Latest news with #MasahiroMoro
Car and Driver
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Mazda Explains Why It Thinks the New CX-5 and CX-50 Can Coexist
When Mazda introduced the CX-50 in 2023, there was some expectation that it would replace the CX-5 completely in the North American market. It was slightly larger and styled more towards American tastes for chunky little off-roaders, and it offered a more modern interior. Folks were surprised when Mazda chose to continue offering both compact SUVs, but execs said then that there were different buyers for the CX-5 and the CX-50, and there was no reason not to keep both available. "CX-5 leans towards the urban driving customer," Mazda's CEO Masahiro Moro told Car and Driver earlier this year during a visit to the company's headquarters in Hiroshima. "CX-50 is more outdoors, buyers looking for a taste of adventure." We could follow that logic, especially since the CX-50 offered some things the CX-5 didn't, like more room and a hybrid option. Now that the CX-5 is coming out with its third generation, featuring a larger footprint that brings it even closer in size to the CX-50 and a new hybrid option coming in 2027, we asked again if there were any concerns at Mazda about having two such similar offerings. Stefan Meisterfeld, vice president of strategic planning at Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), says Mazda is still not worried. Meisterfeld repeats Moro's points about styling differences, giving CX-5 a more upright city-cruising elegance, while CX-50 will continue to lean towards a more hiking and camping–oriented crowd. Mazda CX-50 View Exterior Photos Mazda CX-5 Meisterfeld's biggest argument in favor of keeping both models is the popularity of the compact-SUV segment worldwide, but especially in North America. In 2024, Mazda sold 134,088 CX-5s and 81,441 CX-50s. So far this year, CX-5 sales are maintaining that same pace, while CX-50 sales are growing, so clearly the CX-50 isn't stealing its sister's lunch money. Through June 2025, Mazda recorded 70,260 CX-5 sales and 46,914 CX-50 sales. Put together, that's more than 50 percent of all Mazda sales in the U.S., and that's with the current CX-5 being an aging model that hasn't been refreshed since 2022. The updated CX-5 will likely bump up customer interest. Mazda may still have a ways to go to catch up to its competitors, as Honda sold 212,561 CR-Vs and Toyota sold 239,451 RAV4s through the first half of this year, but it's clear that Meisterfeld is correct that there is room for many models in the segment. Mazda CX-50 View Interior Photos Mazda CX-5 "We believe you can make a sub-segmentation of different customers with different preferences," he says. "So the CX-5, as you know, is designed more for this urban, sophisticated audience, and the CX-50 is more for the adventurous, maybe more rugged. We see that also from our customer traffic, that there is a difference in these customers with a clear preference for one or the other." He agrees that there may be some customers who are undecided between rugged and sophisticated, but feels that as long as they drive away from the dealership in one or the other, everyone wins. Another reason why Mazda is keeping the CX-5 around is that the U.S. is not the company's only market. The CX-5 is a global bestseller for Mazda, so it's not such a risk to offer it alongside the more market-specific CX-50 in the States. Mazda hasn't announced 2026 CX-5 pricing yet, but says changing tariffs shouldn't affect things dramatically, which would keep it around the same cost as the CX-50. Still, it's worth noting that the CX-50 is built in a U.S. facility, which might be reason enough to keep it as an option alongside the imported CX-5, which is built in Japan. Elana Scherr Senior Editor, Features Like a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn't know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver's license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews. In 2020, she received a Best Feature award from the Motor Press Guild for the C/D story "A Drive through Classic Americana in a Polestar 2." In 2023, her Car and Driver feature story "In Washington, D.C.'s Secret Carpool Cabal, It's a Daily Slug Fest" was awarded 1st place in the 16th Annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards by the Los Angeles Press Club. Read full bio
Miami Herald
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Mazda Leans on Toyota to Survive EV Disruption and U.S. Tariffs Shake-Up
At a time when the auto industry is undergoing massive change, even the largest manufacturers can run short of cash. For a small player like Mazda it's become increasingly difficult to keep up. Unless, that is, it can find some help from an industry giant like Toyota. The two erstwhile competitors have found a growing number of reasons to cooperate. They've partnered on several new products and have even set up a joint venture assembly plant in Huntsville, Alabama. But that could be just the start of a beautiful friendship, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro told Autoblog during a meeting in his office in Hiroshima. "Our collaboration is broader than you might think of it," said Moro. "We are doing it because of global competition. In the era of electrification and of software-defined vehicles, we have to go after too many things at the same time." With internal combustion technology, the CEO explained, it made sense for manufacturers to maintain complete autonomy. That's changed with hybrids and EVs, though, as electric motor drive systems "have the same characteristics, almost." "We are moving from an automotive industry into a mobility industry. That's a game change and you have to help each other to save your resources. Mazda and Toyota first started working together back in 2017. Their first two jointly developed products came to market four years later. They've since doubled that to four models, two for each manufacturer, with the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Both roll out of the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing factory that opened in Huntsville in 2023, at an initial cost of $2.3 billion. It's still in the ramp phase, noted Moro, operating at just two shifts and last year producing about 100,000 vehicles. Mazda is looking to boost that to 150,000 in the near future. The tie-up with Toyota is clearly paying off. With its expanded line-up and its ability to produce locally, Mazda saw sales in the U.S. market grow 16.8% last year to 424,382 vehicles. By comparison, its global volume grew a much more modest 2.6% to 1.278 million. The plant not only gives the Hiroshima-based automaker more product to sell but will reduce its potential hit from the new Trump import auto tariffs. Like other automakers, Mazda continues to explore its opportunities to minimize the impact of those new trade sanctions – which formally went into effect on May 3. For his part, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Guyton said Mazda's board has been looking at what he described as "Plan A and Plan B" strategies. The plans explore a variety of options, including what products to offer in the U.S., as well as where both parts and components, as well as fully assembled vehicles, will be sourced. The ability to increase production in Alabama is just one option. But CEO Moro stressed that even changing parts suppliers "takes a long time so it won't be an immediate switch. Meanwhile, we need to consider and reevaluate our business priorities, investment priorities and timeframe." The relationship with Toyota, meanwhile, adds more potential opportunities, according to Moro. Asked whether the bigger automaker eventually might try "swallow" Mazda, Moro downplayed that possibility. In decades past, Toyota was loathe to form alliances unless absolutely essential, such as the 1980s-era partnership with General Motors that helped the industry giant see what it took to set up manufacturing in America. Toyota was more likely to acquire smaller manufacturers, as it did with Daihatsu and Hino. Today, however, Toyota has several alliances, including Subaru, as well as Mazda, and the three are now finding ways to work together. Their initial focus will be optimizing hybrid and EV drive technology. But the alliances aren't limited to product. "It is not just a technology and product collaboration," Moro said of Mazda's expanding ties to Toyota, "but also a business collaboration, like sales and finance in the U.S. We switched from a bank…to Toyota Financial Services to provide us flexibility to interact with customers." That's not to say Mazda is bound to become little more than a downsized clone, Moro stressed. It continues to maintain its independence in many areas. The widely acclaimed Iconic SP concept underscores the high premium Mazda puts on design. And it has a number of technologies that it so far hasn't shared, like the G-Vectoring system designed to minimize body roll and harshness. It's also working to revive the Wankel engine technology that was one of its defining features back in the 1970s and 1980s. Mazda, said Moro, knows it would be challenging to go it alone in today's environment, but it also knows that such a small company must also have a unique business proposition if its to stand out from its bigger competitors. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Mazda and Toyota Strengthen EV Alliance with U.S. Growth
At a time when the auto industry is undergoing massive change, even the largest manufacturers can run short of cash. For a small player like Mazda it's become increasingly difficult to keep up. Unless, that is, it can find some help from an industry giant like Toyota. The two erstwhile competitors have found a growing number of reasons to cooperate. They've partnered on several new products and have even set up a joint venture assembly plant in Huntsville, Alabama. But that could be just the start of a beautiful friendship, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro told Autoblog during a meeting in his office in Hiroshima. Why Mazda Needs Toyota In The EV Era 'Our collaboration is broader than you might think of it,' said Moro. 'We are doing it because of global competition. In the era of electrification and of software-defined vehicles, we have to go after too many things at the same time.' With internal combustion technology, the CEO explained, it made sense for manufacturers to maintain complete autonomy. That's changed with hybrids and EVs, though, as electric motor drive systems 'have the same characteristics, almost.' 