Mazda CX-5 Closes In On 100,000 Sold
Mazda moved nearly 80,000 CX-5s from the lot to the highway in 2013. If the automaker has its way this year, the C segment crossover may break 100,000 units sold.
WardsAuto reports Mazda North American Operations CEO Jim O’Sullivan his employer can hit the 100,000-mark again with the CX-5, placing the crossover alongside the Mazda3 within the company, and the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape and Honda CR-V in the overall C segment crossover record books.
Factors cited by O’Sullivan in his hopes for the CX-5 include a recovering United States auto industry, brand awareness among U.S. consumers, reduced fleet volume, a new plant in Mexico that will build the Mazda3 while allowing more capacity in Japan to be used for CX-5 assembly, and a growing enthusiasm for the C segment and small crossovers:
We’re seeing really good, organic growth from our current-generation Mazda3 customers that have bought maybe (the old compact) Protege, then Mazda3, (and) now (are) moving into crossovers and the CX-5.
Speaking of crossovers, O’Sullivan says Mazda is looking at entering the B segment with a subcompact crossover slotted under the CX-5. The so-called CX-3, expected to be based upon the Mazda2, would see production in Mexico beginning July 2015.
Finally, the CX-9 will undergo a new redesign for 2016, and will make use of the automaker’s SkyActiv brand of fuel efficiency technology upon introduction late next year.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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I had no idea that Mazda still made the CX-9, let alone that they were planning on redesigning it.
Too bad there are not any Mazda cars made in the U.S. anymore - they come from Japan and now Mexico. That actually turned me away from buying one of these CX-5 cars last year. I'd be happy if they made at least some cars here like the other Japanese manufacturers do (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru & Mitsubishi) and the Europeans (Mercedes, BMW & VW).
What news on the mazda5? Skyactive and Kodo, por favor.
The CX-5 sales would even better if it wasn't for the poor dealer network. Most of them are run down and does not give off the feeling of a quality auto manufacturer. I say most, at least in Florida. I know of only one dealer that brings a sense of quality. Most of the Toyota and Honda dealers off the buyer a better experience.