HIROSHIMA (Nikkei)--Mazda Motor Corp. has certified 177 auto-parts companies in the Hiroshima area as full-service suppliers.

The automaker introduced the certification system late last year to have makers of automotive components more fully manage the planning and development, design, and product quality of their components and thereby leave Mazda able to focus on the development of core components like engines and platforms.

The full-service suppliers will participate in product development from the early planning stage. The companies were chosen from among 185 that applied for the certification.