Mazda has introduced a big funding into constructing future fashions in Thailand, and it has previewed what one will seem like.
This week, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro introduced the carmaker will make investments 5 billion Baht ($233.8 million) right into a Thai manufacturing facility to supply electrified small SUVs, each for the area and for export markets.
After a gathering with Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Moro-san offered the Thai chief with a pair of design sketches for an upcoming mannequin to be constructed on the manufacturing facility – believed to be the following Mazda CX-3.
It’s anticipated to enter manufacturing by 2027.
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The CX-3 is presently in-built each Thailand and Mexico, nonetheless Australian examples completely come from the Rayong facility, which operates below the identify AutoAlliance Thailand as a three way partnership between Mazda and Ford.
Different Australian-delivered automobiles which come from this facility embrace Ford’s common Ranger and Everest, in addition to the Mazda 2. The Mazda 3 and CX-30 are additionally made there, nonetheless Australia sources these fashions from Japan.
The relevance and recognition of the Mazda CX-3 provides weight to the idea that the next-generation mannequin is the one offered within the design sketches.
Although the design is a really early drawing, we are able to see the CX-3 will seemingly get thinner home windows, a flatter entrance design (akin to the electrical Mazda 6e), distinctive vertical tail lights and a black distinction roof.
It’s value noting the design sketches typically emphasise options that are later toned down on manufacturing variations of the mannequin.
Mazda is but to element when the primary electrified mannequin will roll off the Thailand manufacturing line, nonetheless it’s concentrating on 100,000 automobiles to be constructed yearly.
“With an extra funding of over 5 billion baht, Mazda goals to ascertain Thailand because the manufacturing hub for its electrified compact SUV merchandise,” Moro-san mentioned.
“The automobiles to be produced can be excessive efficiency compact SUVs that meet worldwide requirements, each when it comes to environmental friendliness and hybrid expertise.
“This massive-scale complete manufacturing funding is to assist home gross sales and exports to Japan and different international locations, resembling ASEAN international locations, concentrating on a manufacturing of 100,000 items per 12 months.”
Mazda tapped Toyota for the latter’s hybrid powertrain, which is used within the CX-50 mid-sized SUV offered abroad. Nevertheless, it has confirmed its next-generation CX-5 will function a hybrid powertrain developed in-house.
Despite the fact that it’s about to rejoice its tenth birthday and has already been discontinued in markets like Europe and the US, the CX-3 is a vital mannequin in Mazda’s Australian lineup.
In 2024, 18,461 CX-3s have been delivered, making it the preferred mild SUV in Australia.
It was additionally Mazda’s second-best vendor, behind solely the CX-5 mid-size SUV, and forward of the BT-50 ute and CX-30 SUV.
