Mazda seeks to escape cycle of low returns with luxury SUVs

Thin margins weigh on shares despite strong U.S. sales

20230821N Mazda CX90

Mazda's new CX-90 luxury SUV can cost as much as $60,000, a range previously missing from its lineup. (Photo courtesy of Mazda)

MIHO TANKAI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- As Mazda Motor has failed to reap the hoped-for profits from a flurry of investment in expanding and tweaking its vehicle lineup, it is betting on a new line of high-end, high-priced SUVs to fatten its slim margins.

The Japanese automaker's earnings look solid. Operating income for the year ending March 2024 is projected to increase 27% to 180 billion yen (around $1.2 billion), according to an earnings release this month. This is being driven by sales in the U.S., where Mazda forecasts a 22% year-on-year increase in sales volume.

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