On November 15, the 22nd Guangzhou International Auto Show opened. The auto market has entered a phase of competition. Chinese New Energy Vehicles, focusing on electrification and intelligence, drive high-quality development in the industry. This year’s show continues the theme “New Technology, New Life.” It serves as a barometer for the development of the Chinese auto market. The event features 78 global premieres, including 6 from multinational companies. A total of 1,171 vehicles are on display, with 512 being new energy vehicles. The show highlights new technologies and innovations for the new era.
Changan Mazda’s Executive Vice President, Wu Xuxi, emphasized the company’s commitment to the Chinese market. He stated that Changan Mazda will embrace electric and intelligent innovations based on local demands. The company will push forward its transformation into new energy vehicles. It will integrate Mazda’s core DNA to build competitive advantages in the electric era. The second new energy product will debut globally at next year’s Shanghai Auto Show. This product is an SUV. Additionally, the third and fourth products are now planned. Over the next three years, Changan Mazda will launch a new model in China each year. Here is the interview transcript: Sina Auto: Hello, everyone. Welcome to the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show live broadcast. We are honored to invite Wu Xuxi, Executive Vice President of Changan Mazda. Please greet our audience, Mr. Wu. Wu Xuxi: Hello, host. Hello, Sina’s audience. I am Wu Xuxi from Changan Mazda. Thank you for your long-term support. Sina Auto: From the “Making Friends” theme at the Xi’an launch to the “MAZDA EZ-6 and His Friends” theme at this Guangzhou Auto Show, why did Changan Mazda choose such a unique theme? Wu Xuxi: Changan Mazda has developed for over 30 years in the Chinese market. We have won many fans through our charm. The EZ-6 is our first model in the new energy transition. It combines joint venture brand quality with the needs of Chinese consumers. This 5-meter B-class car is priced like an A-class car. Therefore, we sincerely propose “Making Friends” to share the latest joint venture new energy achievements with Chinese users. We hope our sincerity helps more people own the MAZDA EZ-6. At the Guangzhou Auto Show, we planned the “Mazda and His Friends” event. We invited EZ-6 owners to attend. Mazda users come from many industries, including professional models and baristas. Today’s event host is also one of our car owners. Some staff at our booth are Mazda owners too. We hope that during the upcoming transition to new energy, Changan Mazda can make more good friends. We want to rekindle our love for Mazda with these friends in the new energy era. Sina Auto: In the traditional fuel vehicle era, Mazda is known for its history and driving experience. It has many classic models. At the launch in Xi’an, Changan Mazda labeled the EZ-6 as “the strongest sedan in the Chinese market.” Why is that? Wu Xuxi: Mazda is a brand with a unique character. When people think of Mazda, they remember the “Jinma Integration” control, “Kodo” design, dynamic performance tuning, and strict safety standards. The EZ-6 perfectly inherits these four core elements of Mazda DNA. As many fans and media say, anyone who drives the EZ-6 feels its control is distinctly Mazda. It is the only new energy product that offers a fuel vehicle driving experience. In design, the EZ-6 carries forward Mazda’s classic “Kodo” design while incorporating modern aesthetics, electric appeal, and luxury. It avoids the bland “faceless” look common in new energy vehicles. The EZ-6 features a distinctive “Wing of Light” front face and a beautiful light and shadow aesthetic. In safety, the EZ-6 boasts a full steel cage structure with 7 horizontal and 5 vertical reinforcements. Its battery safety exceeds national standards by over 20 times. It successfully passed the industry’s first “truck lateral impact and underbody scrape challenge” crash test and received the top safety certificate from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center. Mazda launched the first lifetime zero-fuel rights guarantee in the joint venture sector. This shows our commitment to user peace of mind and our confidence in the safety of the EZ-6. We chose top domestic and international suppliers for quality. The production takes place at the best Mazda factory overseas, the Nanjing Mazda plant. The EZ-6 improves areas where users wanted changes. It enhances rear space and enlarges the central control screen. It also introduces three electric systems and a smart cabin, which Mazda previously lacked. The EZ-6 is the only joint venture new energy vehicle with extended-range power. It also features dual zero-gravity seats. This car retains Mazda’s proud DNA while making significant improvements based on Chinese consumer feedback. Thus, the EZ-6 