HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda's MX-Crossport concept, shown at this year's Detroit auto show, is going into production and will be in U.S. showrooms by spring 2006 as part of the company's efforts to broaden its range.
The MX-Crossport is based on the Mazda 6 platform, with wagon-style bodywork and four-wheel drive.
Moray Callum, design director of Mazda Motor Corporation, said the Crossport was an attempt to evolve and expand Mazda's existing design DNA. "The MX-Crossport was designed first and foremost with the North American market and style of driving in mind. We are always working to expand our showroom in North America," he said. "Our goal was to design a crossover that transcends the existing categories of SUV and crossovers and steps into the realm of sports car."
Before the MX-Crossport appears, three other new models will be launched. The new Miata replacement, now called MX-5, the Mazda 5 five-seat minivan, and the MazdaSpeed6, a four-wheel-drive turbocharged version of the Mazda 6 sedan and wagon, all arrive this year.
Mazda hopes the new models will raise its U.S. sales to 268,000 this year, a 1.5-percent increase from the previous year. To reach the goal, Mazda will try to boost its percentage of exclusive dealerships; of its current 706 U.S. outlets, only 230 are exclusive.
What this means to you: Off-roaders and sports cars are what Mazda needs to help it establish an individual image in America. The pseudo-SUV market just keeps on growing.
The MX-Crossport is based on the Mazda 6 platform, with wagon-style bodywork and four-wheel drive.
Moray Callum, design director of Mazda Motor Corporation, said the Crossport was an attempt to evolve and expand Mazda's existing design DNA. "The MX-Crossport was designed first and foremost with the North American market and style of driving in mind. We are always working to expand our showroom in North America," he said. "Our goal was to design a crossover that transcends the existing categories of SUV and crossovers and steps into the realm of sports car."
Before the MX-Crossport appears, three other new models will be launched. The new Miata replacement, now called MX-5, the Mazda 5 five-seat minivan, and the MazdaSpeed6, a four-wheel-drive turbocharged version of the Mazda 6 sedan and wagon, all arrive this year.
Mazda hopes the new models will raise its U.S. sales to 268,000 this year, a 1.5-percent increase from the previous year. To reach the goal, Mazda will try to boost its percentage of exclusive dealerships; of its current 706 U.S. outlets, only 230 are exclusive.
What this means to you: Off-roaders and sports cars are what Mazda needs to help it establish an individual image in America. The pseudo-SUV market just keeps on growing.
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