CX-50 new off-road-intended crossover from Mazda
First Mazda built in U.S. since 2012
Mazda’s first CX-50 crossover rolled off of the line today at the company’s joint venture plant in Huntsville, Alabama. It marks the launch of the brand’s newest crossover as well as a return to North American manufacturing for the automaker.
The new plant is called Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, a $2.3B joint venture between the two automakers that is already building the Toyota Corolla Cross. Total production is expected to be 300,000 units a year, split evenly between the two companies.
New for 2023, the Mazda CX-50 is the brand’s first attempt at a more rugged vehicle in its modern lineup. The new crossover, larger than the CX-5 and powered by 2.5L engines in turbo and non-turbo, is meant to make the drive to the trail more enjoyable while being able to handle the rough roads at the end of the trip. More of an adventure ride than the city-centric CX-5.
“This is an exciting day for both MTM team members and MNAO employees to celebrate the first CX-50 to roll off the Discovery Line at MTM,” said Mazda North American Operations CEO Jeff Guyton. “The production of the CX-50 here signifies the importance of the North American market to Mazda and our commitment to investing in the U.S.”
Mazda says that the CX-50 will go on sale this spring, and the automaker expects to have more information, including about a new hybrid model, to be shared down the road.
