A next-generation electric roadster?
Mazda unveiled a “vision study model” reminiscent of a next-generation sports car in the mid-term management plan update announced on November 22nd.
Mazda has not announced the details of this model, but it is introduced along with the current roadster in the promotional video (appeared in the last 5 minutes of the video explaining the management plan). There is a possibility of a design study of the next generation roadster in the future where electrification has progressed.
In addition, three types of architecture (EV-dedicated group, LARGE group, SMALL group) were introduced as “product/technology building block structure”, and it was confirmed that investment in electrified models is being promoted. From the fact that the vision study model does not have a muffler, it seems certain that it is an EV so far.
Joachim Kunz, Mazda’s head of European product development and technology, suggested in April this year that the MX-5 (the overseas version of the Roadster) would be treated as a completely “separate thing” from the company’s flagship model.
“The MX-5 is a symbol of our brand and always gets special treatment. For now, with its size and concept and internal combustion engine, it seems like this car will be around forever. Of course, at some point we will have to go electric, but we want to keep this pure concept.”
The MX-5 has a longer product life cycle than other Mazda models, and Kunz explains, “It doesn’t matter if one generation lasts 10 years.” In other words, the next-generation successor to the current ND generation may not appear until 2024.
A spokesperson for the company told Autocar that the coupe unveiled this time is a “vision study” and, like the RX Vision concept unveiled in 2015, is intended to demonstrate Mazda’s commitment to creating fun cars. It states that
Updated electrification strategy
The vision study model was unveiled as part of Mazda’s medium-term management plan update and 2030 management policy announcement.
The four main initiatives going forward are “initiatives toward carbon neutrality,” “electrification strategy,” “creation of Mazda’s unique value through co-creation of people and IT,” and “activities to reduce costs and strengthen supply chains.” points up.
First, Mazda aims to become carbon neutral by 2050, and has set an intermediate goal of making its own factories carbon neutral by 2035.
The electrification strategy will be divided into three phases until 2030. In the first phase, existing multi-electrification technology will be used to reduce the environmental impact, and in the second phase, a new hybrid system will be introduced, and an EV-only model will be released in the Chinese market. In the third phase, we will promote the full-scale introduction of EVs and consider investing in battery production. Mazda estimates that 25-40% of global sales in 2030 will be EVs.
As Mazda’s unique value creation, it plans to accelerate the development of driving support technology by deepening its research and understanding of “people.” By 2040, Mazda aims to eliminate fatal accidents caused by new Mazda vehicles. Along with this, we will also invest in human resources who are good at AI and IT.
It also shows efforts to reduce costs. The company plans to review its supply chain, eliminate waste, reduce costs, and strengthen its resistance to production cutbacks.
[Image]Mazda Roadster, which is very popular overseas, is now an EV?[See photos of the European specification MX-5]All 57 photos
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