Mazda Southern Africa has announced that the Mazda BT-50 double-cab bakkie has reached the end of the line in the local market.
Since it debuted in 2008, replacing Mazda’s B-series of light-commercial vehicles (LCVs), the BT-50 has delivered mixed sales results in the South African market, says the local arm of the Japanese car maker.
The BT-50 was originally manufactured in an alliance with Ford Motor Company of South Africa at its Silverton plant.
The current version, which launched in 2021 and was manufactured in Thailand as part of an alliance with Isuzu, has, however, failed to make inroads into the South African market.
“The South African LCV market, and in particular the double-cab market, is extremely well developed and competitive with locally manufactured brands and nameplates dominating sales,” says Mazda Southern Africa MD Craig Roberts.
“This factor, as well as an extremely challenging landscape for imported vehicles, competing directly with locally manufactured products, has led Mazda to make this difficult decision.”
Mazda says current dealer inventory will be the final available BT-50 vehicles for retail sale in South Africa, with no further imports of the BT-50 to be brought to the market by Mazda.
The existing BT-50 car parc – both the current generation, as well as previous generation vehicles – will continue to be supported with service, repair and replacement part activities by Mazda and its 42 dealers around the country.
Mazda Corporation in Japan will continue to manufacture the BT-50 for other global markets as part of its alliance with Isuzu.