HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda is planning a larger, seven-seat crossover vehicle, according to company sources.
The car, which would replace the current MPV, would be designed specifically for North America and would be ready by 2008.
Mazda has already confirmed that the CX-7 (Inside Line), a car-based SUV-crossover smaller than the MPV, will be launched in the second half of 2006. This car, based on the Crossport concept, gives an indication of Mazda's future design direction for multi-purpose vehicles.
A replacement for the MPV is needed; the minivan is too small to be competitive in the hotly contested U.S. people-mover market, and sales tumbled 38.5 percent to 6,583 in the first five months of this year, according to Automotive News data. Mazda is remodeling the MPV this year, but may not bring the car to America — leaving the company without a full-sized minivan for two years.
Mazda says it has 16 new models under development in the next three years for global markets, and all but two of these are America-bound.
What this means to you: If you want to compete globally, you have to make cars that appeal locally. The U.S. minivan market is not the same as the European or Japanese equivalent. Mazda has finally worked this out — albeit rather late in the game.
The car, which would replace the current MPV, would be designed specifically for North America and would be ready by 2008.
Mazda has already confirmed that the CX-7 (Inside Line), a car-based SUV-crossover smaller than the MPV, will be launched in the second half of 2006. This car, based on the Crossport concept, gives an indication of Mazda's future design direction for multi-purpose vehicles.
A replacement for the MPV is needed; the minivan is too small to be competitive in the hotly contested U.S. people-mover market, and sales tumbled 38.5 percent to 6,583 in the first five months of this year, according to Automotive News data. Mazda is remodeling the MPV this year, but may not bring the car to America — leaving the company without a full-sized minivan for two years.
Mazda says it has 16 new models under development in the next three years for global markets, and all but two of these are America-bound.
What this means to you: If you want to compete globally, you have to make cars that appeal locally. The U.S. minivan market is not the same as the European or Japanese equivalent. Mazda has finally worked this out — albeit rather late in the game.
Add A Comment »