Mazda 6e launching in Thailand soon as Mazda invests RM 660 mil in xEV production base in Kingdom

CY Foong · 2025-02-17 11:21

Mazda announced that it will be injecting THB 5 billion (RM 660 million) into its production facilities in Thailand as part of its multi-pathway solution to achieve low carbon mobility in the Kingdom.

The Hiroshima carmaker plans to launch 5 new car models within 3 years including a range of electrified vehicles (xEV) starting with the fully electric (BEV) Mazda 6e which will be launched in the Kingdom this year.

As part of its global target of BEVs accounting for 25-40% of its global sales by 2030, Mazda will be embarking on a three-phase xEV development plan. This will involve the introduction of mild hybrids (MHEVs), hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), BEVs, range-extenders (EREV), and carbon-neutral vehicles over the next few years, culminating in a fully electrified range within 5 years.

Mazda has two plants in Rayong, Thailand – AutoAlliance which produces vehicles and Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing Thailand (MPMT) which produces engines and transmissions. The additional investment will help to turn the Kingdom into Mazda’s production hub for future xEV models with a targeted annual capacity of 100,000 units.

The facility will focus on producing compact SUVs which will be exported to Japan and neighbouring ASEAN markets aside from domestic Thai sales.

Of the 5 new Xev models announced, Mazda revealed that it will be two BEVs, one PHEV, and two hybrids. The first of the new models to be introduced is the Mazda 6e BEV sedan.

Billed as the successor to the gracefully ageing Mazda 6, the rear-wheel drive (RWD) 6e made its world debut as the Mazda EZ-6 in China last year. Jointly developed with Changan Auto, the EZ-6 will be sold as the 6e globally, beginning in Europe.

In China, the EZ-6 is available in 7 variants, priced between CNY 139,800 and CNY 179,800 (~RM 85k-110k). It is offered with a choice of BEV and EREV powertrains with the former juiced up by a 245-258 PS/320 Nm electric motor and the latter receiving a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol unit aiding the 218 PS/320 Nm electric motor.

The global market will only receive the all-electric powertrain which has a maximum WLTP range of 552 km. While the 6e’s launch for Thailand and regional markets is confirmed, the electric sedan is likely to be imported from China as Mazda’s new xEV facilities will be focused on producing SUVs.

Fully imported (CBU) from Japan, the Mazda 6 is still offered in Malaysia in both sedan and Touring wagon variants: