Mazda planning hybrids, plug-ins, EVs for the future

Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi says the brand is looking at using plug-in technology before launching into producing fully electric cars.

Mazda recently signed a deal with Toyota to use its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, which is expected to be paired with Mazda’s upcoming range of Sky engines.

Despite the commitment, it is expected that hybrid-powered Mazda vehicles will not be available until 2013 at the earliest.

Mazda is behind its competitors in terms of hybrid development, after focusing much of its efforts on designing upcoming powertrains.

It says its Sky-G and Sky-D engines and Sky-Drive automatic transmission will be hybrid rivaling in their fuel and emissions efficiency, and are expected to have even greater potential if linked to the hybrid system.

Toyota and Honda both have plug-in hybrid models planned for release in 2012.

Meanwhile, Mr Yamanouchi also outlined plans for Mazda to sell two million vehicles annually by 2016, with intended sales to developing markets like Brazil, India and Russia helping to boost projections.