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Mazda CX-6: How a wagon could sell better than the Mazda6

There is no Mazda CX-6. It doesn't exist, nor have we talked to anyone at Mazda about its existence. However, let me now say that there SHOULD be a Mazda CX-6, or to put it another way, a Mazda6 Wagon that's been Allroad-ified with a modestly raised suspension, plastic body cladding and all-wheel drive. You know, the way Americans prefer their wagons. During the Regal TourX launch, Buick's product planning folks pointed out that such a crossover wagon (let's go with that term for now) filled a market niche that's really not being satisfied. One that's more stylish and luxurious than a Subaru Outback, but more functional and less expensive than an Audi Allroad. It would cater to people who seek something different from the norm, both in terms of brand and body style. Sure, it's certainly not a big market niche, but it is seemingly growing. Well, if Buick is indeed onto something and that growth continues, then Mazda could most definitely go after that same market niche. Sure, it's a small niche, but all three Mazda6 generations have sold in such minuscule numbers (33,402 in 2017), why not try something completely different? I could easily see a CX-6 outselling its sedan sibling. Such a Mazda crossover wagon would only have a Buick and Subaru as competition, as opposed to trying to draw customers away from the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and every other midsize sedan at a time when the entire segment is hemorrhaging sales. It would also nicely complement a lineup of crossovers that includes the CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9, providing yet another alternative to entice customers. View 30 Photos Let me also say that, having driven both the Regal TourX and a Mazda6, that the two could be cross-shopped. I'd argue the Mazda actually has a more luxurious cabin than the supposedly "premium" Regal, while Mazda's new turbocharged 2.5-liter (250 horsepower, 310 pound-feet of torque) outdoes the Buick's potent 2.0-liter. Meanwhile, the Mazda6's standard, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter (184 hp, 185 lb-ft) should offer comparable fuel economy as the Subaru Outback (28 mpg combined) without making you suffer through a CVT. Now, as for adding all-wheel drive, the Japanese market version of both the sedan and wagon (known as the Atenza) can apparently be had with it. Can it be packaged with the turbocharged engine? That's another question, but all the other pieces are seemingly in place to bring the Mazda6 wagon to the United States.

At least 15 states jockeying for Toyota and Mazda factory jobs

Just a few weeks ago, Mazda and Toyota announced a partnership that would lead to an all-new $1.6 billion plant here in the United States. The plant will build EVs and is expected to employ roughly 4,000 people directly while creating thousands of indirect jobs through suppliers, shipping and more. The Detroit Free Press reports that as many as 15 Midwestern and Southern states are understandably interested in striking a deal with the automakers. Most of the states already have ties to the auto industry. While the Midwest has traditionally been home to auto manufacturing in the United States, in the past 25 years or so, the South has made a big push, offering tax incentives and a union-free workforce. Alabama alone is home to facilities from Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota. Others house a burgeoning tech or manufacturing industry ripe for the picking. Freep breaks down the pros and cons for each state, with much of the focus being on supply chains and a reliable and plentiful workforce. The latter is of particular concern in states like Alabama and Michigan that already have a big auto industry. Toyota may feel those areas have already been tapped for talent. Most of the states are along or adjacent to Interstate 75 and its extended roots, so others like Texas and Iowa will have to fight hard if they want this facility. It's only been a few weeks, though. With manufacturing jobs in such great demand and elected officials eager to show they're seeking them for their states, it wouldn't be surprising if a few more joined the fray. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: Detroit Free Press Green Plants/Manufacturing Mazda Toyota

Mazda CX-3 to be diesel-only in Japanese home market

Diesel power. It's not just for Europeans anymore. In fact, when Mazda introduces its new CX-3 compact crossover to its home market of Japan, the model will be exclusively diesel-powered, Reuters says, citing remarks made by Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai. Consistent with its recent push for better fuel economy, Mazda is embracing diesel power as a way to boost fuel-economy for cars that may be larger than the compact variety. Mazda, which plans to make about 150,000 gas- and diesel-powered CX-3s for global consumption per year, is pricing the diesel CX-3 at about $20,000 in Japan. Diesel sales accounted for less than three percent of new-vehicle sales in Japan last year, so there's a risk to Mazda's strategy. But the automaker, which is the fifth-largest in Japan, says performance and noise (and smoke) issues largely associated with diesel powertrains in the past have largely been eliminated. In all, Mazda expects worldwide sales for the year ending March 31 to rise almost five percent from a year earlier to about 1.4 million units. Mazda showed off an early version of the CX-3 at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November, though North American versions of the model will indeed be gas-powered. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2016 Mazda CX-3: LA 2014 View 17 Photos News Source: Reuters Green Mazda Diesel Vehicles mazda cx-3