According to a new interview with Mazda president and CEO Akira Marumoto, the Japanese automaker intends to lower its vehicle emissions in Europe by introducing its first EV in 2020, with a plug-in hybrid following in 2022. Here’s a look at the timeline for these new vehicles — and what Marumoto has planned for the company.
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In Europe, automakers need to have their total fleet emissions down to 95 g/km by 2021. Currently, Mazda’s total is 135.2 g/km — largely due to its bestselling model being a midsize SUV, the CX-5. However, the introduction of the SKYACTIV-X engine later this year should cut the fleet’s emissions significantly. These numbers will be further reduced by the introduction of an EV in 2020, and a plug-in hybrid in 2021 or 2022. Hopefully, these innovations will help Mazda meet the 2021 requirements — and the growingly stringent 2025 and 2030 emissions targets.
For a little extra help, Mazda has teamed up with Toyota to co-develop EV architecture that will help both companies meet the emissions goal. However, Marumoto clarified that Mazda and Toyota aren’t developing any engines together — he doesn’t want the collaboration to dilute Mazda’s uniqueness.
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Planned future developments
Projecting 10 years into the future, Marumoto expects that many of the brand’s engines will be replaced with by SKYACTIV-X and a further new generation of powertrains. The company also plans to evolve its SKYACTIV-X technology to develop a new line of diesel engines, which will power future SUVs and large sedans. Although a range-extending rotary engine is in the works, Marumoto mentioned that the project is currently on the backburner. However, he restated Mazda’s commitment to developing unique, efficient engines.
By the time 2030 rolls around, Marumoto intends for the entire Mazda lineup to have some sort of electrification, including models with diesel engines. And despite Europe’s shrinking demand for large sedans like the Mazda6, Mazda plans to keep the car alive, particularly in the United States and China.
Source: Auto News Europe
