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Mazda Reports April 2018 Sales Results

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IRVINE, Calif. (May 1, 2018) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total April U.S. sales of 23,056 vehicles, representing a decrease of 4.6 percent versus April of last year. Year-to-date (YTD) sales through April are up 14.8 percent versus last year, with 107,051 vehicles sold. With 24 selling days in April 2018, versus 26 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 3.4 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis."


https://www.theautochannel.com/news/...s-results.html

Mazda 6 sales up nearly 30% vs April last year with a mix of the old and new 2018 version. 40% when you compare using the number of selling days (DSR)

 

Cars are down, cute-utes are up.
Same trends as other car manufacturers.

It's no wonder Ford is bailing on the car market.

 

Those numbers are actually pretty good considering:

1. The USA auto market is down as a whole from this time last year
2. The Mazda 3 is due for a refresh
3. Refreshed Miata is incoming.

Also interesting to see that the mazda 6 has been continually outselling the cx-3 and cx-9. Would seem that SUV's aren't everything despite what people are claiming.

 

last week Mazda CEO have presented the global balance of the company at the ending of FY 2018 (fiscal years ends March 31 in Japan).

CX3 will be based on the 3 future platform (currently is based on Mazda2 platform)

and the line up will be splitted in 2 main architectures :

-small cars FWD (Mazda2-3 Cx3 and so on)

-big cars (from CX5 to CX8-9 and related sedans) will be based on RWD architecture*.

link in japanese ,but you can have a sort of translate.

https://response.jp/article/2018/04/27/309139.html


there will be a big turnaround in US sale structure.



*not directly stated, but the intention is clear. he said: "no more common architecture across the line-up" and products in competition with european premium brands

 

More RWD Mazdas is a welcomed thing. I still think Mazda needs a small/medium pickup truck for the current market... maybe re-badge and Sky-Activ power Ford's new Ranger to safe money and make it easier to drop when the inevitable truck love dies down in 5-8 years.

 

good I've been talking about that for a little while now. the cx-3 is just slightly too small. this will "right-size" it to be more in line with the rest of the segment

 

Yes, for US market

in Europe Cx-3 is doing pretty well and is due its small size

Mazda CX-3 European sales figures

Mazda CX-5 European sales figures


but, no problem...CX-5 III will be bigger than current one and with a different mechanic layout, so CX-3 II needs an upgrade in size.

BTW, for next CX-3 is reported an all new 1.8 diesel engine ,which is closing the gap between 1.5 and 2.2 engines, that engine is good also for MAzda3 here in Europe, 2.2 is considered too big for a "C-segment" car here.

 

i think for everywhere it's just a tad small. I know Europe is different but it's just a bit cramped inside that the move slightly up will alleviate. That will allow them to reconfigure the inside more efficiently, increase interior volume. To make rear seat and rear cargo area more like the Honda HR-v/Hyundai Kona. Also I hope it allows them to fix the rear lift over height which is fairly high currently vs the competitors.

Matt with my translation Im not picking up the rwd bit in that article. is it in there or someother article?

 

Mr. Kogai have not spoken clearly about "RWD platform", but the slides are quite clear.

no more "common architecture" (the current one) but two completely different.

in addition there are a lot of articles in car magazines (including BestCar magazine) that are talking about the new RWD premium sedan from Mazda.

here there are a couple of them (5/1/2018)...including the rumor about 6 in line diesel engine

????????????????????????6???FR?????????????? | MOBY [???]


https://bestcarweb.jp/news/newcar/2620

 

With Matt on this one, IF Mazda are really going true premium them IMO it cant be a FWD (east west) engine platform, a RWD (north south) with the right engines, transmissions, diff and PTW ratio's gives correct ride, handling and feels way better.

The last time Mazda had this right was way back in 1991, we had it as the HD 929 (luxury), V6 RWD all the mod stuff for that era like solar powered sunroof to charge battery and two interior cooling fans ventilated the cabin when car sat out in hot weather into the trunk, electric heated door mirrors, seats, rear muffler valve silencer shutter, it was just a magnificent car on the road, but here it was $80K, that was during our last economic recession and again was at the wrong time, Mazda has a habit of bad timing.

Don't get me wrong the current 6 is great, but when you start with bigger capacity engines (or Turbo's more power) in a relative light body it is really hard to mask torque steer and all the other issues that goes with FWD.

Somehow though sad to say that Mazda will stuff it up, they need to listen to other engineers and sales staff who are in the field outside of Japan, and stop their dictatorial management practices and be more offensive and reactive much faster to issues, need I remind anyone about Mazda's promise of Car Play 4 years ago, that has peeved so many owners (still waiting) and is a deal breaker for many new car buyers today.

 

Well it wouldn't be a Ford anymore since Mazda cut the tie more than 2 years ago.

Mazda is now working with Toyota, and Toyota already has Tacoma and Tundra.

If Mazda makes an RWD car, I wonder if they will take the Kia Stinger approach...

