Mazda started its electrification vehicle journey by releasing a teaser for the MX-5 style electric car concept with a two-door coupe body.
In its electrification plan, Mazda presents its mid-term strategy until 2030 in a 36-minute video. The focus of the manufacturer is to increase investment and global sales of electric cars to 40 percent.
Although the design and name of the concept car have not yet been revealed, the video footage shows four generations of the Mazda MX-5. Maybe the fifth generation of this model, is an electric car.
The as yet unnamed concept adopts a low silhouette with prominent fenders, a fixed roof and two massive gullwing doors. Surfaces and overall proportions are similar to the current Mazda MX-5 ND.
Front fascia, there is a Mazda emblem on the grille that is striking, while the LED lights appear to have some sort of pop-up mechanism. The large rear windscreen between the shoulders is somewhat reminiscent of the Mazda RX-7, while the rounded exterior of the LED taillights is similar to that of the first three generations of the MX-5.
Meanwhile, the next-gen Mazda MX-5 is rumored to retain the combustion engine, but the concept appears to have an EV powertrain.
This is evident from the vehicle’s aluminum chassis, featuring a box behind the cabin and two seats, prepared for the battery compartment. The layout appears to be focused on light weight and driving dynamics, true to the Japanese brand’s sports car heritage.
With the development of the automotive industry towards electrification of vehicles, Mazda is updating its medium-term strategy for 2030. The automaker believes that the sales ratio of EVs in its global reach will reach 40% by 2030, up from the previous forecast of 25%.
Mazda’s electrification strategy has three phases, namely according to regional characteristics and environmental needs, a 1.5 investment of around $10.6 billion, and new partnerships from batteries to motors and chips.
The first phase between 2022 and 2024 will focus on development. The second phase between 2025-2027 will be a transition period with the introduction of a new hybrid system and a new EV model for the Chinese market and the rest of the world. Finally, the third phase between 2028-2030 will include a series of EV launches globally.
Mazda has also committed to building a carbon neutral factory by 2035, thanks to energy conservation, renewable energy and the use of carbon neutral fuels. Finally, Mazda also announced its ambitious target of zero fatal accidents by 2040.