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Mazda books first yearly profit in half-decade, NA still a drag

Automotive News reports Mazda has posted its first annual profit in five years. The company made $364.3 million in the last fiscal year, following a $1.14 billion loss the year prior. Operating profit also jumped up by $91.3 million to $572.8 million, thanks in part to a revenue increase of 8 percent to $23.42 billion.
But the news isn't all rays of sunshine. North America continues to be a problem for Mazda where the automaker posted yet another loss. The manufacturer lost $519.1 million last year, up from $427.8 million the year prior. While the launch of the CX-5 helped see US sales increase by 2 percent to 273,000 vehicles, the region as a whole bought up 372,000 units. Mazda had predicted closer to 380,000 units.
Even so, Mazda says it should have North America back in the black by next year, with the company forecasting a sales increase of 11 percent to 415,000 units in the region. That's thanks in part to a boost from the redesigned Mazda6 sedan.

Driving the Honda Ridgeline and marveling at Tesla | Autoblog Podcast #638

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski and Associate Editor Byron Hurd. They start off talking about why more people should buy the Honda Ridgeline, because it's a pretty darned good truck. Next, Byron talks about some Hyundais. He shares his experiences with the 2020 Sonata Hybrid and talks briefly about the prototype 2021 Elantra currently occupying his driveway. Up next, Jeremy shares his feelings about the BMW X1 crossover he spent some time with, prompting the gang to mull over the notion of BMW's modern interpretation of "Ultimate Driving Machine." After that, Byron talks about towing his 1990 Mazda Miata with the 2020 Infiniti QX80, and then they wrap up with some discussion of the mystery surrounding the Ford Maverick and some comments on the current state of Tesla. Autoblog Podcast #638 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Hauling dirt with the 2020 Honda Ridgeline Driving the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Discussing the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Driving the 2020 BMW X1 Towing a 1990 Mazda Miata with a 2020 Infiniti QX80 News Ford Maverick tailgate stamping leaks; we may see the whole thing in 2021 Tesla reports profit for fourth straight quarter, setting it up to join S&P 500 Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video:

2016 Mazda6 and CX-5 see gentle price hike

Mazda has modestly updated the Mazda6 and CX-5 for the 2016 model year, and the company just announced revised pricing for the pair. The vehicles cost a little more now, but buyers also get additional features and an improved look. When it comes to the 2016 Mazda6, the already attractive sedan wears a revised look up front with more chrome and a redesigned cabin with a new instrument layout and seven-inch infotainment system on most models. Mechanically, things carry over with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet and either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox depending on trim. The base Sport trim with a six-speed manual gearbox costs $305 more than it did in 2015, and starts at $21,495*, plus an $820 destination charge on all models. Upgrading to the automatic gearbox at $22,995 also adds the revised infotainment system and reverse camera. Prices top out at $30,195 for the Grand Touring, which is $300 more than last year. All of the other versions see a $100 year-over-year increase. LED headlights are standard on the Grand Touring, but they can be added to the Touring through the Touring Technology package for $1,675. The 2016 CX-5 sees light exterior upgrades and similar interior improvements as the Mazda6, including the improved infotainment system for some trims. Pricing rings up for $250 more than last year, except the all-wheel drive Sport trim at just an extra $50. The cheapest CX-5 is the front-wheel Sport with a manual gearbox and 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 155 hp and 150 lb-ft, and it costs $21,795. All other models combine a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 184 hp and 185 lb-ft with a six-speed automatic. Prices go all the way up to $29,470 for a CX-5 Grand Touring with all-wheel drive. There's a new i-Activesense package for the Grand Touring for $1,500, as well, that adds safety sensors and radar cruise control, but it can only be combined with the Grand Touring Technology Package for $1,505 with navigation and LED headlights. 2016 Mazda6 Pricing Announced IRVINE, Calif. (February 9, 2015) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing for its refreshed 2016 Mazda6 midsize sedan lineup. The 2016 Mazda6 is available in three trim levels – Sport, Touring and Grand Touring – and is equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine. There are a number of enhancements for 2016 including bold changes to the shape of the instrument panel and floor console giving the interior a fresh new look.