1. Mazda 6 discontinued worldwide as electrification accelerates
On March 7, Mazda announced the global discontinuation of its iconic midsize sedan, the Mazda 6 (Atenza), marking the end of a 23-year legacy. Once renowned as the "King of Corners," this legendary model bids farewell amid the sweeping wave of electrification.
2. The End of the Internal Combustion Era: A Gradual Exit
The discontinuation of the Mazda 6 has been a long time coming. The process began with the closure of the North American plant in 2021, followed by production halts in the UK in 2023 and Japan in early 2024. By 2025, overseas plants will cease production entirely, signaling the final curtain call for this once-celebrated model.
3. Rise and Decline in the Chinese Market
Since entering China in 2003, the Mazda6 gained immense popularity due to its sporty DNA, with total sales surpassing 800,000 units. However, as model updates slowed and brand influence waned, the third-generation Mazda6 (Atenza) was discontinued in 2021. In 2024, Changan Mazda's sales dropped 14.71% year-over-year, with its electrified EZ-6 model struggling to reach 1,000 units per month, further highlighting the brand's challenges in the market.
4. Electrification Challenges: A Deepening Transition
The end of the combustion engine era has forced Mazda to accelerate its electrification strategy. With electric vehicle (EV) adoption surpassing 30% in key markets, Mazda plans to launch pure electric and range-extended models between 2025 and 2030, along with a dedicated EV platform. However, compared to Toyota and Honda's multi-billion-dollar electrification investments, Mazda's ¥97 billion commitment appears relatively modest.
5. A Battle for Survival
The discontinuation of the Mazda6 is not just the end of an era for combustion engines but also a reflection of the broader shift in the industry. As the Tesla Model 3 emerges as the new "King of Corners" in the electric age, time is running out for traditional automakers reluctant to change. For Mazda, halting production of a classic model is just the first step-the real challenge lies in redefining its brand identity in the EV era.
