According to media reports, Tom Donnelly, CEO of Mazda's North American operations, stated that while Mazda is on track for record sales in the U.S. this year, growth in 2025 is now expected to be slower than initially forecasted due to "several headwinds" in the market.
"The automotive industry is going through an unprecedented transformation, and we are all navigating this challenge," Donnelly noted, while maintaining that the overall industry sales remain strong. "Our core business is still solid."
Donnelly explained that although Mazda initially expected U.S. sales to surge to 500,000 units next year, it now appears more likely to reach 450,000 units, though sales are still on an "upward trend." He mentioned that the upcoming CX-50 hybrid model, set to launch next month, and a new brand campaign called "Move and Be Moved" will be the primary drivers of Mazda's sales growth next year.
He also highlighted that while EV adoption continues to fluctuate, Mazda anticipates modest growth in the U.S. EV market next year. Despite discontinuing its MX-30 EV (a short-range model previously sold only in California) and currently not offering any EVs in its lineup, Donnelly expressed optimism that Mazda's new hybrid compact crossover, launching as consumers increasingly opt for hybrids to save costs and embrace green mobility, will be well-timed.
Mazda expects its U.S. sales to reach 400,000 units this year, the brand's highest volume since entering the U.S. market in 1970. This follows a 23% year-on-year increase to 363,354 units in 2022. Mazda's U.S. sales in the first nine months of this year rose by 15% to 313,452 units.
The launches of the midsize CX-90 and CX-70 crossovers (both offering plug-in hybrid systems) and increased production of the compact CX-50 crossover-manufactured at Mazda and Toyota's joint-venture plant in Alabama-have fueled Mazda's sales growth. In the first nine months of this year, CX-50 sales rose by 85% year-on-year, reaching 58,515 units.
Donnelly explained that Mazda's strategy to prioritize production of high-demand models (including specific trims and powertrains) and to deliver these vehicles to dealerships in the fastest-growing markets has been effective.
He added that Mazda will continue close collaboration with its subsidiary, Mazda Financial Services, to quickly respond to market feedback on leasing plans and annual percentage rate (APR) promotions. "We're very pleased with the agility and results our company has demonstrated," Donnelly said.
