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fliptop [soylentnews.org] writes:

Mazda is defying industry trends with surging sales of its gas-powered SUVs [autoblog.com]. Can it keep the momentum going without a fully electric vehicle in its lineup?

While many automakers are racing toward electrification, Mazda [autoblog.com] is proving that there’s still room for gas-powered success. The Japanese automaker is set to break its U.S. sales record from 1986, with over 420,000 vehicles expected to be sold in 2024—a 16% increase from the previous year.

Mazda’s president of North American operations, Tom Donnelly, credited the popularity of its compact crossovers and mid-size SUVs for this growth, with a target of 450,000 vehicles for 2025. “We’re growing our business in what has largely been a stable industry,” Donnelly said, talking about the consistent sales volume that Mazda has seen from its compacts and mid-size SUVs.

[...] What’s driving Mazda’s success? Mazda’s lineup relies heavily on a few key models. The CX-5, a compact crossover manufactured in Japan, remains its best seller, despite being one of the oldest vehicles in its lineup. A redesign is expected within the next two years. The CX-30 subcompact hatchback and the Alabama-made CX-50 have also contributed significantly to the brand’s recent surge.

[...] With overall US auto sales projected by Kelley Blue Book to rise just 2.3% in 2024, Mazda’s performance is a standout. However, challenges remain. While Mazda charts new territory for its U.S. sales, it still lags behind competitors like Subaru [autoblog.com], Kia [autoblog.com] and even Nissan [autoblog.com], which has struggled with a host of its own problems in 2024.

Previously: Mazda: Americans Want Cheap Gas Cars [soylentnews.org]

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