Omari Gates
The Mazda 6 has been a popular car in Australia for over two decades, with nearly 150,000 units sold since its launch in 2002. However, in January 2025, Mazda announced that it would retire the Mazda 6 from the Australian market due to compliance issues with impending regulations. This decision follows a gradual exit from other markets, including North America in 2021, the UK and China in 2023, and Japan in 2024. While the Mazda 6 has enjoyed a solid run in Australia, the company has stated that it will focus on improving its strategy by offering models with ICE, mild-hybrid, and PHEV powertrains. Despite the discontinuation, Mazda Australia has expressed interest in replacing the retired Mazda 6 with a Chinese-made electric liftback, potentially offering a new mid-size option for Australian consumers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Production status in Australia | Axed in 2025 |
| Production status in other markets | Discontinued in North America in 2021, the UK and China in 2023, and Japan in 2024 |
| Years in the Australian market | 22 years |
| Total sales in Australia | Nearly 150,000 units |
| Peak sales year | 2005, with 15,000 units sold |
| Sales in 2024 | 1,354 units |
| Reason for discontinuation | Compliance issues with impending Australian regulations |
| Replacement model | Possibly a Chinese electric liftback |
| Production location for Australian market | Hofu factory in Japan |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mazda6 axed from the Australian market
Mazda has announced that it will retire the Mazda6 sedan and station wagon from the Australian market. This decision comes after a gradual exit from other markets, including the US in 2021, the UK and China in 2023, and Japan in 2024. Mazda6 has had a solid 22-year run in Australia, selling nearly 150,000 units across three generations since its launch in 2002. However, in recent years, demand for midsize sedans has shrunk, with only 1,354 units sold in Australia in 2024.
The decision to axe the Mazda6 in Australia is due to compliance issues with impending regulations. Specifically, the Mazda6's Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) do not meet the Australian Design Rule 98/00 standards, which come into effect on March 1, 2025. This regulatory hurdle has sealed the fate of the Mazda6 in Australia, joining a growing list of discontinued models from other automakers facing similar challenges.
While production of the Mazda6 has ended, the company has secured a healthy supply of units in all trims for the Australian market. This means that customers can still purchase the Mazda6 while inventory lasts. Mazda Australia's managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, acknowledged the high regard in which the Mazda6 is held by loyal enthusiasts and keen drivers. He also stated that Mazda remains open to replacing the discontinued Mazda6 with a new Chinese electric liftback, such as the EZ-6 or 6e electric vehicles (EVs) offered in other markets.
The Mazda6's exit from the Australian market reflects the shifting preferences of consumers towards SUVs. However, Mazda Australia's marketing boss, Alastair Doak, emphasized the company's commitment to offering choice to Australian consumers. He highlighted the presence of a loyal customer base for sedans and wagons and affirmed that Mazda would continue to offer these vehicles in their portfolio as long as they are manufactured by Mazda Corporation.
Applying for an Australian Passport: Hong Kong Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mazda6 was Japanese-made
The Mazda6, known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan, is a mid-size sedan produced by Mazda since 2002. It was marketed as the first example of the company's "Stylish, Insightful and Spirited" design philosophy.
The Mazda6 was Japanese-made, with Mazda's Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture producing the car for international markets from February 2002 to August 2007. In 2005, the Mazda6 received a facelift, introducing 5-speed auto and 6-speed manual transmissions, standard 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, and minor bodywork upgrades.
While the Mazda6 was produced in Japan, there are also satellite plants in China and Thailand that build Mazda6 models for local markets. In China, the Mazda6 was introduced by FAW Mazda in 2003, and despite the release of newer models, the first-generation car continues to be manufactured and sold in China.
The Mazda6 has been well-received in the Australian market, selling nearly 150,000 units across three generations since its launch in 2002. It won the 'Best Mid-size Car (over $28,000)' title in Australia's Best Cars in 2002 and 2003, and came second in 2004 and fifth in 2005.
However, Mazda recently announced that it would retire the Mazda6 from the Australian market due to compliance issues with impending regulations. This decision echoes the gradual exit of the Mazda6 from other markets, including the US in 2021, the UK and China in 2023, and Japan in 2024.
Discover Australia's Forests: A Natural Wonder Down Under
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mazda6 sold nearly 150,000 units in Australia
Mazda has had a long history in Australia, with the Mazda6 selling nearly 150,000 units across three generations since its launch in 2002. The Mazda6 has been a popular choice for Australian drivers for over two decades, with its combination of style, performance, and reliability.
The Mazda6, also known as the Mazda6 Wagon and Sedan, has undergone several updates and facelifts over the years to keep it competitive in the Australian market. The current generation of the Mazda6 was introduced in 2012 and has since received updates in 2015, 2018, and 2023, with the addition of features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
The Mazda6's success in Australia can be attributed to its ability to cater to a wide range of consumers, from families to enthusiasts. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and dynamic driving experience, the Mazda6 has offered a compelling package that has resonated with Australian drivers.