'We are moving from an automotive industry into a mobility industry. That's a game change and you have to help each other to save your resources. 2025 Mazda CX-50 — Source: Mazda Toyota GR Corolla Cross — Source: AI Generated Image Joint Mazda Toyota Factory In Alabama Mazda and Toyota first started working together back in 2017. Their first two jointly developed products came to market four years later. They've since doubled that to four models, two for each manufacturer, with the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Both roll out of the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing factory that opened in Huntsville in 2023, at an initial cost of $2.3 billion. It's still in the ramp phase, noted Moro, operating at just two shifts and last year producing about 100,000 vehicles. Mazda is looking to boost that to 150,000 in the near future. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Toyota Shields Mazda From Trump Tariffs The tie-up with Toyota is clearly paying off. With its expanded line-up and its ability to produce locally, Mazda saw sales in the U.S. market grow 16.8% last year to 424,382 vehicles. By comparison, its global volume grew a much more modest 2.6% to 1.278 million. The plant not only gives the Hiroshima-based automaker more product to sell but will reduce its potential hit from the new Trump import auto tariffs. Like other automakers, Mazda continues to explore its opportunities to minimize the impact of those new trade sanctions – which formally went into effect on May 3. For his part, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Guyton said Mazda's board has been looking at what he described as 'Plan A and Plan B' strategies. The plans explore a variety of options, including what products to offer in the U.S., as well as where both parts and components, as well as fully assembled vehicles, will be sourced. Is a Full Toyota Takeover of Mazda on the Horizon? The ability to increase production in Alabama is just one option. But CEO Moro stressed that even changing parts suppliers 'takes a long time so it won't be an immediate switch. Meanwhile, we need to consider and reevaluate our business priorities, investment priorities and timeframe.' The relationship with Toyota, meanwhile, adds more potential opportunities, according to Moro. Asked whether the bigger automaker eventually might try 'swallow' Mazda, Moro downplayed that possibility. In decades past, Toyota was loathe to form alliances unless absolutely essential, such as the 1980s-era partnership with General Motors that helped the industry giant see what it took to set up manufacturing in America. Toyota was more likely to acquire smaller manufacturers, as it did with Daihatsu and Hino. More Than Just Cars Today, however, Toyota has several alliances, including Subaru, as well as Mazda, and the three are now finding ways to work together. Their initial focus will be optimizing hybrid and EV drive technology. But the alliances aren't limited to product. 'It is not just a technology and product collaboration,' Moro said of Mazda's expanding ties to Toyota, 'but also a business collaboration, like sales and finance in the U.S. We switched from a bank…to Toyota Financial Services to provide us flexibility to interact with customers.' Mazda Iconic SP Front — Source: Mazda Mazda Maintains Independence That's not to say Mazda is bound to become little more than a downsized clone, Moro stressed. It continues to maintain its independence in many areas. The widely acclaimed Iconic SP concept underscores the high premium Mazda puts on design. And it has a number of technologies that it so far hasn't shared, like the G-Vectoring system designed to minimize body roll and harshness. It's also working to revive the Wankel engine technology that was one of its defining features back in the 1970s and 1980s. Mazda, said Moro, knows it would be challenging to go it alone in today's environment, but it also knows that such a small company must also have a unique business proposition if its to stand out from its bigger competitors. About the Author Paul Eisenstein View Profile
West Australian
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Mazda 6's rear-drive replacement gets sportier
