Mazda CX-5 Closes In On 100,000 Sold

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

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.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

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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  • Petra Petra on Feb 19, 2014

    I had no idea that Mazda still made the CX-9, let alone that they were planning on redesigning it.

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    • Turboprius Turboprius on Feb 19, 2014

      The only refreshed ones I'd seen had "Enhance Your Drive: Scan Here" stickers on the driver's window. Until one day, I was at Steak n' Shake, and I saw a CX-9 that WASN'T a rental in the drive-thru of Panda Express, right next to SnS. I was STUNNED! They're good vehicles, and they go for good prices too on cars.com.

  • IndianaDriver IndianaDriver on Feb 19, 2014

    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).

    • CJinSD CJinSD on Feb 19, 2014

      They did make cars in the US, but the plants were organized by the UAW.

  • 22_RE_Speedwagon 22_RE_Speedwagon on Feb 19, 2014

    What news on the mazda5? Skyactive and Kodo, por favor.

    • Redav Redav on Feb 20, 2014

      I've seen conflicting reports. Some say it won't get updated any time in the near future, but other say it's on the schedule before 2016. Honestly, it needs the bump in efficiency really compete, but it's perhaps the most neglected car in their line-up.

  • VW4motion VW4motion on Feb 20, 2014

    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.

    • Brettc Brettc on Feb 20, 2014

      The local dealer here is a Mazda/VW/Audi/Porsche dealer, which is quite a combination. Then there is a Ford/Mazda dealer about 30 minutes away. Both of them are very nice looking with newer showrooms and they don't feel dirty (until a sales guy makes an appearance). Still waiting for the diesel CX-5 and 6. I'm beginning to think Mazda won't be offering them at all.

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