by Mazda forecasts further growth in global demand for SUVs. Small crossovers in Europe and China are driving the next boom. In Australia, pre-orders for the CX-6e are already exceeding those of the 6e sedan.
Mazda’s forecasts for the future of SUVs
Those who think the SUV boom has peaked may need to reconsider, as Mazda sees further growth in demand. The company expects SUV sales to continue rising worldwide, and this forecast carries weight as it comes from the program manager of the Mazda6e sedan, who has every reason to promote cars rather than the crossovers taking their market share.
Hiroshi Ozawa, general manager of the Changan Mazda technical center responsible for the fully electric 6e and CX-6e models, told Australian media:
Globally, I believe SUVs will continue to grow. That is our forecast. Small SUVs… this segment is the fastest growing.
These remarks hint at Mazda’s next target — a successor to the outdated CX-3 model, which will be positioned below the CX-30 in global markets. Ozawa also noted that demand for small SUVs is driven by Europe, with China also contributing to the segment’s growth.
Market demand confirmation
Mazda’s own orders confirm this forecast, at least where it matters. In Australia, the 6e sedan received 700 pre-orders, while the technically related CX-6e garnered over 1,000. Even within the same showroom and on the same platform, buyers prefer the higher body style.
Mazda Australia CEO Vinesh Bhindi noted that Australian buyers “love mid-size SUVs,” and the numbers leave no room for doubt, despite a modest revival of passenger cars. According to CarSales, SUVs account for nearly 63% of new car sales in Australia this year, explaining why crossovers continue to win when buyers make their choice.
Current Mazda lineup
Globally, Mazda’s lineup consists primarily of SUVs. The CX-3, CX-30, CX-50, and CX-5 are complemented by the quartet of CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90. As for passenger cars, only the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6e, and MX-5 remain, with the first two models soon to be discontinued.
Thus, Mazda makes it clear that the SUV era is far from over. The company is not only forecasting growth but is actively investing in this segment, expanding its crossover lineup. Even the success of electric models like the 6e does not change the overall trend: buyers worldwide, from Europe to Australia, are increasingly choosing SUVs, leaving sedans in the minority. This indicates that the automotive industry will continue to adapt to consumer preferences, where the practicality, higher seating position, and versatility of crossovers remain key factors in the choice.
