After a commendable 12-year run since its introduction, Mazda has officially declared that production of the Japanese market version of the Mazda6 will cease in mid-April 2024. This announcement marks a significant chapter in the ongoing narrative of the beloved sedan, which has gradually receded from major markets. Notably, the Mazda6 bid farewell to North America in 2021 and the U.K. in the preceding year.
While Mazda has not delved extensively into the rationale behind discontinuing the sedan and wagon, it is evident that the model, despite its enduring design, is showing signs of aging. The current third-generation model, which debuted in 2012, has now surpassed a decade in existence, contributing to the decision to cease production.
The roots of the Mazda6 extend back to 2002 when the first-generation model, known as the Atenza in Japan, made its inaugural appearance. Kazuyoshi Todo, Mazda's executive officer overseeing domestic sales, emphasized that the sedan epitomized the brand's DNA and served as a prominent symbol of its "zoom-zoom" ethos.
Todo reflected on the model's legacy, stating, "Successive Atenzas and Mazda6s have been beloved by many customers for a long time, with a cumulative total of 226,437 units sold in Japan." Acknowledging the changing automotive landscape, Todo hinted at the evolving focus of Mazda towards SUVs and crossovers, with the CX series poised to assume the role previously held by the Mazda6.
As the industry witnesses a surge in the popularity of SUVs and crossovers, Mazda's strategic shift aligns with the market trends, given the higher demand and profitability associated with these elevated vehicles. While the Japanese market bid farewell to the Mazda6 in April, customers still have the opportunity to place orders for the remaining production units.
While Mazda has not officially disclosed plans for a direct replacement for the Mazda6, rumors suggest the development of a rear-wheel-drive sedan. This potential successor is speculated to be based on the platform utilized for Mazda's larger SUVs, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation and adaptation in response to the evolving preferences of modern consumers.