Mazda 6 Production Ceases, Headed to the Sky’s Scrapyard in April

Land of the Rising Sun’s Midsize Car Exceeds Sales Expectations at 226,000+ Units

In April, Mazda Corporation declared the discontinuation of sales for its flagship midsize car, the Mazda 6, in Japan after a successful 20-year stint. The well-known Japanese automaker did not disclose the specific reason for this decision, and it seems that there are no immediate plans for a replacement model.This news is a significant shift for Mazda, as the Mazda 6 has been a beloved offering in the Japanese market since its introduction in 2002. Throughout its run, the vehicle has undergone several updates and improvements, gaining a loyal customer base and earning critical acclaim for its sleek design, reliable performance, and advanced technology features.While specifics are scarce, industry experts speculate that the declining demand for traditional sedans may have played a role in this move. This trend has been observed globally, with consumers increasingly favoring SUVs and crossovers over classic car models. However, Mazda has not officially addressed this speculation, leaving many to wonder about the true reasons behind the Mazda 6’s departure from the Japanese market.Nevertheless, this does not mark the end of Mazda’s presence in the midsize car segment, as the Mazda 6 will continue to be sold in other markets, such as the United States and Europe. Additionally, Mazda is constantly pushing boundaries

A grand total of 226,437 Mazda6 vehicles, available in both sedan and wagon versions and referred to as Atenza in its country of origin, have been purchased since its launch in 2002 until December 2023. This model has been divided into three generations, all of which have been sold in the United States until Mazda made the decision to discontinue production after the 2021 edition.

Mazda’s executive officer for domestic sales, Kazuyoshi Todou, announced that the CX series of crossovers will be replacing their previous model. Meanwhile, customers seeking a sedan body will have to focus on the smaller Mazda3, which is currently available in the Japanese market.

There is a likely explanation for the decision to discontinue production, possibly due to disappointing sales. The growing popularity of crossover vehicles, including the CX-5 and CX-60, has also contributed to a decline in midsize car sales. Similarly, the competing Toyota Camry faced a similar fate as it ended its 43-year run in the Japanese market last year due to low domestic sales.

Additionally, Mazda has recently redirected its attention towards developing fresh crossover vehicles aimed at boosting the brand’s status in the market. In its home country of Japan, the company has introduced the CX-60, a medium-sized crossover equipped with a mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine. The CX-60 will be succeeded by the Mazda CX-80, which is set to replace the existing CX-8 model in the lineup.

In regards to the American market, Mazda has recently launched its CX-50 and CX-90 models as part of its efforts to establish itself as a higher-end brand. This upcoming month, they will be introducing the new Mazda CX-70 to their US lineup, featuring a wider body and two rows of seats, surpassing the current CX-60 model.

The discontinuation of the Mazda6’s production in Japan has caused uncertainty regarding the future of the nameplate in other markets that also sell models produced in Japan.