From what Newmobility.news heard, Mazda is likely preparing the unveiling of a world premiere at the Brussels Motor Show next month, which could be the announced range extender version of the MX-30.

However, the carmaker declined to confirm the news at its annual press conference. Therefore, the wait is until the 13^th of January next year when the hundredth edition of the motor show officially opens its doors.

At the media gathering, Mazda’s Belgian representatives detailed projections for the Belgian market for 2023. One of the capital changes is that the importer will stop selling the 6 models, but it retains high hopes for its first plug-in hybrid CX-60 despite shifting government incentives for company cars.

Sales slide

Mazda has to point the vizor forward after Belgian sales slid by nearly one-third (-28%) in 2022. Due to the chip crisis and troubled logistics, every model faced a drop, but definitely less so for the stronghold CX-5 (-9%) and small 2 (-19%) and much more for the all-electric MX-30 (-56%) and the large sedan and station wagon 6 (-45%).

The poor performance of the 6 and the decline of the market for bigger saloons, in general, has fueled Mazda Belgium’s decision to halt the further import of the model after the current stock runs out.

Suffering from a lower-than-average range, it seems the battery-powered MX-30 could use a pat on the back to put sales back on track.

It has been acknowledged that a range extender version with the hereditary Wankel engine will be introduced in Europe next year. However, the Japanese car maker confirms that the objectives in our region have so far been met for its first all-electric car.

Though sales plummeted, the order books stand firm and have grown for Mazda Belgium by 10% compared to 2021. Moreover, with its SUV range as a driver, the company projects that it will shift 1 700 units of the all-new and well-received CX-60 in 2023. The total annual sales projected at 7 000 units represents almost 25% share in the model mix.

Difficult climate for CX-60

Having received 1 000 pre-orders, Mazda keeps a sunny outlook for its new flagship model. However, in 2023 corporate tax incentives in Belgium will change decisively for the plug-in hybrid category it belongs to.

As of January, fuel expenses are restricted to 50%, and as of July, full deductibility is limited to two years and drops by 25% per year consecutively.

So, the CX-60 isn’t meeting the most favorable fiscal conditions and arrives late to the party. France and Germany are stepping back on PHEV support as of 2023 also.

“Surely, it will impact sales of the CX-60,” commented CEO of Mazda Belgium Tim Bosmans, “but it won’t make it ‘unsellable’. We’re positive.”