Mazda Motor Corp. has finally joined other forward-thinking OEMs in embracing a more sustainable future. The company has announced an update to its mid-term management plan and management policy up to 2030 focused on spending ¥1.5 trillion on accelerating the electrification of its fleet and renewing its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in all its operations by 2050.

It is planning to complete the electrification of all vehicle models by 2030 and is currently working together with various partner companies on a range of electrification-related research projects also designed to stimulate the local economy and contribute to the development of local industry and innovation.

The update is in part due to the environment in which automotive manufacturers operate changing dramatically, particularly in Europe, with the growth in electrified products driven by the regulatory environment. While meager, its electrification efforts have been focused mostly in Europe, with the MX-30 BEV and recently launched CX-60 PHEV. Arriving there next year is the MX-30 R-EV and other electrified products thereafter including the three-row CX-80.

As a result of the shift in strategy, it revealed a glimpse of its electric future with two vision study concept-car images.

 

Electrified and carbon-neutral

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Mazda has set an interim target of making its factories carbon-neutral worldwide by 2035. The company will pursue this initiative on three pillars: energy conservation, a shift to renewable energies, and the use of carbon-neutral fuels. It has developed a three-phase approach through 2030 to “flexibly address” electrification.

In the first phase, Mazda will make use of technology assets comprising multiple electrification technologies to achieve both a reduction in environmental footprint and produce attractive products. In the second phase, the company will introduce a new hybrid system and, in China, where electrification is advancing rapidly, introduce EV-dedicated vehicles—as well as launch battery EVs globally. The third phase will see a “full-fledged launch” of battery EVs and it will consider investing in battery production.

Mazda estimates its EV ratio in global sales will rise to a range between 25% and 40% as of 2030.

The company also aims to accelerate the development of human-centered advanced driver assistance technology and eliminate new Mazda vehicles as a cause of fatal accidents avoidable with automotive technologies by 2040. To accomplish this, it will facilitate investment to train digitally proficient personnel capable of easily using AI and IT.

Mazda will also look into value chains and supply chains to eliminate waste, irregularities, and overburdens to refine our costs, thereby enhancing our capability to reduce costs and resilience to reductions in production.

 

Co-creating with others

To complete the electrification of all vehicle models by 2030, Mazda is currently working with partner companies on a range of electrification-related research projects that are also designed to stimulate the local economy and contribute to the development of local industry and innovation.

One of these projects is the joint development and production of electric drive units for which Mazda has signed a collaborative agreement with Imasen Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.; Ondo Corp.; Chuo Kaseihin Co., Inc.; Hiroshima Aluminum Industry Co., Ltd.; Hirotec Corp.; Fukuta Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.; and Rohm Co., Ltd. The company believes that electric drive units—composed of a motor, inverter, power semiconductors, and a reduction gear—are a crucial part of vehicle electrification and indispensable to Mazda’s pursuit of the evolution of driving pleasure.

Mazda has established a joint venture company with Ondo, Hiroshima Aluminum Industry, and Hirotec for developing the high-efficiency production technology required for the manufacture of electric drive units. The company is collaborating with local suppliers in the Chugoku region to build and enhance the infrastructure needed for producing electric drive units, supporting local industry and employment.

In keeping with its human-centered design philosophy, Mazda aims to make the most of the unique characteristics of EVs to further enhance the driving experience and maximize driver enjoyment. In pursuit of this goal, the company has a joint development agreement with Imasen Electric Industrial and Rohm for the development of inverters containing SiC power semiconductors. It also has established a joint venture with Imasen Electric Industrial to develop inverters and production technology for components such as circuit boards.

Mazda has also signed a joint development agreement with Fukuta Electric & Machinery to develop advanced technologies for motors, while also establishing a joint venture company together with Chuo Kaseihin and Fukuta Electric & Machinery to research and develop motor technology.