Mazda launches CX-8 output at Chongqing plant
Mazda Motor Corp. kicked off sales of the locally produced Mazda CX-8 Friday in China. It is the biggest crossover the Japanese brand has introduced in the country.
The seven-seat vehicle is available in two- or four-wheel drive, with prices starting at 258,800 yuan ($37,616) for the 2wd version and 299,800 yuan for the 4wd version.
The CX-8 is assembled at Mazda’s joint venture with Changan Automobile Co. in the south China municipality of Chongqing.
It is 4,955 mm (195.1 inches) long, 1,842 mm (72.5 inches) wide and 1,733 mm (68.2 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,930 mm (115.4 inches).
It is fitted with Mazda’s 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G direct injection gasoline engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Aside from the CX-8, Mazda sells four other locally built models in China: the Mazda3 Axela sedan and Mazda CX-5 crossover under Changan Mazda, and the Mazda6 Atenza sedan and Mazda CX-4 crossover at FAW Mazda -- Mazda’s joint venture with China FAW Group Corp. in the northeast China city of Changchun.
The Japanese brand also markets two imported models in China -- the Mazda CX-3 crossover and the Mazda MX-5 roadster.
The CX-8 is expected to provide a boost to Mazda’s flagging sales in China.
In November, Mazda’s China deliveries tumbled 43 percent year on year to 19,179. The company’s China sales have dropped 8.9 percent to 251,776 this year through November, amid a softening in the overall market.
The CX-8 is assembled at Mazda’s joint venture with Changan Automobile Co. in the south China municipality of Chongqing.
It is 4,955 mm (195.1 inches) long, 1,842 mm (72.5 inches) wide and 1,733 mm (68.2 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,930 mm (115.4 inches).
It is fitted with Mazda’s 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G direct injection gasoline engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Aside from the CX-8, Mazda sells four other locally built models in China: the Mazda3 Axela sedan and Mazda CX-5 crossover under Changan Mazda, and the Mazda6 Atenza sedan and Mazda CX-4 crossover at FAW Mazda -- Mazda’s joint venture with China FAW Group Corp. in the northeast China city of Changchun.
The Japanese brand also markets two imported models in China -- the Mazda CX-3 crossover and the Mazda MX-5 roadster.
The CX-8 is expected to provide a boost to Mazda’s flagging sales in China.
In November, Mazda’s China deliveries tumbled 43 percent year on year to 19,179. The company’s China sales have dropped 8.9 percent to 251,776 this year through November, amid a softening in the overall market.
