Mazda joins electric vehicle army to launch plug-in electric vehicle

Japanese car manufacturer Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi said that the company is considering launching plug-in electric vehicles after the release of hybrid electric vehicles.

Mazda Motor Company stated that the company will release a hybrid model in 2013, which will be supported by Toyota Motor Corporation.

As a result, Mazda became the fourth Japanese automaker to introduce a plug-in electric vehicle program following Nissan, Toyota and Honda.

At the same time, Takashi Yamauchi told Japanese media that Mazda plans to increase the annual production capacity of cars in Japan. It is expected that the annual production capacity will increase to 1.05 million by FY2015 (April 2015 - March 2016).

In addition, Mazda also plans to increase its auto export ratio produced in Japan from 80% to 85%. Yasuhiko Yamauchi said: "While Japan's appreciation will affect our profitability, we will mention productivity to the highest level to reduce its adverse effects."