Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation hosts Mazda Ekiden 2018

Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO) held its fourth Mazda Ekiden road relay race on October 14, 2018. MMVO is a Mexican joint venture between Sumitomo Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation. Held in Salamanca in the state of Guanajuato, where MMVO is headquartered, this annual event sets out to promote exchange with members of the local community by presenting aspects of Japanese culture. The ekiden event was first held in 2015, and has been open to local residents since its second year. Participant numbers are growing each year. This year, 436 teams formed by 2,180 MMVO employees, business partners, and local residents took part in the 16 km road relay race. Including spectators, the event mobilized over 6,000 people—the largest number so far—and became a major local event.

Spectators heartily cheered the runners on in unison during the race. Afterward, runners praised each other for their efforts, regardless of which team they belonged to. Mexicans and Japanese worked together toward a common goal, and enjoyed a shared sense of accomplishment with members of the local community. Post-race feedback included praise for fast teams and resolutions to participate next year as runners, indicating the already high expectations for next year’s ekiden.

MMVO is among the largest overseas Mazda plants. Established in 2011, the joint venture takes advantage of the know-how of Sumitomo Corporation’s steel service centers plus the expertise of Sumitomo Corporation Group auto parts companies in Mexico such as Hirotec Mexico. As one of Mexico’s leading companies, and as a bridge between Mexico and Japan, MMVO is looking forward to deepening its exchange with the local community.