Automotive News China: Mazda, Changan To Develop EVs

TOKYO January 30, 2018; Automotive News China reported that Mazda Motor Corp. plans to jointly develop electric vehicles with Changan Automobile Group, the Nikkei Asian Review reported.

The two companies will form a 50-50 joint venture that will introduce its first model, a small crossover, in China by 2019.

Changan will provide electric motors, batteries and other key components, while Mazda will develop the auto body, Nikkei notes.

Mazda is racing to comply with China’s carbon credit trading program, which will mandate the sale of EVs when it takes effect in 2019.

Other Japanese automakers such as Honda Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. all plan to introduce electric crossovers.