We Were Right: Mazda and Ford Parting Ways

Bloomberg news agents confirmed that Ford Motor and Mazda will be branching apart.

“For a lot of designing and engineering, we’re going to be focused on Ford,” said Ford US president Mark Fields.  “Our efforts will be focused on the Ford system, as opposed to relying on others such as Mazda.”  CarVersation reported back in the spring of a growing rift within Mazda over its partnership with Ford.  Ford acquired a sizeable minority stake in Mazda during the 1980s, and this helped to fuel joint-ventures in production.  From Mazda, Ford produced the Probe; from Ford, Mazda gained the Tribute.

The tension came over the two sides’ rival products–not necessarily rebadged works.  Ford began concentrating more cutting-edge features into its brand, at the exclusion (or long delay) of Mazda.  The suprise popularity of the Fusion, and the expected strength of the Fiesta and updated Focus, are of concern to the Japanese company.  Sales of the acclaimed 3 and 6 haven’t been what the company’s hoped for, and the 2 looks to already be trapped in the Fiesta’s shadow.

The lack of sharing, sale of stock, and formal separation from Ford have given Mazda execs much to worry.  The company appeared secure with its Ford partnership, but now mumbles in the US shores are of the company becoming the next Mitsu.

Not a good spot to be in.