Mazda’s Chinese joint venture announces plan to roll out electric vehicles by 2020

Mazda Motor plans to release electric vehicles exclusive to the Chinese market in 2020, aiming to boost its presence in the world’s biggest automotive market by offering locally built products, according to Nikkei Asian Review, the business-focused Japanese publication. During the fiscal year ending March 2018, Mazda sold 320,000 vehicles in China.

The Japanese automaker will work with 50-50 joint venture partner China Changan Automobile Group, which will procure the motors, batteries and other components. Mazda will be responsible for the vehicle design and other areas associated with the auto body. The offerings are likely to be small SUVs.

Offering new electric vehicles in China is part of Mazda’s broader effort to align itself with the Chinese government’s aggressive push towards electric vehicles.

In 2016, the joint venture company launched the CX-4 crossover SUV specifically for the Chinese mainland market. Production of the three-row crossover CX-8 started last month, with the vehicles to become available in China later this year.

Last month, Mazda’s joint venture partner Changan launched a brand new pure electric vehicle, the EADO EV460. The EADO EV460 can reach a cruising range of 430km under the NEDC test regime, with a charging capability of 30 minutes to charge 30%-80% and 50 minutes from 0-80%.