Some exporters were sharply lower: Mazda Motor Corp. dropped 7.2% and Sharp Corp. was 10% lower.

WSJ: Tokyo Shares End Sharply Lower

Also affected under the same recall were the RX-8 and Mazda 6 at Mazda Motor Corp.

NPR: Toyota, Honda, Nissan Announce Air Bag Recall

Meanwhile, rival Mazda Motor Corp. (No. 44) has already gone down the reform road - and is reaping benefits.

CNN: THE REAL WORK BEGINS

But a closer look at two auto makers, Mazda Motor Corp.

WSJ: Weaker Yen Is Mixed Bag for Japan Auto Makers

Mazda Motor Corp. fell 2.4% and Suzuki Motor Corp. dropped 1.5%.

WSJ: Japan's Nikkei Rises

This year, Jeep will offer a diesel version of its popular Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle, and Mazda Motor Corp . will offer a diesel version of the new-generation Mazda6 sedan.

FORBES: Are Americans Ready To Embrace Diesel Cars? Chevy Hopes So

Some exporters were sharply lower: Mazda Motor Corp.

WSJ: Tokyo Shares End Sharply Lower

Car makers also performed well: Mazda Motor Corp.

WSJ: Asian Shares Mixed; Japan Outperforms

Mazda Motor Corp. jumped 4.9 percent.

NPR: Asian Stocks Rebound As US Recovery Doubts Ease