IT ONLY TOOK A MONTH TO TANK MAZDA // TARIFFS ARE MERCILESS ON MADE IN JAPAN

EV Channels Review

Mazda experienced a dramatic sales decline in May, plummeting from a 20% year-over-year increase in April to a 20% decrease in May, a shift attributed primarily to tariffs on Japanese imports. While models like the Mazda 3 sedan and CX-50 (the only US-built model) show resilience or growth, many others, including the MX-5 Miata, CX-3, CX-30, and CX-90, have seen significant drops. The CX-50, with its available hybrid technology derived from Toyota, is highlighted as a key bright spot. Mazda's manufacturing flexibility, particularly at its Hofu plant, is presented as a strategic advantage, allowing for mixed production of various powertrains (gasoline, hybrid, EV) to mitigate the impact of tariffs and market unpredictability. Despite the current sales dip, the reviewer suggests Mazda's strong product lineup and advanced manufacturing processes position it for future stability, though updates are needed for models like the Mazda 3 and CX-30.