With sales leveling off last year, Mazda Belgium remains on a steady course. The all-new, all-electric 6e is gaining traction and could reposition the brand in the fleet sector. But despite strong interest, the new model won’t drive up total sales, as key models are aging.
Mazda Motor Corp. reported global sales of 1.3 million units for the 2025 fiscal year (which ended in March in Japan), generating €1.1 billion in profit. In the EU and UK combined, the brand sold 174,000 vehicles, while Belgium accounted for 5,500 units, led by the CX-30 and CX-5. For the first time, the Mazda2 Hybrid outperformed the conventional Mazda2.
Absorbing punitive tariffs
Mazda’s registrations in Belgium remain steady, but the organization is witnessing strong interest in the all-electric 6e, which premiered for European markets at the Brussels Motor Show last January. The 6e is a Chinese-made, five-seater sedan, developed through a joint venture with local partner Changan, and is a reworked version of the Deepal L07.
Built in the joint-venture facility in Nanjing, the 6e is subject to punitive tariffs. These are not publicly disclosed, but Changan is believed to fall under the 20.7% category. Regardless, Mazda Europe has decided to absorb these levies, allowing the 6e to play its trump card: price.
120 orders
Starting at €41,390 after incentives in the private market, the large sedan is a tantalizing offer. Its competitive pricing is further supported by a cost-effective LFP battery, offering a range of 479 kilometers, or 552 kilometers in the Long Range version with NMC cells.
In fleet circles—Belgium’s most important market for EVs—prices drop to €31,902 excluding taxes. Even before the 6e has arrived in showrooms, 120 orders have already been placed in Belgium, roughly one-tenth of Mazda’s annual target of 1,000 units.
EZ-60 next?
However, the strong debut of the 6e won’t boost overall sales for the upcoming year. Mazda Belgium is sticking to a conservative sales target of 5,000 units for 2025–2026, citing product life cycle trends. Both the CX-5 (only available from stock) is in the latter stage of its lifespan, while the 2 no longer features in the configurator, except for the hybrid version – basically a rebadged Toyota Yaris. As a result, no increase in volume is forecast.
At the Shanghai Auto Show, Mazda unveiled the EZ-60, the second model from its collaboration with Changan. This SUV will be available in China as both an all-electric and a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The latter would be exempt from tariffs if exported to the EU.
Officially, Mazda has not confirmed whether the EZ-60 will reach Belgian showrooms. However, all signs suggest it will, as it would strengthen Mazda’s presence in a crucial market segment where compact SUVs remain the bread and butter. Since the Belgian sales forecast remains flat, it won’t arrive before mid-2026, if it gets the green light. But could it make its debut at the next Brussels Motor Show?
Car wash mode and dog sensor
A closer look at the 6e reveals that Mazda has largely succeeded in masking its Chinese origins, both inside and out. Yet, the devil is in the details: dotted paint markings on the front grille that illuminate during charging, and specific interior plastics fall short of Mazda’s usual high-quality feel. Gimmicks like a dog sensor for hot days and a special car wash mode also hint at its Asian roots.
In terms of practicality, the 6e scores high, with a huge boot and an even more impressive frunk up front. The Chinese connection seems bright, helping Mazda catch up in the electric transition.
