Mazda Announces End of Mazda6 Production: What It Means for the European Market
Mazda Announces End of Mazda6 Production: What It Means for the European Market
Published: May 15, 2025 · 7 min read
It’s the end of an era — Mazda has officially confirmed it will cease production of the Mazda6 sedan by late 2025. A favorite among driving enthusiasts and design lovers, the Mazda6 has been a staple in the European mid-size sedan market for over 20 years. With this move, Mazda joins a growing list of automakers stepping away from the sedan segment in favor of SUVs and electrified crossovers.
📉 Why Mazda Is Discontinuing the Mazda6
The main reason? Market demand. Across Europe, consumer interest in sedans has sharply declined over the past decade, with crossovers and compact SUVs eating into their market share. In Germany, France, and the Netherlands, sedans now make up less than 20% of new car sales, compared to over 40% in the early 2010s.
Mazda executives stated that the company will instead focus on their new generation of RWD-based SUVs like the CX-60 and upcoming CX-80, which are receiving strong sales and positive reviews across the continent.
🕰 A Look Back: The Mazda6 Legacy
Launched in 2002 as a replacement for the Mazda 626, the Mazda6 quickly earned a reputation as one of the most driver-focused family sedans available. It brought sharp styling, agile handling, and premium interiors that defied its price point.
The 2012–2025 generation (GJ/GL) in particular became a benchmark in its class. Featuring a sleek Kodo design, impressive fuel economy, and solid safety ratings, it stood out in a market dominated by the VW Passat and Ford Mondeo.
While it never reached the sales figures of its German rivals, it cultivated a loyal base of fans who appreciated its refined ride and understated luxury. In fact, many considered it an affordable alternative to entry-level BMW or Audi sedans.
📉 The Shrinking Sedan Market in Europe
The Mazda6 isn’t the only victim of changing tastes. The Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, and Peugeot 508 have all seen production cuts or total discontinuation in recent years. Even premium brands are thinning their sedan offerings in favor of compact electric crossovers and hatch-SUVs.
The reasons include:
- Urban shift: Narrower city streets and demand for higher driving positions favor SUVs.
- Regulations: CO₂ and Euro 7 standards make smaller engines less viable for sedans.
- Resale Trends: Used SUV values are holding better than equivalent sedans.
🚘 What Happens to Current Mazda6 Owners?
If you own or are thinking of buying a Mazda6, here’s what you should know:
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- Parts and servicing: Mazda has promised full parts support in Europe through 2035, and dealer servicing will remain available.
- Depreciation outlook: With fewer new units entering the market, well-kept models may actually hold value or appreciate modestly.
- Used market: Expect a bump in demand for 2022–2024 models as enthusiasts and loyalists look to snag one before they’re gone.
💡 Alternatives in 2025
With the Mazda6 exiting, here are some comparable models for European buyers still in love with sedans:
- Skoda Superb – Roomy, efficient, and still alive (for now).
- Volkswagen Arteon – Sleek coupe-like design and solid tech stack.
- Toyota Camry Hybrid – Still imported in select EU markets; reliable and fuel-efficient.
📊 What This Means for the Market
The Mazda6’s retirement signals a broader industry shift. Even respected, high-quality sedans are no longer safe if they don’t align with consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. The sedan, as a format, is becoming niche — perhaps even enthusiast-only — especially outside of premium brands.
Dealers across Belgium, Austria, and Spain report rising inquiries from buyers who don’t want “yet another SUV.” This niche demand may keep the sedan segment alive — but just barely.
🔮 What's Next for Mazda?
While there’s no direct successor to the Mazda6 announced for Europe, industry insiders suggest a rear-wheel-drive sedan based on the new Large Product Architecture (used in the CX-60) is being developed for the Japanese and North American markets. Whether it makes its way to the EU is still uncertain.
In the meantime, Mazda Europe will focus on SUVs like the CX-30, CX-5, CX-60, and upcoming electric offerings aimed at EV-friendly countries like Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
🛑 Final Thoughts
The end of the Mazda6 is more than just the discontinuation of a model — it’s a farewell to an entire philosophy: practical, fun-to-drive, good-looking sedans that didn’t need a badge to prove their worth.
It will be missed — but in the second-hand market, it may just become more desirable than ever.
Still considering buying one before it’s gone? You may want to act fast — this might be your last chance to own one new.
Kobe Bantes
CTO and lead engineer at a modern SaaS company.
