Mazda Motor Hit By Chip Shortage
Mazda is the latest car manufacturer to be hit hard by the shortage of computer chips that are fitted in their technology filled vehicles.
Like Toyota, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, Fiat and Honda who highlighted their production slowdown due to chip shortages earlier this year, Mazda is joining this list of car manufacturers around the world who are forced to stop production until their much needed computer chips arrive and production can restart.
Computer chips are used for safety systems and also brake systems in new cars. The Mazda models affected by this chip shortage for now are their very popular SUV’s, the CX-5 and the latest best seller for Mazda, the CX-30.
Japan Domestic Output
Mazda plans to reduce its domestic output of the CX-5 by around 3,900 vehicles in February. As of last week, it was considering reducing production of the SUV by about 6,000 vehicles in March.
Government Assistance
In January this year German car manufacturers had to get assistance from the Economy Minister, Peter Altmaier to speak to his Taiwanese counterpart Wang Mei-hua to address the issue in talks with a chip manufacturer, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), which happens to be the world’s largest contract chipmaker and one of Germany’s main suppliers.
Mazda Kuro
Just a week ago, Mazda launched a special edition CX-5, the Kuro Edition for the British car buyer. This version uses the 2.5-litre 194ps Skyactiv-G petrol engine for the first time. This 2021 Mazda CX-5 Kuro comes with an upgraded infotainment system across the whole range and the introduction of Connected Services.
All models in the range feature a new larger, faster and clearer 10.25-inch centre display screen, more intuitive Mazda Connect Commander operation and an expanded range of Connected Services operable by the latest MyMazda App.
Convenience and peace-of-mind connectivity features include remote door locking, a vehicle finder, the remote pre-programming of multiple navigation destinations, service booking request and security alert.
The above features need computer chips to work perfectly.
Mazda CX-30 Turbo
A few weeks earlier Mazda Japan released a turbocharged petrol variant of the CX-30, Using the same Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine we saw in the CX-5 SUV and the Mazda6 sports sedan.
Safety Systems
Advanced technologies available on the 2021 CX-30 2.5 Turbo include a new i-Activsense safety features include Smart City Brake Support Reverse with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, which can help a driver by automatically applying the brakes when the vehicle is reversing at speeds between 2 to 4 mph if an obstacle or when backing out of a parking space a crossing vehicle is detected.
A new support feature, Traffic Jam Assist, enhances Mazda Radar Cruise Control in certain situations by providing steering inputs that can help assist the driver stay within lane markers at speeds under 40 mph. The 360° View Monitor with high-definition digital clarity is also available.
These new features accompany other premium technologies that help the CX-30 2.5 Turbo stand out from its segment, such as Active Driving Display, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Front-lighting System.
These high safety features mentioned above need computer chips.
