Tariffs could affect Mazda’s plans for its Alabama factory

Mazda isn’t panicking over auto tariffs, according to Motor Trend.

The automaker is facing taxes on its Japanese made automobiles, as well as those made at its Mexican plant.

But the company isn’t considering cutting off imports, or any hasty moves at its Huntsville plant, the magazine reports, citing CEO Masahiro Moro.

The automaker is also waiting to see what other companies are doing on prices.

Mercedes-Benz has announced there will be no increase in sticker price to 2025 model-year vehicles for U.S. customers. Toyota and Honda made similar announcements.

Hyundai Motor said last week that it would not raise its suggested retail price until June 2.

Mazda makes its CX-50 crossover at its joint manufacturing plant with Toyota in Huntsville.

According to Motor Trend, the company turns out about 100,000 CX-50s a year in Huntsville after added a second shift in July.

It could make another 50,000 in the 300,000-unit facility, as it ramps up production of a hybrid version using Toyota’s hybrid system.

A third shift could be added in Huntsville, but the magazine reports that the option is not being considered too seriously.

It was difficult to find and train the 4,000 current employees who work there now, executives said.

Mazda has seen a 50 percent increase in U.S. sales since 2020 and had a record number of sales last year.