However, despite its popularity, the Mazda6 has faced increasing competition from the rising demand for SUVs. In recent years, there has been a shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs, which has impacted the sales of traditional passenger cars like the Mazda6. This shift has led to a decline in the demand for midsize sedans, with the Mazda6 selling only 1,354 units in Australia in 2024, a significant decrease from its peak sales of 15,000 units in 2005.
In January 2025, Mazda announced the retirement of the Mazda6 from the Australian market, citing compliance issues with impending regulations. The Mazda6 joined a growing list of discontinued models from automakers, as they struggled to meet the evolving standards and changing consumer preferences. While the Mazda6 may no longer be available in Australia, its legacy and impact on the automotive landscape will be long-lasting.
Aldi Products: Australian-Made or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mazda6 was discontinued in Japan
Mazda has discontinued the Mazda6 in Japan, marking the end of a 22-year production run for the D-segment model. The Mazda6, known as the Atenza in Japan, was first introduced to the Japanese market in 2002. Over 226,000 units of the Atenza/6 have been produced for the Japanese market since its launch.
The decision to discontinue the Mazda6 in Japan comes as Mazda shifts its focus towards crossovers, with the CX series of crossovers, including the CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, and CX-8, indirectly replacing the mid-size sedan and longroof. While there has been no official confirmation of a replacement for the third-generation Mazda6, rumours suggest that Mazda is working on a rear-biased car based on the Large Product Group architecture of the CX-60 and CX-90.
The discontinuation of the Mazda6 in Japan follows a gradual exit from other markets, including the United States in 2021, the United Kingdom and China in 2023, and Australia in 2025. The Mazda6 sedan and station wagon were axed from the Australian market due to compliance issues with impending regulations, specifically falling short of meeting the Australian Design Rule 98/00 standards that came into effect on March 1, 2025.
The Mazda6 has enjoyed a long and successful run, with nearly 150,000 units sold across three generations in Australia since its launch in 2002. However, in recent years, demand for midsize sedans has been shrinking, with only 1,354 units of the Mazda6 sold in Australia in 2024.
The Mazda6 has left a lasting impression on car enthusiasts, with many expressing their love for the vehicle's design and performance. As Mazda bids farewell to the Mazda6 in Japan and other markets, the company shifts its focus towards new models and strategies, offering a range of powertrains to meet the evolving preferences of its customers.
Australian Garden Snails: Their Favorite Foods and Dietary Habits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mazda Australia open to Chinese-made electric replacements
Mazda has dropped the Toyota Camry-competing Mazda6 in Australia, one of the final markets for the Japanese-made car. The decision was made due to compliance issues with impending regulations, mirroring Mitsubishi's recent decision to cut three of its five models. Mazda Australia has not ruled out the possibility of introducing an electric replacement for the Mazda6, which has been discontinued in most regions since 2021.
The Mazda6 has had a solid 22-year run in Australia, selling nearly 150,000 units across three generations since its launch in 2002. However, sales have declined in recent years, with only 1,354 units sold in 2024, reflecting shrinking demand for midsize sedans in an SUV-dominated market. Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi acknowledged the shift in consumer preferences but emphasised the Mazda6's enduring popularity among loyal enthusiasts and keen drivers.
Mazda recently unveiled an electric successor to the Mazda6, the EZ-6, in China, and its local branch is open to bringing it to Australia. The EZ-6 is a joint venture between Mazda and Chinese carmaker Changan and will be sold in Europe as the Mazda 6e. While nothing has been confirmed for the Australian market, Bhindi indicated that a new electric Mazda6 could be introduced if a need is identified.
The EZ-6 offers a range of features, including two battery options, a driving range of 478-552km, and a single rear-mounted electric motor. It also boasts a spacious interior with a 14.6-inch infotainment display, a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, a Sony sound system, and a full glass roof. If launched in Australia, it would be Mazda's first new mid-sizer in over a decade and a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3, the best-selling electric sedan in the country.
The introduction of the EZ-6 in China and Europe, along with the right-hand drive option for the UK market, suggests that an Australian launch may be on the horizon. Mazda Australia's openness to Chinese-made electric replacements reflects its commitment to offering customers a diverse range of products and its willingness to adapt to the evolving preferences of the Australian market.
Indigenous Australian Food: Ancient Diet Secrets
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mazda 6s sold in Australia are made in Japan.
No, Mazda has retired the Mazda 6 from the Australian market.
Mazda retired the Mazda 6 from the Australian market in 2025.
Mazda retired the Mazda 6 due to compliance issues with impending Australian regulations and the rising popularity of SUVs.
