Mazda Has Picked Where To Build Its Latest Model

Sep. 01, 2019 10:35 AM ET by Jared Rosenholtz / 3 Comments

And Donald Trump probably won't like it.

Mazda's sales numbers for 2018 prove one simple fact - people want crossovers. The Japanese brand saw year-to-year sales increases on all of its SUV models. By contrast, of its cars saw decreases. Mazda is set to release a new model called the CX-30, which will slot between the CX-3 and CX-5 and be targeted towards buyers who would like a Mazda3 hatchback with a higher riding position.

The CX-30 isn't expected to go on sale in the United States until next year but according to Automotive News Mexico, the Japanese automaker has already decided where to build it. As you may have already surmised based on the source, the CX-30 will be built in Mexico.

Mazda

Specifically, the CX-30 will be built at Mazda's Salamanca, Guanajuato plant where the Mazda3 Sedan is already built (the Mazda3 Hatchback is built at a different factory in Japan). This production location makes sense because the Mazda3 and CX-30 share the same platform, making it easy to produce both at the same factory.

"[Salamanca] was the first Mazda plant outside of Japan and is strategic because it has commercial agreements with 45 countries and a suitable location to send vehicles to Central and South America, Europe, the United States, and Canada," Miguel Barbeyto, director of Mazda Mexico, told Automotive News Mexico.

Mazda

Mazda's Mexico plant has the capacity to build 140,000 cars per year including the upcoming CX-30, Mazda3 Sedan, Mazda2 hatchback, and the Toyota Yaris Hatchback (which is basically a rebadged Mazda2). "This new model will be sold in all world markets including Mexico," said Barbeyto. An official announcement is expected to come sometime in September.

Global engine choices will include gas, diesel, and hybrid drivetrains, though we suspect the US version will arrive with the same 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder found in the Mazda3 good for 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual will be available in some markets but would be a surprise inclusion in the US market.

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Mazda Has Picked Where To Build Its Latest Model

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Mazda Has Picked Where To Build Its Latest Model

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