Mazda and Chrysler milestones

Producing one million of anything is an achievement. Rolling one million examples of a car model out of the factory gates is a cause for celebration. Both Mazda and Chrysler got to celebrate such a milestone in February, respectively, topping the million mark with the Mazda 6 and PT Cruiser.

It took Mazda four years and one month to reach seven figures -- the first Mazda 6 came off the line at the Hofu No2 Plant in February 2002. It is the fastest time ever to reach one million units of production for a single Mazda vehicle model.

In October 2002, Mazda started US production of the Mazda6 at its AutoAlliance International (AAI) facility, a joint-venture plant in Michigan shared with the Ford Motor Company. In addition, FAW Car Co Ltd (FCC) commenced production of the Mazda6 in Jilin Province, China, in January 2006.

Known as the Atenza it Japan, according to Mazda, the 6 has won over 110 global automotive awards. Locally the car has been a sales success for the Japanese maker and continues to post strong sales though down on the record figures of 2005.

Chrysler’s PT Cruiser took six years to top the million. The milestone is celebrated ahead of the (local) mid-year arrival of a cabrio version of the retro-styled five-door.

Over 5500 PT Cruisers have been delivered since the vehicle’s Australian release mid-2000.

"This significant milestone reflects the global demand for the Chrysler PT Cruiser," said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Group Australia.

“The vehicle has a strong following in Australia and the arrival of the Cabrio version will further broaden its appeal,” said Jenkins.

DaimlerChrysler’s Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico is the sole producer of Chrysler PT Cruiser sedan and cabrio models, supplying the vehicles to 60 countries around the world.