Mazda 6e Confirmed for Thailand - Malaysia Next?

Mazda has announced that the Mazda 6e, known as the EZ-6 in China where it’s built by Changan Mazda, will enter the Thai market in 2025. The Mazda 6e, which also recently debuted at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium earlier this year, is set to be launched in other European markets later this year.

This move is part of Mazda’s strategy to meet Thailand’s growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) as the country solidifies its position as a major automotive production hub in Southeast Asia (ASEAN). Mazda has been operating in Thailand since 1955, and it is expanding its EV offerings to meet market demands.

The Mazda EZ-6 was launched in China on Oct 26, 2024 with 2,445 units sold in Nov, placing it among the top three mid-size new energy sedans is that market. The EZ-6 underpins Changan’s EPA hybrid platform, which is similar to the Deepal L07. A total of seven variants are offered in China priced between RMB 139,800 to RMB 179,800 (MYR 91,000 to MYR 117,000).

In China, buyers can choose between a battery electric (BEV) or extended-range electric (EREV) version. The BEV model has a 190 kW motor and offers a driving range of either 480 KM or 600 KM. The EREV version is equipped with a 1.5-litre engine and a 160 kW motor, providing a claimed total driving range of up to 1,301 KM.

On board, the cabin is primed with several highlights such as a 14.6-inch infotainment display, an augmented reality heads-up display (AR-HUD), a Sony audio system, and zero-gravity seats for added comfort.

Together with its Thai counterpart, Mazda recently announced an investment of THB 5 billion (approximately USD 150 million) to upgrade their manufacturing base in said Kingdom. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 100,000 units, focusing on compact SUVs for domestic sales and exports to Japan and other ASEAN markets.

Mazda is planning to launch five electrified models by 2027, including the Mazda 6e, as part of its collaboration with Changan Automobile. This partnership was driven by Mazda’s struggles in the Chinese market, where Changan Mazda sold just 6,604 vehicles in Jan 2025 - a 28.28% decline compared to the previous year.

Mazda’s global BEV offering, the MX-30, also underperformed, further prompting the brand to pursue a new global offering through the Mazda 6e. With the 6e now confirmed for assembly in Thailand, this opens up the possibility of it being exported to Malaysia, similar to how the Mazda BT-50 is currently shipped from Thailand to Malaysia.

Source: CarNewsChina