Mazda says the SUV boom still hasn't peaked
SUVs account for more than 60 per cent of Australian new-car sales, but Mazda believes the segment's strongest growth is still to comeThe News
Mazda has rejected suggestions the automotive industry is approaching "peak SUV", predicting demand for high-riding vehicles will continue to grow despite renewed investment in passenger cars.
The Key Details
- Mazda says SUVs will continue to grow globally
- Small SUVs are the fastest-growing segment
- CX-6e has already attracted more than 1000 Australian pre-orders
The Finer Details
SUVs already dominate Australia's new-car market, accounting for almost 63 per cent of year-to-date sales.
At the same time, however, several brands are once again investing in passenger cars as electric sedans enjoy something of a resurgence. Mazda has revived the 6 nameplate with the all-electric 6e, while models such as the Tesla Model 3 have helped reignite interest in electric sedans.
Asked whether the market was approaching "peak SUV", Mazda 6e program manager Hiroshi Ozawa dismissed the suggestion.
"Globally, I believe that the SUV will still grow. That's our projection," he said.
Rather than slowing, Ozawa said the next phase of growth would be led by small SUVs. "The small SUV... that segment is the fastest-growing SUV," he said.
Ozawa said demand was being driven by Europe, where buyers favour smaller vehicles on narrower roads, while China was also seeing rapid growth in the segment. North America, meanwhile, continues to shift towards SUVs.
The comments could offer an insight into Mazda's future EV plans. While the company already sells the CX-30 small SUV, its electric line-up currently consists of the 6e sedan and upcoming CX-6e medium SUV, leaving the fastest-growing SUV segment without an EV offering.
Early Australian demand, however, appears to validate the company's broader outlook.
Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said the upcoming CX-6e had already attracted more than 1000 Australian pre-orders ahead of its local launch later this year.
The figure has already eclipsed the approximately 700 pre-orders received for the Mazda 6e sedan, suggesting Australian buyers continue to favour SUVs despite renewed interest in passenger cars.
"Australians love mid-size SUVs," said Bhindi.
The Road Ahead
Mazda may have revived the 6 nameplate, but don't mistake that for a return to the glory days of passenger cars.
The company has already questioned the long-term future of its ageing Mazda 2 and CX-3 as buyers migrate towards larger vehicles.
If executives are right that small SUVs represent the industry's next growth frontier, Mazda's future investment is likely to follow that trend.
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