Mazda 6 Axed in Japan – Malaysia Next?

After 12 long years, Mazda has finally ceased the production of the Mazda 6 saloon in Japan.

Folks in Japan are about to say goodbye to yet another D-segment saloon, as Mazda has finally announced that the production of the Mazda 6 for the Japanese market will cease later in April this year. The beloved Mazda saloon follows the same fate as the Toyota Camry, which was axed from its domestic market last year.

Mazda has provided very little insight regarding the decision to drop the Mazda from Japan, though the automaker said this will take effect on both the sedan and wagon versions. But considering that this third-gen model made its debut 12 years ago, back in 2012, perhaps it is time for this saloon to call its day for good.

The 6’s demise also brought an end to its two-decade-long history, with its first-gen model, known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan, being first launched back in 2002. According to Mazda’s exec for Japan domestic sales, Kazuyoshi Todo, the 6/Atenza embodies the brand’s DNA very well, which makes it one of the most beloved saloon models in Japan.

“Successive Atenzas and Mazda 6s have been beloved by many customers for a long time, with a cumulative total of 226,437 units sold in Japan,” said Todo.

According to Todo, the Mazda 6's role will be taken by the marque's CX SUV crossover series

With the Mazda 6 saloon now surplus to requirements for its native market, Todo said that its role as a midsize vehicle in Mazda’s lineup will be replaced by the CX crossovers, as the automaker is actively expanding its SUV lineup to meet the growing demand.

“The CX series of crossovers will now assume this role, and we will continue to provide our customers with an engaging driving experience that aligns with the modern era,” Todo added.

While its production is set to end later in Apr this year, customers in Japan can still place an order for the Mazda 6, that is, while the current stock lasts. As of now, Mazda has yet to reveal any plans regarding the replacement for the third-gen Mazda 6, with rumours suggesting that the automaker is developing a new rear-wheel drive (RWD) sedan model that will use the same platform as its current SUVs.

2023 Mazda 6 20th Anniversary Edition launched by Bermaz Auto last year

In Malaysia, Mazda brand custodian Bermaz Auto still offers the Mazda 6 in both sedan and wagon forms for our local market, with the automaker recently unveiling a special edition of the sedan model. Tagged at RM240,848, the Mazda 6 20th Anniversary Edition is draped in a unique Artisan Red Premium paintjob, plus a slew of other cosmetic bits.

Considering that Honda Malaysia decided not to bring the 11th-gen Accord sedan for our local market due to poor demand for D-segment saloons, perhaps it’s a matter of time before we see the Mazda 6 bid farewell to our local market.