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Mazda Wants the 2 For America

Mazda Wants the 2 For America

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty PadgettMarty Padgett March 3rd, 2008

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Mazda is considering adding the subcompact 2 to the company's lineup in North America in the not too distant future.

Jim O'Sullivan, president of Mazda North America, also said the company is studying plans for selling diesel engines in the U.S. market for the first time.

"We're not ready to make the announcement but obviously we sell diesels in Europe," O'Sullivan said during a lunch with reporters in Detroit. "The Mazda 2 is extremely successful in Europe and Asia. We're continuing to watch that space in North America."

O'Sullivan said Mazda North America is now "extremely busy" and "extremely committed to finishing what we have on our plate right now." Those things on the corporate platter include finishing the launch of CX-9, relaunching the revamped Mazda5 and the launch of the new Mazda6.

O'Sullivan added the passenger car market in the U.S., as opposed to the truck market, is showing signs of evolving.

"We see the car market here in the United States becoming more like the European market. By that I mean "C" cars are continuing to grow and "B" cars are becoming more prominent than ever before," O'Sullivan added.

"C" cars are generically, mid-size cars, while "B" cars are vehicles like the Mazda2 and the 2010 Ford Fiesta, which share running gear.

Underscoring the shift is the popularity of the Mazda5 "space wagon," which is one of Mazda's most popular vehicles in Europe, O'Sullivan said. Demand for the updated version has taken off since it was introduced earlier this winter. Mazda hasn't put any money into the marketing budget for Mazda5 according to Mazda spokesman Jay Amestoy. Nevertheless, sales have been brisk.

O'Sullivan said the first half of 2008 looks like it will be relatively tough because of the sluggish economy. Sales, however, should take a turn for the better in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, Mazda sales climbed 10 percent in January.--Joseph Szczesny Enlarge PhotoMazda is considering adding the subcompact 2 to the company's lineup in North America in the not too distant future. Jim O'Sullivan, president of Mazda North America, also said the company is studying plans for selling diesel engines in the U.S. market for the first time. "We're not ready to make the announcement but obviously we sell diesels in Europe," O'Sullivan said during a lunch with reporters in Detroit. "The Mazda 2 is extremely successful in Europe and Asia. We're continuing to watch that space in North America." O'Sullivan said Mazda North America is now "extremely busy" and "extremely committed to finishing what we have on our plate right now." Those things on the corporate platter include finishing the launch of CX-9, relaunching the revamped Mazda5 and the launch of the new Mazda6. O'Sullivan added the passenger car market in the U.S., as opposed to the truck market, is showing signs of evolving. "We see the car market here in the United States becoming more like the European market. By that I mean "C" cars are continuing to grow and "B" cars are becoming more prominent than ever before," O'Sullivan added. "C" cars are generically, mid-size cars, while "B" cars are vehicles like the Mazda2 and the 2010 Ford Fiesta, which share running gear. Underscoring the shift is the popularity of the Mazda5 "space wagon," which is one of Mazda's most popular vehicles in Europe, O'Sullivan said. Demand for the updated version has taken off since it was introduced earlier this winter. Mazda hasn't put any money into the marketing budget for Mazda5 according to Mazda spokesman Jay Amestoy. Nevertheless, sales have been brisk. O'Sullivan said the first half of 2008 looks like it will be relatively tough because of the sluggish economy. Sales, however, should take a turn for the better in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, Mazda sales climbed 10 percent in January.--Joseph Szczesny

Tags: Shoppers

Posted in: 2008, Ford, Mazda, MAZDA5



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Responses (8 total)

  1. By Jenralé #1, Posted: 3/3/2008

    Mazda has a new version of the 1.3 liter engine that, in tandem with a new CVT, is supposed to give the little Mazda2 about 54 miles per gallon! And looks SO much better than that 'smart' thing...... sign me up!

  2. By rotts #4, Posted: 3/3/2008

    Oh, PLEASE - especially the 5-door hatchback with a small diesel. It's much better styled than the Ford Fiesta. I'll trade in my beloved Suzuki Esteem wagon in a heartbeat!

  3. By  Bill Jackson #5, Posted: 3/4/2008

    Please bring the Mazda 2 ASAP with diesel...........a solid hit!!!!!!!!! Thanks, Bill

  4. By  Jerry Reuter #6, Posted: 3/4/2008

    I like the car and would seriously consider buying one. I already have two Mazdas, and this would make a nice third.

  5. By  budafuko #7, Posted: 3/4/2008

    Naah, I' m gonna keep my Navigator. suzuki esteem?

  6. By rotts #8, Posted: 3/20/2008

    Budafuko -

    Yeah, a '99 Suzuki Esteem wagon 1.8L automatic in electric blue with 78K miles. Gets about 27 mpg in town and around 35 on the road at 65 mph. Bought it in 2001 for just over $5K, and have had only two problems: had to replace one of the four individual ignition coils for about $200, and the catalytic converter (N/C - under warranty). Hard to top.

  7. By  Racer X #9, Posted: 4/10/2008

    Looks like a hit. Why can't American car manufacters build sporty looking cars like this?
    Mazda seems to build quality cars. We currently have an 03 Miata in our stable which is a great little car. I would seriously take a look at this car!, if they brought it over.

  8. By Kevin #10, Posted: 5/9/2009

    Mazda 2

    to Jim O'Sullivan --make my Mazda 2 a 2 door sport version with the 1.5 and I would be there wish cash Monday morning. Why the debate? Why the wait? Do it. We needed this in the USA yesterday.

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