ASH8

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2577030016EF97

zoom44

Interesting that they continue with the Mazda MPV- now called Mazda 8- as well as the Mazda 5/Premacy and Biante vans in Japan but they don't think there is room in the Australian market for just 1 of those three?

ASH8

We had the CP Premacy (first one) 1999 to 2001 which was a sales flop, so MA wont go the Mazda 5, and look at the success of the Mazda 5 in the USA...go figure, it is a much better unit than the first Premacy.

Also had the LV and LW Mazda MPV V6 1993 to 2003, but again not a strong seller?
New one (MPV) and Mazda 8 also never made it here.

When you look at the CX-7 and CX-9 sales they have been very strong, particularly the new 2.5 CX-7 (600 a month so far) and the new CX-9 (about 500 a month) updates.

Personally, I think a gutted (no rear Seats or Carpet) Mazda 5 would go well here in Australia for small delivery businesses, Mazda made some Mazda 5's like this for Mazda Germany, also with the dual sliding doors, again Ideal for a small courier/delivery.

Could have been imported here cheap as a commercial vehicle.

Most companies here now use the Mercedes-Benz Viano.

MattMPS

Hey, ASH..it's been a while........thanks for the news...always interesting
As a european customer i've never see a lot of "room" in the market for a Mazda1 ,especially if we consider the fact that Mazda dont' have a factory here in EU.
The fight into sub-B segment is very hard and the products are many and at high level for the price.

Produce a Mazda1 in Japan for EU would be too costly IMHO......

For the CX-5 i'm more disappointed, Nissan brand is doing BIG SALES here with its Qashqai small SUV....Mazda could make a very interesting CX-5.
maybe the split from Ford have changed some plans (no accesss to EU factory, no acces to the Kuga platform)

ASH8

Hey Matt..yeah I have been really ill...you almost lost me for good!...

Frankly, I think Mazda should dump the CX-5 (which it looks like they have) and Make a Mazda 1...

Imagine a Mazda 1 with a 1000 cc SKY D or 1300 SKY G, Target 2.7 litres per 1000KMS...it is possible...

They would sell bucket loads...

But the real issue is very small cars are not that profitable.

MattMPS

about SKY engines...i'm very curious to see them "live" and the final specs ....Mazda have shown the concepts several times in many autoshows and in public.

I've read enthusiastic comment from engineers and managers, and considered the fact that they are japanese (= understatement is a way of life) those engine could be really great...

well see....

zoom44

I think you're right Matt. It sounds like they are saying they don't have the resources to put to a new chassis right now. A Mazda 1 would have to be an all new chassis i would think. But a CX-5..... they could develop one on Mazda 5 chassis I would think for relatively little money.


They produced the previous gen Mazda 2 in Europe. Was that at a Ford factory?

MattMPS

Yes. Ford factory of Valencia, Spain... a Ford Fusion* underneath (engine too..)
*obviouvsly NOT the US sedan, but a bigger version of the old Fiesta