stands as Mazda’s strongest sedan in the Chinese market. Sina Auto: A touching statement emerged: a B-class car at A-class prices. We noted the price range of 139,800 to 179,800 yuan (24860$). Besides the attractive price, what other benefits exist? Wu Xuxi: Taking the entry-level price of 139,800 yuan (19330$), customers enjoy a 10,000 yuan (1380$) national replacement subsidy. We offer an additional 10,000 yuan (1380$) for trade-ins. Both pure electric and extended-range models qualify for tax exemptions. When stacking these benefits, the entry-level model costs less than 100,000 yuan (13830$), aligning with mainstream A-class prices. Beyond pricing, we provide eight high-value purchase benefits, totaling up to 30,000 yuan (4150$). This includes the first lifetime zero-fuel rights guarantee in joint venture new energy, the first 6 million yuan intelligent driving guarantee, and a charging pile worth 3,999 yuan (550$). This ensures users have no worries about vehicle use. Xinhua Auto: The EZ-6’s lifetime zero-fuel rights show Changan Mazda’s focus on product safety and confidence. Before the new car launch, the EZ-6 underwent the industry’s first “truck lateral squeeze and bottom scrape challenge.” What are the highlights of this test? Wu Xuxi: This test is the first of its kind in the industry. We received the industry’s first certificate, number 001. This challenge contains two tests. The first test uses a 5-ton truck to simulate side collisions during actual use. The vehicle gets squeezed against another object, like a wall or another truck. The second test simulates battery pack bottoming out. This collision must ensure the vehicle’s body and battery safety meet standards. During this challenge, our A, B, and C pillars remained intact, with no significant deformation. All four doors opened normally, and the trunk functioned properly. Nine airbags deployed on time. Side airbags, side curtains, and far-end airbags also deployed promptly. The high voltage cut off quickly. The battery pack did not smoke, catch fire, or explode. The vehicle’s hazard lights activated, and the E-Call emergency rescue function dialed automatically. Customer service responded quickly. The occupant protection score met requirements. Xinhua Auto: Mazda has always been a dedicated brand. Why is Mazda the most resolute among domestic joint venture brands in this new energy transition? Wu Xuxi: I believe there are two reasons. First, China is now the world’s largest automotive consumer market. Mazda prioritizes the Chinese market because of this. With rapid growth and Mazda’s understanding of the market, the company has strong confidence in its continued development in China. Second, the mutual trust between parent companies plays a role. One of Changan Mazda’s parent companies, Changan Automobile, leads the industry in new energy fields, including three electric technologies and intelligent driving systems. Mazda recognizes Changan Automobile’s technology in the new energy sector. During this transformation, both parent companies showed sincerity and trust. They fully support Changan Mazda’s new energy development with their technology and resources. In 2021, we completed the integration of the two companies to enhance efficiency in the new energy transition. From the EZ-6, the market and users see Mazda and Changan Mazda’s strong commitment to electrification and intelligence. The market and users are eager to know Changan Mazda’s plans and vision for future developments in the new energy field. Changan Mazda will firmly establish itself in the Chinese market. It will embrace innovations in electrification and intelligence based on this market. Changan Mazda will push forward its new energy transformation, integrating Mazda’s core DNA to build core competitiveness in the electric era. We will leverage the strengths of both Changan Automobile and Mazda to solidify a new cooperation model, enhance internal business collaboration, improve resource sharing, and continuously create new value. Changan Mazda aims to become the leading brand in joint venture new energy. It will accelerate the layout of new energy products. The EZ-6, launching on October 26, marks Changan Mazda’s first new energy model. The second new energy product will debut globally at next year’s Shanghai Auto Show as an SUV. We have also planned the third and fourth products. Over the next three years, we will launch a new model in the Chinese market each year. After hearing Mr. Wu, my first reaction is that Mazda is also gearing up. At the Guangzhou Auto Show, we see many traditional Japanese car manufacturers embracing the wave of domestic electrification and intelligence, launching many strong new products. I wish Changan Mazda’s new cars great success in sales. Wu Xuxi: Thank you, host. Thank you, Sina Auto, for supporting Changan Mazda. I wish Sina Auto and Sina Weibo continued success. Thank you.