A sports version of the Mazda EZ-6 electric liftback – the effective replacement for the Mazda 6 sedan and wagon dropped from the Australian lineup earlier this year – has been revealed. The Mazda EZ-6 Sports Edition comes with sharper looks than the regular version, led by an illuminated Mazda logo as well as red brake calipers and gloss-black 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin tyres. Gloss black exterior detailing includes the mirror caps and bumpers, as wheel as wheel arch surrounds – with a boot-mounted lip spoiler adding to the sports flavour. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . The cabin sees Alcantara seat trim and red stitching on the seats and steering wheel, which also has a red 'straight ahead' marking at its base. Red ambient lighting and a 14.5-inch centre screen, augmented reality head-up display, and 14-speaker Sony stereo are also standard. The EZ-6 Sports Edition has only been announced for China showrooms only so far, but the Mazda is also being introduced in Europe and the United Kingdom where it'll be known as the Mazda 6e. Despite being made in right-hand drive, Mazda Australia has yet to announce the 6e/EZ-6 for our market in any spec. Specs for the EZ-6 Sports Edition for China have not been announced, with Car News China suggesting it may be a cosmetic pack available in a choice of extended-range or battery electric powertrains offered across the range. The extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version offers a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 160kW rear-axle mounted motor, with a claimed 3.6L/100km fuel economy enabling total driving range of 1301km on the CLTC cycle. The battery-electric EZ-6 uses a 190kW electric motor with a smaller battery offering 480km of CLTC electric-only range and a larger optional battery improving range to 600km. Pricing above the standard EZ-6 in China is yet to be announced. The Mazda 6 – a rival to the Toyota Camry , Hyundai Sonata and Honda Accord – left Australian showrooms in 2025 after being on sale here for 23 years. The model was axed after Australian Design Rule 98/00 , mandating autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems meeting specific technical requirements across all new vehicles on sale, came into effect in March 2025. Mazda Australia sold 1354 Mazda6s in 2024, its final full year on sale. The nameplate's best sales result was 2005, when 14,783 were sold. The Mazda 6 had already been discontinued in most markets, leaving the EZ-6/6e – a Chinese-built vehicle riding a platform developed by Mazda's joint-venture partner Changan – as its natural successor. However, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro recently confirmed the company is weighing a six-cylinder Mazda 6 successor – likely on the rear/all-wheel drive Large Architecture used by its new larger SUVs – but has yet to lock it in.
Perth Now
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Mazda 6's rear-drive replacement gets sportier
A sports version of the Mazda EZ-6 electric liftback – the effective replacement for the Mazda 6 sedan and wagon dropped from the Australian lineup earlier this year – has been revealed. The Mazda EZ-6 Sports Edition comes with sharper looks than the regular version, led by an illuminated Mazda logo as well as red brake calipers and gloss-black 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin tyres. Gloss black exterior detailing includes the mirror caps and bumpers, as wheel as wheel arch surrounds – with a boot-mounted lip spoiler adding to the sports flavour. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The cabin sees Alcantara seat trim and red stitching on the seats and steering wheel, which also has a red 'straight ahead' marking at its base. Red ambient lighting and a 14.5-inch centre screen, augmented reality head-up display, and 14-speaker Sony stereo are also standard. The EZ-6 Sports Edition has only been announced for China showrooms only so far, but the Mazda is also being introduced in Europe and the United Kingdom where it'll be known as the Mazda 6e. Despite being made in right-hand drive, Mazda Australia has yet to announce the 6e/EZ-6 for our market in any spec. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Specs for the EZ-6 Sports Edition for China have not been announced, with Car News China suggesting it may be a cosmetic pack available in a choice of extended-range or battery electric powertrains offered across the range. The extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version offers a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 160kW rear-axle mounted motor, with a claimed 3.6L/100km fuel economy enabling total driving range of 1301km on the CLTC cycle. The battery-electric EZ-6 uses a 190kW electric motor with a smaller battery offering 480km of CLTC electric-only range and a larger optional battery improving range to 600km. Pricing above the standard EZ-6 in China is yet to be announced. The Mazda 6 – a rival to the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata and Honda Accord – left Australian showrooms in 2025 after being on sale here for 23 years. The model was axed after Australian Design Rule 98/00, mandating autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems meeting specific technical requirements across all new vehicles on sale, came into effect in March 2025. Mazda Australia sold 1354 Mazda6s in 2024, its final full year on sale. The nameplate's best sales result was 2005, when 14,783 were sold. The Mazda 6 had already been discontinued in most markets, leaving the EZ-6/6e – a Chinese-built vehicle riding a platform developed by Mazda's joint-venture partner Changan – as its natural successor. However, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro recently confirmed the company is weighing a six-cylinder Mazda 6 successor – likely on the rear/all-wheel drive Large Architecture used by its new larger SUVs – but has yet to lock it in.