 

Mazda actually has a tie-up with Isuzu for it's next gen Mazda BT-50, announced a couple of years ago

https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-new...ion-utes-43934

https://indianautosblog.com/2017/05/...u-d-max-265996

 

As a person who does not own a cell phone, can you please explain to me why this technology is so important to you and other cell phone owners, that you "refuse" to buy a car without it?

What exactly is it supposed to do that you and your cellphone loving brethren can't seem to live without? I just don't understand what is so important about these two technologies, and need it explained to me.

BC.

 

The phone provides navigation and your music, and phone calls obviously. With car play/ android auto, the phone outputs those things to the car's screen, speakers etc. And you can voice command it.

It's a lot more convenient than using the car's standalone nav and audio.

 

So, you're saying that it does the exact same things as a car that has bluetooth and navigation from the factory, but it might be a slightly easier to use interface than some of the worse car companies factory options?

So, how much better is CP/AA versus the Mazda system, which I believe is actually pretty good, in my limited experiences with the newest versions on test drives? I don't have Nav on my 2014 CX-5, but I haven't had any issues with the Bluetooth functionality when my wife has her cellphone in her car. Much better than her 2012 Abarth with Blue & Me system, that's for sure.

At this moment in my life, I certainly wouldn't hold off on buying a new car simply because it doesn't have a better navigation interface. How often are people really using Nav in their cars, anyway?

BC.

 

Well then I guess it's not for you. I don't speak for all the people, I personally prefer no nav and no phone calls, but I did use Android Auto in a rental and can totally see the appeal.

The interface is a minor convenience. However Waze or Google maps does more than just provide a map: trafffic avoidance, hazard warnings. It also knows you favorite places, your home, your work, etc. So you can just get in, say "navigate to home" and it works.

Since most people carry their music in their phone, it's convenient not to have to maintain a matching playlist in the car.

 

Well as a Mazda Connect - MZD Connect expert (according to others), the integrated Mazda system was one of the first car brands to actually have a fully integrated unit which does Navigation (by NNG, Hello) and a Touchscreen for visual and controls for all sorts of things like Audio, Navigation (GPS) and Safety Feature visuals , Fuel Management (MPG), Servicing Reminders, Feature on/off or control changes, and with Bluetooth for Audio streaming/phone connection.

So yes it ALSO integrated owners who have Smart Phones (no longer a Cell Phone) which has digital hands free phone calls and messages, Apps for other 'fun', Internet access (Wi-Fi in most countries and Satellite in North America, plus Music Storage in phone or USB Flash Drive, etc, just like a small mini PC.

Mazda Connect connects via a mini USB Cable or Bluetooth or both can integrate your i-phone, Android or Windows platform phones into the Connect System.

Trouble is many Car Makers opted for the lazy, simple and cheap way by offering Android Auto and Apple Car Play systems as their standard integrated Infotainment set up, and owners of these phones wanted and demanded so called 'seamless' connection and easy integration with their new car and smart phone. (remember all the different upgrades to smart phones which car makers have to also be across).

Android is open-source and free, i-phone is a licence.
Just remember Mazda Connect does everything and more than AA and CP, but like all code integration you get Apple who changes an App like Music (Pandora 3.12) which then can create problems for Mazda Connect as they are not told about App changes and or takes some months for Mazda/NNG/JCI and Visteon to update the Mazda Connect FIRMWARE which is technically ONLY done by your local Mazda Dealer unless you can find a Firmware copy in the wild and can then do the update yourself (with cautions).

So Mazda has re-announced FINALLY that AA and CP will be made available as a Firmware/Hardware Update in late 2018, and for all earlier models also a new Hardware Add On must also be purchased...all this is SLOWLY rolling out over the next year.

Mazda said that testing and modifying CP and AA has been challenging so it does not crash their Mazda/MZD Connect system.

Also worth noting that Consumers "Rate" their new car purchase and car model with how good their Infotainment systems is and punish car brands in JD Power Surveys if car makers drag their feet with bugs and infotainment issues, the 'industry' has created a very large rod for its back when it gets it this wrong.

Hope that is a simple explanation...sorry.

 

Thanks guys for the explanation.
Like I thought, its mostly just an easier interface, and for additions like Waze, but mostly because Google maps is much easier to use than some of the nav systems on the markets from the automakers.

While my wife and I were visiting her dad and his wife in early March, they were telling us how they were never able to use their nav in their Subaru Outback because it was just too hard for them to input the address they wanted to get to, so hence, they have a feature in their brand new car they couldn't use.

And thanks Ash, for letting me know that what I thought was correct, that Mazda's system is nearly top shelf, and that anyone who refuses to buy a Mazda because they don't currently have AA and CP are just missing out on a great car for no real reason.

Oh, and just for clarities sake, I'm not some 96 year old fuddy duddy telling the kids to get off my lawn, and am tech adverse. I'm 43, and have been working in the tech/online advertising industry for 12 years. I have worked for Google for 3 years, and I don't use their products other than Search, for personal reasons. Yet I have to work with the bastards every day at my current job.

