Reviving Rumors: Mazda’s Trademark Filing Sparks Speculation of a Mazda 6e Comeback

The Mazda6 is set to bid farewell to production in Japan, but the recent filing of a new Mazda 6e trademark in Europe ignites speculation about the model’s potential comeback, possibly in an electrified variant. Mazda has traditionally reserved the “e” designation for its electrified powertrains, such as the “e-Skyactiv” range, but with the company’s inevitable expansion into EVs, hybrids, and PHEVs, this naming convention may evolve.

What’s intriguing about the Mazda 6e trademark application is the inclusion of a space between the brand and the model name, a departure from the existing naming convention seen in non-SUV models like the Mazda2, Mazda3, and Mazda6.

In addition to the Mazda 6e trademark, the automaker has also trademarked a corresponding 6e emblem featuring a metal-style gradient, consistent with its design language. Both filings were made public on March 18 on the European Union Intellectual Property Office website, although they lack further details, leaving room for speculation regarding their potential utilization.

The future of the Mazda6 has been subject to numerous rumors in recent years, fueled by conflicting statements from Mazda officials. Latest reports from Japan hint at a new generation of the Mazda6, possibly leveraging the success of the brand’s SUV lineup. It’s speculated that the new Mazda6 could share the platform with the Mazda CX-60, offering compatibility with both internal combustion engine (ICE) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrains.

Despite the trademark filings occurring in Europe, the focus for the new Mazda6 appears to be on the North American market, where it could compete with premium sedan offerings such as the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The current third-generation Mazda6 has enjoyed a lengthy lifecycle since its introduction in 2012, with facelifts in 2015 and 2018. While it was discontinued in North America in 2021 and removed from the UK lineup in 2023, the model continues to be available in select markets like Australia and Japan. However, production is slated to come to an end in April 2024.

Photo Source: Mazda Newsroom