Thai market to get Mazda6e this year, will PH also have it?

MANILA: The Mazda6e might have the chance to be introduced in the Philippine market soon as it is set to enter Thailand within the year.

The battery electric vehicle (BEV) — which is a product of Changan Mazda Automobile Company Limited (joint venture between Mazda and Chongqing Changan Automobile Company Limited [CA>) —  will be part of the five models that the Hiroshima-headquartered automaker is planning to introduce in the Land of Smiles this year up to 2027.

Per Mazda Motor Corporation, the planned vehicle launches within the said timeline will be made up of:

• BEV (two models)
• Hybrid (two models)
• Plug-in hybrid (one model)

The expansion of the electrified product line in Thailand, the company explained, is targeted to bolster its sales.

While Mazda shared in a statement that the model will be sold in China, Europe and Thailand, there is still a slight chance that the model might be considered in the Philippines as the company has yet to field a new energy vehicle product in the local sedan category. 

Currently, Mazda Philippines only has the wagon version under the "6" stable.

Vehicle specifications

Then called the EZ-6, the Mazda6e combines Mazda’s design and CA’s electrification and smart-cabin technologies.

Below are the vehicle’s overall measurements:

Length, width, height (in millimeters)	4,921 x 1,890 x 1,49
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,895
Seating capacity	Five

Outside, the vehicle displays Mazda’s latest take on the Kodo design concept accentuated by the front grille and lighting, electric rear spoiler and strong body lines.

Meanwhile, the interior of the European-spec Mazda6e offers a clean and roomy space that comes with a 14.6-inch touchscreen, head-up display, and voice control.

In addition, the Mazda 6’s purely-electric counterpart in Europe can be had in any of the two battery options, which gives up to 552 kilometers of range:

Battery capacity (in kilowatt-hours)	Range (in kilometers)
80	552
68.8	479

Company to boost manufacturing hub

Aside from local retail operations, Mazda is also boosting its production capabilities in Thailand.

Such a goal will be realized through the THB 5-billion investment (around P8.639 billion). This will include the development of its facility as a manufacturing hub for new compact sport utility vehicles with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units.

“This will reinforce the plant's role as an export base focused on Japan and the ASEAN market which is expected to grow steadily, as well as strengthen sales in the Thai market where Mazda has been present for the past 70 years,” the company noted.

“Mazda has built a strong business foundation in Thailand over the past 70 years with the support of many people, including the Thai government. Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved. We place great importance on building relationships of trust and empathy with our stakeholders in order to realize our Purpose, which is to ‘enrich life-in-motion for those we serve,’” Mazda President and Chief Executive Officer Masahiro Moro was quoted as saying.

“Based on this purpose, we will introduce electrified products that are uniquely Mazda and meet the needs of customers in Thailand where electrification is progressing, and strengthen the role of our plant in Thailand to serve as a base for exporting compact vehicles mainly to Japan and the ASEAN market,” he added.

To note, Mazda Philippines’ sources the BT-50 in Thailand.

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