2013 for the Chinese market.
AutoAlliance Thailand started producing the CX-5 in 2014, with capacity for approximately 40,000 units annually for regional markets.
The CX-5 was Mazda's first vehicle to fully incorporate Skyactiv technology, contributing to its global success with sales exceeding 300,000 units annually in recent years.
Mazda announced in 2021 plans to shift some CX-5 production to its new Alabama joint venture plant with Toyota starting in 2023, though Japanese production remains primary.

Overview

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV that debuted in 2012 as a 2013 model, representing a pivotal moment in Mazda's history. It was the first vehicle to fully incorporate Mazda's Skyactiv technology suite, which includes advanced engine, transmission, chassis, and body designs focused on efficiency and driving dynamics. The CX-5 quickly became Mazda's global best-seller, replacing the Mazda3 in sales volume by 2013 and establishing itself as a key player in the competitive compact SUV market.

Manufacturing locations for the CX-5 reflect Mazda's global strategy, with primary production in Japan supplemented by regional facilities to optimize logistics and market responsiveness. The vehicle's design originated from Mazda's Minami plant in Hiroshima, where engineering and prototyping occurred, before mass production commenced at the Hofu Plant. This multi-location approach allows Mazda to serve diverse markets efficiently while maintaining the quality standards associated with Japanese manufacturing.

How It Works

Mazda's manufacturing network for the CX-5 operates through strategically located plants that serve different regional markets with tailored production approaches.

Primary Japanese Production: The Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture serves as the main production hub, manufacturing approximately 60% of global CX-5 units. This facility operates on Mazda's Monotsukuri innovation system, producing around 240,000 CX-5s annually with advanced automation and quality control measures. The plant has been producing CX-5s since February 2012, with cumulative production exceeding 2 million units by early 2020.
Chinese Joint Venture Production: Mazda's partnership with Changan Automobile at the Nanjing plant began CX-5 production in August 2013 for the Chinese market. This facility produces localized versions with specific features for Chinese consumers, with annual capacity of approximately 160,000 vehicles across all models. The joint venture represents Mazda's strategy to compete in the world's largest automotive market while navigating local regulations and preferences.
Southeast Asian Production: AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT), Mazda's joint venture with Ford in Rayong, Thailand, started CX-5 production in 2014. This plant serves ASEAN markets and Australia, with annual production capacity of about 40,000 CX-5 units. The Thai facility allows Mazda to benefit from regional trade agreements while avoiding import tariffs in key Southeast Asian markets.
Quality Control Systems: All CX-5 production facilities implement Mazda's Takumi craftsmanship philosophy, with skilled technicians overseeing critical assembly processes. Each plant maintains consistent quality through standardized training programs and shared manufacturing protocols, ensuring that vehicles from different locations meet identical performance and reliability standards.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Hofu Plant, Japan	Nanjing Plant, China
Production Start	February 2012	August 2013
Annual Capacity	Approx. 240,000 CX-5 units	Approx. 160,000 total vehicles
Primary Markets	Global export (North America, Europe, Japan)	Chinese domestic market
Ownership Structure	100% Mazda-owned	Joint venture (Mazda 50%, Changan 50%)
Key Technologies	Full Skyactiv implementation	Localized features for Chinese market

Why It Matters

Global Market Accessibility: Multiple production locations enable Mazda to serve diverse markets efficiently, with regional plants reducing shipping costs and import tariffs. For example, Thai production saves approximately 20% in tariffs for ASEAN markets compared to Japanese imports, making the CX-5 more price-competitive against rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Supply Chain Resilience: Distributed manufacturing provides redundancy against disruptions, as demonstrated during the 2011 tsunami when Mazda's Japanese operations faced challenges. The Chinese and Thai facilities can adjust production to compensate for temporary reductions at other locations, ensuring consistent global supply of this crucial model that represents over 25% of Mazda's global sales.
Local Market Adaptation: Regional production allows for market-specific modifications without disrupting core manufacturing processes. Chinese-market CX-5s feature different infotainment systems and suspension tuning to meet local preferences, while Thai-produced models have specific cooling systems optimized for tropical climates.

Looking forward, Mazda's manufacturing strategy for the CX-5 continues evolving with plans for North American production through its joint venture with Toyota in Alabama starting in 2023. This expansion reflects the CX-5's ongoing importance to Mazda's global portfolio and the need to optimize production for changing trade dynamics and market demands. As electric vehicle adoption grows, these established manufacturing networks will likely adapt to produce electrified CX-5 variants, maintaining the model's relevance in an increasingly competitive segment.