Mazda: Skyactiv more important than hybrids and EVs

Mazda will build hybrid cars, but its real focus is going to be Skyactive

Mazda 6 hybrid expected in 2013

At least for niche automakers

As Mazda heads into the future, a future that will require greater fuel economy and less CO2 emissions, advanced engine technologies, reduced weight and “driving dynamics” — the keys to Skyactiv — will be the focus of the company rather than hybrid and plug-in cars.

This focus on “driving dynamics” is centered around the belief that consumers will “want to feel the fun of giving a car full throttle,” for a very long time — at least some consumers.

And by 2016, Skyactiv will begin to include new more fuel efficient engines that will increase fuel economy even further, without any batteries.

However, Mazda accepts that its future, unlike Japanese counterpart Toyota, for instance, is one of niches. Mazda accepts it won’t be in every segment, just those centered around the “feel” of a “full throttle”.

So, does that mean only niche automakers can afford to avoid hybrid and plug-in vehicles?

Source: DetroitNews

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