Ask The Best And Brightest: Can Mazda Sell 30k Mazda5s Every Year?
Just yesterday, I noted in my write-up on Mazda’s June sales performance that
with a Nagare-saddled Mazda5 replacement waiting in the wings, Mazda isn’t even well positioned to defend the segment it helped define in the US market, just as GM finally starts taking it seriously
Well, today Mazda announced to Automotive News [sub] that it would be targeting 30k annual sales of the Mazda5’s “Nagare-saddled” replacement. Last year’s 18,488 units was the second-best sales year on record for the 5, as sales fell from 2008’s all-time high of 22,021. In short, Mazda’s compact CUV has always been at least 8k units away from its new Mazda5 sales goal. On the other hand, Mazda never properly marketed the 5, and both GM and Ford are moving into the segment with the GMC Granite and Ford C-Max. Will Detroit’s move into this otherwise-ignored segment (currently contested by only the 5 and the Kia Rondo) bring buyers in, or force already-marginalized players like Mazda out? The fate of the 5 seems to hang on the answer to that one question.
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I am growing sooooo weary of the anti mazda smile. I haven't met one person in the outer world that doesn't like the look. It's a very positive, fun looking direction mazda has taken that truly sets its cars and cars apart. When every one else is going for the male/macho/angry look, mazda gets it back to fun. Get over it.
I'd like to see the 5 make it. I rented one for a long road trip, and liked it more than I thought it would. But until gas goes up, I'm not sure many Americans can be coaxed into mini minivans.
Mazda will sell at least one of these. My wife wants to buy one at the end of this year. Believe it or not, she really likes the styling.
My wife & I each have one and love them. Previously we've had many many German cars & sports cars, and the Mazda5 holds its own for what it is. For the $17k I paid (new) I don't know how the person above can say they're overpriced! Where I live in northern VA there are tons of 5's on the road, and its popularity has prompted other manufacturers to offer similar vehicles.