CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story understated the number of Mazda6 sedans sold through April. The company has sold 536 through the first four months of this year.
Mazda Canada says it will end sales of the Mazda6 sedan with the current 2021 model year.
“As remarkable a vehicle as the Mazda6 was, it faced adverse conditions in an ever-shrinking segment as consumers abandoned sedans in favour of taller, more versatile crossover vehicles,” the company said in a statement.
Automakers sold just 7,277 mid-size sedans in Canada during the first quarter, representing 11 per cent of all sedans sold and less than two per cent per cent of all new light vehicles sold.
“Mazda Canada will focus on continuously improving our award-winning CX-line of crossover vehicles, which includes the CX‑3, CX-30, CX‑5, and CX‑9,” the company said.
The latest Mazda6 has never been a big hit with the general public compared with heavy hitters such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Production of the 2021 Mazda6 for the Canadian market will end in July 2021.
Mazda is the latest brand to abandon the shrinking midsize-car market -- long dominated by Toyota and Honda -- after Buick, Ford, Chrysler and Dodge.
However, while Mazda said it will discontinue U.S. sales of the entry-level CX-3 subcompact crossover, they will continue north of the border.
Last year, Mazda introduced a new CX-30 crossover as a larger subcompact above the smaller CX-3 and loaded the new model with premium features on higher trims in the United States.
The CX-30 is also for sale in Canada. Through April, Mazda sold just 536 Mazda6 sedans, according to the company. By comparison, Honda sold 2,110 Accords and Toyota sold 3,418 Camry sedans.
Meanwhile, Mazda sold 2,338 of the CX-3 and 3,556 CX-30s through the first four months of 2021.
“In the near future, Mazda will grow the crossover lineup with its first battery electric vehicle, the MX-30, and an upcoming all-new crossover to be produced in the U.S.,” Mazda Canada said in a statement.
Mazda also is preparing a new rear-wheel-drive architecture that could mean an upmarket sedan in the future. Mazda has not given details on which vehicles will get the new platform.
