Mazda lower earnings outlook on weak sedan sales, high costs

For the year ending March, Japan

TOKYO: Mazda Motor Co has cut its full-year operating profit outlook by 13%, citing sluggish sales at home and in North America as well as higher quality-related costs, after it posted a weaker-than-expected profit for the third quarter.

Mazda, which depends on exports to supply the United States – its biggest market, said it would “calmly analyse” how its operations may be impacted by possible changes to US trade policies under President Donald Trump, while adding it would continue to consider ways to bolster its production strategy against external risks.