A New Take on the Crossover Craze
More than a fancifully concept vehicle, the Mazda MX-Micro Sport is a four-seat crossover that is going into production this year, bringing a welcomed addition to the Japanese automaker's line up.
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| Coming soon to Mazda's lineup will be the four-seat MX-Micro Sport crossover. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
That's what Stephen Odell, Mazda's Senior Managing Executive Officer in charge of Global Marketing, Sales and Customer Service, said when the sheet was pulled off the car at the North American International Auto Show.
"A production version of the MX-Micro Sport concept will debut in a key automotive market during calendar year 2004, and Mazda is currently reviewing opportunities in other key markets including North America," Odell said.
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| Stephen Odell, Mazda's Senior Managing Executive Officer, hinted that MX-Micro Sport could end up being offered in the North American market. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
Mazda has had its best collection of cars ever in its lineup, with the introduction of the new RX-8, the redesigned MPV, and the Mazda 3 and 6, he noted. Sales of the brand were up 14 percent in 2003 when compared with 2002, except in the highly competitive North American market where its performance has been relatively flat.
"With the market place awash in incentives and new product offerings, it's easy to be lost in a crowd," Odell said. "For Mazda to stand out, we have to do something outstanding."
Odell's comments seem to hint that the MX-Micro Sport is bound for the U.S. and Canada, but he remained noncommittal. The concept car's interior features, though, with its speedometer in "mph," strongly hint that it is coming to America.