Mazda Has No Plans to Kill Off the Combustion Engine or the MX-5MotorBiscuitSaajan JogiaSat, September 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM UTCAdd us on GoogleMazda is showing little interest in abandoning the internal combustion engine, even as the automotive industry begins to lean toward electrification. Instead, the Japanese automaker plans to continue developing combustion-powered vehicles while continuing to pursue multiple powertrain solutions, arguing that different markets still have different powertrain needs.Moritz Oswald, Project Manager for Product Planning and Co-Creation at Mazda Motor Europe, told Car Magazine that the company intends to maintain what it calls a multi-solutions strategy rather than committing entirely to battery-electric vehicles."Part of our strategy is that we want the right engine for the right customer," explained Oswald. "So, we will continue to invest in our multi-solutions approach. We will not kill the combustion engine tomorrow."AdvertisementAdvertisementMazda believes conventional engines remain particularly relevant in markets where electric vehicle adoption is still relatively low. Oswald pointed to the U.S. and Japan as examples, saying:a silver car driving down a road next to a forest"Combustion engines are still, globally, super relevant. If you talk about markets, such as the US, combustion engines for the next couple of years will definitely be the way to go. BEV share is still super low there, even with Tesla's home market. Also in Japan, we see combustion engines are still very relevant."Keeping combustion engines alive will nevertheless require Mazda to adapt them to increasingly strict emissions regulations. Oswald hinted that hybrid technology could play a significant role, with upcoming applications potentially helping Mazda's engines meet Euro 7 requirements.Among the developments mentioned are a forthcoming update for the 3.3-litre engine used in the CX-60 and a more powerful, Euro 7-compliant powertrain for the CX-5. Mazda is also exploring hybrid technology for the return of its rotary engine.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe company's approach extends beyond powertrains. Mazda is increasingly adopting software-defined vehicle technology, although Oswald acknowledged that the shift requires substantial investment while maintaining the brand's emphasis on craftsmanship and driving dynamics.That cautious approach reflects Mazda's position as a relatively small manufacturer. Oswald explained that every new vehicle needs to justify its investment, leaving the company less room for major missteps than larger rivals.Despite the changing scenario, Mazda also intends to preserve its performance-oriented identity. Oswald confirmed that the MX-5 will remain an important part of the brand's future, although the company has yet to determine whether that means continuing the current generation or developing a successor. He said:"For the long-term, the MX-5 will remain part of the DNA. Whether that is going to be with the current generation in a different form or a new generation, we cannot say. But I can promise you, we want to keep the MX-5 DNA in our brand."For Mazda, the future therefore appears less about choosing between combustion and electric power and more about keeping multiple technologies available for different customers and markets.a silver sports car parked in a parking lot
