Mazda’s relentless attention to detail, spanning to things unseen or unrealized by customers, is costing them money. That’s about to change starting with the all-new CX-5.
In an interview with Automotive News, Mazda CFO Jeff Guyton outlined ways where the all-new CX-5 is cutting costs, while still offering much more in the end to customers.
Guyton reveals that for some time, the leather on Mazda’s steering wheel is cut precisely and sewn on a curve so the stitching lines up horizontally. However, during FGDs, Mazda found that people don’t value it more than the cheaper angled stitching used by rivals.
Guyton says:
“That’s great attention to detail from Mazda, but when we look at it, our customers are not really valuing that approach more than our competitors, but it costs us more money…Our competitors have an angled appearance to the stitches but the same leather.”
Aside from the steering wheel, Mazda also coordinated steel supplier, Nippon Steel, early in the CX-5’s development process to see where they could cut costs and weight, while still making the body larger and stronger.
That’s not to say Mazda is shortchanging customers. On the contrary, Guyton says they’re now focused on delivering on items that customers will notice like the large center screen and Google in-car connectivity for improved voice recognition control.
Mazda is also taking a more cautious approach in rolling out the CX-5 too. Because of its more sophisticated software system, the carmaker delayed the production of the compact SUV to ensure its quality.
I’m starting saving for this
ReplyDeleteThis is a refresh not all new just like hilux
ReplyDeleteits ok, usually all new has new problems.
DeleteChina cars gives more to the customers by lowering the cost. Mazda do the opposite. They cut cost to give less.. not more.
ReplyDeleteMazda cutting costs through new manufacturing technology and new materials. China car brands cutting costs through low quality materials and fast manufacturing with low quality control.
Deletechina cut cost to make their cars run short term
DeleteIt's all new. New chassis new drivetrain new interior
ReplyDeleteAll new dashboard without physical buttons.. Same 180+hp engine and no more turbo and no hybrid. Very good mazda
ReplyDelete