Mazda plans to end sales of its rotary engine-powered RX-8 sports car in Europe as the engine fails to meet new European auto emission regulations taking effect in January 2011, company officials have said.

A Kyodo news agency report said that although the RX-8 can be modified to meet the new regulations, the recent sales performance has led Mazda to decide to end sales of the vehicle in Europe.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

But the report added that  RX-8 sales will continue in Japan and North America. Reports in the US have said that North American sales of the model could also finish after 2011.

Mazda will terminate production of the RX-8 for Europe at its head office plant in Ujina, Hiroshima Prefecture, in June and end European sales when inventories are exhausted, the report said.

European RX-8 sales totalled just 1,128 units in 2009, the report added.
 
 

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now