HIROSHIMA: Mazda bids farewell to its iconic midsize sedan — the Mazda6 — as production is set to cease in Japan, marking the end of an era for the beloved model.
With production set to halt in mid-April, the decision marks the end of a 22-year run for the model in its domestic market.
Despite accumulating 226,437 sales since its launch, Mazda does not plan a direct replacement for the ageing sedan, once sold in Japan as the Atenza (it was renamed Mazda6 domestically in its current third-generation after the company sought to streamline its brand).
Following its withdrawal from the United States and the United Kingdom (UK) in previous years, Mazda's decision to discontinue the Mazda6 in Japan underscores a shift in focus towards its CX lineup of crossovers, supported by the growing popularity of models like the CX-5 and the CX-60 series.
Although the Mazda6 will continue production in factories outside of Japan, its retirement from the Japanese market may signal its eventual exit from other international markets as well.
In the UK, where the Mazda6 sold 169,123 units since 2002, dwindling sales and a lack of interest in sedan and estate cars have prompted its discontinuation.
Similarly, in the United States, Mazda's decision to axe the Mazda6 came as consumer interests change, favouring SUVs like the CX-30. The CX-30's arrival also saw the demise of the CX-3, as the CX-30 was bigger and benefit from a sharper look.
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