Mazda Motor Corporation has commenced production of the all-new CX-9 three-row mid-size crossover SUV at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima. The first units produced are bound for the U.S. and Canada. The all-new CX-9 has been tailored for the North American market, which is expected to account for 80 percent of global sales forecast at 50,000 units annually. Sales of the new model start from North America in spring 2016.

The CX-9 is a high-end model of the new-generation line-up featuring the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO-Soul of Motion design. Made in Japan to the highest quality standards, it offers customers indulgent comfort that goes beyond specs and functionality. To coincide with start of production of the new model, Mazda has begun manufacturing a new 2.5-liter direct injection turbocharged gasoline engine called SKYACTIV-G 2.5T at its Hiroshima Plant.