Ailing Mazda to try & raise $2BILLION dollars? Why?

[Sid59]

Just to re-iterate, I don't think Mazda has a sales problem, they have an export/MFG and rising Yen problem.

I wish I saved links but Mazda did say they are actively working on improving their in-car technologies, which i hope include better displays, GPS, smartphone integration, filter down blind spot monitoring and back up cams to other models.

I think once they move their current smiley grills to the new CX-5-esque grill, they'll see more sales but their profitability relies on getting that Mexico plant up and running.

List of items I'd like to see:
Mazdaspeed3 with AWD
Mazda6 wagon
Mazdaspeed5 wagon with AWD
Turbo Diesel

 

[AdamK47]

Perhaps the Mexican government can help bail them out. Eh? Eh?

 

[CraigRT]

2 things wrote Mazda off for me.

The fact they all took a step backwards in looks.

And that in Canada they rust and fall apart faster than any other car on the road, and I am not interested in dealing with that when other makes don't have that problem.

I can only think that I am not alone.

 

[Zap]

I would buy this on the spot:

RX-7 'look'
RX-8 chassis/handling
MS3 engine/tranny

:drool

:wub:

I actually liked how the most recent RX7 FD looks.

I don't have experience with how the RX8 handles, but sounds decent.

I like my MS6 transmission, maybe it is the same as the MS3? 6 speed that shifts soooooo smoothly, and almost never balks at getting into 1st or reverse, unlike nearly any other manual I've used (Mustang GT, Mazda 3, Subaru WRX).

Engine? It was great when released 7 years ago in the 2006 MS6, but it is due for an update. Maybe (or not) a slight power boost, but it surely needs an efficiency boost. And make the car lighter. Basically, SkyActiv it.

 

[exar333]

:wub:

I actually liked how the most recent RX7 FD looks.

I don't have experience with how the RX8 handles, but sounds decent.

I like my MS6 transmission, maybe it is the same as the MS3? 6 speed that shifts soooooo smoothly, and almost never balks at getting into 1st or reverse, unlike nearly any other manual I've used (Mustang GT, Mazda 3, Subaru WRX).

Engine? It was great when released 7 years ago in the 2006 MS6, but it is due for an update. Maybe (or not) a slight power boost, but it surely needs an efficiency boost. And make the car lighter. Basically, SkyActiv it.

Same here on the RX7 FD look. LOVED that car. One of the few cars that I think actually sometimes gain from a high-quality well-installed body kit. They had a clean, elegant, but aggressive look. Not 'clownish' like the RX-8.

 

[yhelothar]

Same here on the RX7 FD look. LOVED that car. One of the few cars that I think actually sometimes gain from a high-quality well-installed body kit. They had a clean, elegant, but aggressive look. Not 'clownish' like the RX-8.

Vielside RX7 kit is teh sexx0rz

 

[exar333]

Vielside RX7 kit is teh sexx0rz

Yeah. I loved that one...

 

[ElFenix]

second mazda6 was the wrong move when it came out. it went way bigger as that was the chief complaint about the first gen car (slightly too small in the back compared to camcord). accord also got bigger (it's been EPA "large car" class since 2008) so mazda wasn't in terrible company going bigger. but it also got worse mileage than the accord, doesn't have the reputation for bullet proof reliability as the accord, and probably (iirc) cost more as well.

second mazda3 had odd exterior styling. but it really clicked when parked right next to an rx8. that doesn't happen often, though. it's now been toned down a bit. the inside was nice looking sitting in the first ones off the boat here in houston (pre auto show, i was buying my ms3 and the new ones had just been dropped off, battery hadn't even been hooked up yet. not for sale at the time). skyactiv addresses the other major concern for most buyers there.

problem with being the zoom zoom company is that even the camry has gotten half decent handling now. so that only goes so far selling cars.

but, happily, mazda is in the process of addressing their major concerns: so so gas mileage and *interesting* styling. the concept sedan from last november is downright gorgeous.
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_show..._tokyo_motor_show_mazda_takeri_sedan_concept/

 

[Imported]

I would buy this on the spot:

RX-7 'look'
RX-8 chassis/handling
MS3 engine/tranny

:drool

:wub:

 

[JimKiler]

Mazda did not ask Ford to dump their shares, Ford did it after the economy crashed and declined a government bailout.

Also the Person responsible for the Zoom Zoom philosophy (since it is true to the cars and not just marketing hype) was a Ford person and Ford moved them back to Ford a while ago. Despite that Mazda is continuing to pump out nice looking cars like the new 3 and the CX-5 which both looks nice.

 

[JimKiler]

The current 6 is not selling well at all.

Their current styling has turned a number of people off from the current 3.

The CX-7 has been too thirsty to compete with smaller SUV's and too small to compete with larger competition. They seemed to fix the MPG issue when they released it with the 2.5l, but I think it was already too late for the car...and I imagine there is absolutely no Zoom-Zoom in that car once propelled by the 4cyl.
.

agreed on the 6 although the mileage is great, but i am sure a skyactiv version will bring beautiful styling back.

my wife and I bought the 4 cylinder Cx-7 and while it is not as peppy as my Protege5 it is more than satisfactory that I enjoy driving her car.

Unfortunately our next car will need to be more minivan like if we want to have a third kid and that means 3 car seats. Today's small cars do not work for 3 car seats unless you have a minivan or giant truck.

 

[Skunkwourk]

I thought the old Mazda 5 was a decent buy but I can't stand the styling of the new one