Report: Mazda’s new CEO halts future rotary engine, not a viable business case

Mazda rotary fans have apparently run into a new roadblock as AutomotiveNews reports CEO Masa-michi Kogai, a newly appointed chief, has said that a new rotary motor doesn’t present “a viable commercial proposition.”

“No plans now,” Kogai told AN on Friday. “It has to be a viable commercial proposition. If we are going to adopt it, it has to be a product that can generate at least sales of 100,000 units a year. We have to be able to achieve a profit.”

Previous reports have indicated that Mazda was ready to reveal a new rotary within two years, which would feature the brand’s latest SkyActiv tech for better fuel economy. Even Mazda’s own engineers were reportedly pushing for more rear-wheel drive models, such as an RX sports car.

Now, it seems they’re being shelved for now. What a shame.

Source: AutomotiveNews