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Mazda Southern African has announced the end of production and importation of its BT-50 double cab pick-up for the South African market.
In a statement on Tuesday, the company said that it debuted in 2008, and was originally built in alliance with Ford Motor Company SA in the Silverton plant.
However, the company said the current version, which launched in 2021 and manufactured in Thailand in an alliance with Isuzu, has not made inroads into SA’s extremely competitive double-cab market, especially in comparison to brands that manufacture locally.
“The South African LCV, and in particular the double cab market, is extremely well developed and competitive with locally manufactured Brands and nameplates dominating sales.
“This factor, as well as an extremely challenging landscape for imported vehicles, competing directly with locally manufactured products has led Mazda SA to make this difficult decision,” said managing director, Craig Roberts.
Mazda Southern Africa said the current inventory at dealers will be the final available BT-50 vehicles for retail sale in SA, and there will be no further imports into SA.
The company has assured owners of the existing BT-50 model, as well as previous generation vehicles, both under warranty and in-service plan as well all vehicles currently in service on SA roads, will continue to be supported by Mazda SA and its 42 dealers around the country.
“As with the run-out of any specific model, Mazda SA will continue to support BT-50 with all service, repair, and replacement parts,” the company said.