BC.

 

 

If Mazda Connect is as good as some say(personally have never tried it, nor did I ever try the AA/CP before), I think then it comes down to marketing.

I don't personally care much for this, either, but then again, I have never tried it before.

The live map feature could definitely be handy. Summer in Victoria can be packed at times, with all the tourists and constructions happening, so optimizing the route with current traffic status could be helpful.

 

Yes, got to agree with most and yes the Mazda system IS VERY GOOD to EXCELLENT.

Sure they had heaps of issues with Firmware and has only been the last 6 months or so that most have been ironed out (like all other car makes), but it evolves like any coded machine.

Navi I guess is fine for those who do a lot of 'unfamiliar' roadtreking, but seriously those who use Navi to get to work and back and then complain if the system stops really needs to think more rather than rely on 'driving tech' to get from A to B and back.

Since 2014 Mazda (BM Mazda 3) Connect has had many Firmware updates from origin 25.00.250A, to 28.00.350A, to 31.00.100A, to 55.00.750A, to 56.00.513C, to 59.00.443A, to 59.00.502A, 504A, 532A, 540A, and latest 59.00.545A.

Then it all depends on what is your country or location and systems used in those countries, some have DAB+ for digital Radio (stereo), others Sirius XM Satellite.

So you times that firmware numbers above with region or country like.

NA N is for North America.(USA, Canada, Mexico most parts, some use ADR like Virgin Islands)
EU N is for Europe/UK/Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Poland, etc.
4A N (ADR) for Australia Design Rules, AU, NZ, South Africa, South America, Oceania, Taiwan, Philippines, etc.
JP M is for Japan ONLY.
CH N China.

And the same Firmware is used for the complete Mazda model lineup, 2,3,6, CX-3,5,8,9, MX-5.
Obviously if your car model does not have say HUD (Head Up Display) then that particular firmware will not install for that feature.

So yeah it is a PITA at times @ Mazda Dealer level as the Customer changed or updated an APP on their i-Phone and these APP changes then creates a connection problems (Bluetooth) with their cars Mazda Connect until Mazda are told of these changes and then Visteon/JCI works out the bugs and then updates the Firmware for Mazda Dealer to update, can take around 6 months, and CMU Firmware updates are not technically done by owners, only by Mazda Dealers.

 

If I could throw more fuel onto the fire for the next 6 platform being RWD:

I just got back from Tokyo a few weeks ago, (my 5th time there) and as I understand the Japanese domestic car market more and more, things suddenly start to make sense.

First and foremost, you need to understand there are significant tax advantages to having a car with an engine displacement under 2 liters.

Secondly, during my last trip there I saw a total of one Toyota Camry on the road. One. What I did see tons of, are the Toyota Mark X, and the Toyota Crown. Both of which are not sold in America. Both of these cars are roughly about the size of the Camry, especially the current Crown, so why do they exist, when they have the Camry?

Simple. RWD. Both the Mark X and Crown are RWD. I think Japanese buyers are thinking that If you are going to have a larger car that necessitates an engine bigger than 2.0L, then why bother with FWD when you have to pay significantly more tax due to engine size? If I am going to pay that much, it should be RWD.

I think Mazda knows this, and when looking at it that way, a 2.5L FWD platform really doesn't make a whole lot of sense in the Japanese market. A RWD platform would be a much more premium product, and with an engine size above 2.0L it makes more sense.

This is all purely speculation.

 

We do have the Lexus GS over here, which is pretty close to the Crown.

TBH I think the whole drivetrain thing doesn't really matter for family cars. Unless Mazda is actually taking the leap to a higher class, FWD still makes more sense. It's cheaper and easier to manufacture, allows for more interior room, and 99.99% of the population who buys an FWD family car rarely, if ever, push the car to the limit where drivetrain makes a difference.

RWD sales are in general pretty low compared to FWD and AWD.

 

They have the lexus GS over there too.

And you are missing the point. I'm talking about the Japanese domestic market, which has seeming decided that large FWDs are not worth the cost (tax penalty). Mazda sells cars in more countries than the united states. US car buyers are idiots.

Any mid to large premium sedan out of Europe is going to be RWD or AWD. Infinity and Lexus are primarily AWD and RWD. See a pattern?

 

I understand that, but North America accounts for a good amount of sales Mazda does, so they need to alter the strategy to maximize the profit. European and Australian markets have their own characteristics, which means Mazda has to alter their strategies there as well.

If you sell the same stuff in all markets, you end up like Smart. Fortwo makes sense in Europe as city cars, but in the highway-filled North America they don't fair so well.

Japanese and other domestic markets don't really affect us. It's not like anyone is capable to singlehandedly change the mind of the entire North American market. Still an interesting observation nonetheless.

And again, if Mazda is leaping for the higher class, I can see how RWD makes more sense. Unfortunately, Mazda doesn't have another brand they can use right now to take care of both economy and luxury markets. Going luxury means sacrificing sales volume, though, and Mazda has to assess if it will be more profitable.