While the Japanese automobile industry saw an overall increase in production volume in 2024, there were some models whose production and sales were affected for various reasons. Among these, many models were quietly discontinued. In recent years, the automobile industry has reached a major turning point. With stricter environmental regulations and the spread of electric vehicles (EVs), the end of production of many models has been announced. In this article, we will explain the models whose production and sales were discontinued in 2024 and the changing times behind them.
Suzuki “Escudo”
The Suzuki Escudo is a compact SUV that has been on the market since 1988. The current model, the fifth generation, was released in October 2015 and features an urban design, excellent driving performance, and the latest safety features. It features a 1.4L direct-injection turbo engine and mild hybrid system, delivering powerful acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The ALLGRIP SELECT 4WD system allows you to select from four driving modes to suit road conditions. Safety features include Suzuki Safety Support, which enhances preventive safety performance.
Suzuki will end sales of the Escudo in April 2024. It has disappeared from the website and orders have also ended . However, sales are still ongoing overseas.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
→ Suzuki “Escudo” to end sales in Japan, overseas models to continue sales
Mitsubishi Motors “Mirage”
Mitsubishi Motors’ Mirage is a compact car that has been on the market since 1978. The current model is the sixth generation, released in 2012, and is produced in Thailand. The combination of a 1.2L engine and CVT achieves low fuel consumption. It features a simple interior that is reasonably priced while still providing sufficient equipment.
Production of Mitsubishi Motors’ compact car, the Mirage, will end in February 2023, and domestic sales will end on March 31, 2023. Sales continue overseas.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
→ Mitsubishi’s new Mirage, partially improved with enhanced features, will be released on June 9, 2022
Mitsubishi Motors “RVR”
Mitsubishi Motors’ “RVR” is a compact SUV that has been on the market since 1991. The current model is the third generation, released in 2010, and is characterized by its stylish design and sporty driving performance. It adopts Mitsubishi Motors’ “Dynamic Shield” design concept, resulting in a powerful and imposing front face. The interior combines high-quality materials with a sporty design, providing a comfortable and functional cabin space. The combination of a 1.8L engine and CVT delivers smooth and powerful acceleration. It is equipped with an electronically controlled 4WD system that can handle a variety of road conditions.
Mitsubishi Motors RVR
Mitsubishi Motors will end production of the crossover SUV “RVR” by April 2024, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun announced on February 14, 2024. The overseas model will undergo a full model change and will continue to be sold in its fourth generation, becoming an overseas-only model.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
→ Mitsubishi Motors to end sales of the RVR in Japan, with production ending in April 2024
Mazda “MAZDA6”
The MAZDA6 is Mazda’s flagship sedan/wagon. It features beautiful design, a premium interior, and outstanding driving performance. The premium interior, featuring refined materials and craftsmanship, and SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY delivers powerful acceleration and excellent fuel economy. It also features advanced driver-support technologies, such as G-Vectoring Control Plus.
Mazda MAZDA6
Mazda announced on January 19, 2024, that it will end sales of the domestic model of its flagship model, the MAZDA6 (sedan and wagon). Production of the domestic model is scheduled to end in mid-April 2024. Once production volume is reached, orders will also end.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
→ Mazda “MAZDA6” production ends with no successor model! What will happen to the market?
Honda EV model “Honda e”
Honda’s EV model, the Honda e, is a five-door hatchback electric vehicle released in 2020. Featuring a compact, adorable design and advanced technology, it has gained popularity as an EV suitable for urban use. Range: Up to 283km in WLTC mode. A sufficient range for everyday use in urban areas. Charging: Supports fast charging, allowing the battery to be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes. Driving assistance: Honda SENSING is standard equipment, supporting safe driving.
Honda honda-e
Honda has announced on its official website that production of its EV model, the Honda e, will end by January 2024. Sales of the Honda e will cease once production runs are sold out. The car was announced on August 27, 2020, and went on sale on October 30, 2020, with sales ceasing in approximately three years.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
Mazda “CX-8”
The Mazda CX-8 is a three-row SUV and the top model in Mazda’s domestic SUV lineup. Since its launch in 2017, it has gained popularity for its sophisticated design, high-quality interior, and practicality for accommodating multiple passengers. Based on Mazda’s “Kodo” design theme, the CX-8 features an elegant yet dynamic exterior. The refined interior highlights high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The three-row seating layout accommodates up to seven passengers, allowing for multiple passengers. Captain chairs are also available for the second row. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY delivers both powerful acceleration and excellent fuel economy. It also features advanced driver-support technologies, such as G-Vectoring Control Plus.
Mazda CX-8
Mazda announced on its official website that it will end production of the large, three-row crossover SUV “CX-8.” Production will end in December 2023.
Production of the MAZDA CX-8 will end in December 2023. Sales will end when orders reach the production limit for December. For more information on the above, please contact your local dealer.
Indeed, looking at the images released by Mazda, the “CX-5” remains in the “JAPANESE MARKET” section, but the “CX-8” has been removed and instead listed as the “CX-60” and “CX-80,” indicating that the “CX-8” will no longer be sold. The successor, the two-digit series “CX-80,” will likely be treated as a premium model. It will likely be treated as the highest-end SUV for Mazda’s Japanese models.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
Toyota Camry
The Camry is Toyota Motor Corporation’s global strategic vehicle, and together with the Corolla, it forms the backbone of the company. Launched in 1980 as the “Celica Camry” (FR vehicle) as a domestic-only model, it was redesigned in 1982 to its current name, “Camry,” adopting a FF layout and beginning global sales. As “Toyota’s global mid-size sedan,” the Camry has been sold in over 100 countries and regions, including the United States, where it has been the No. 1 selling passenger car for 15 consecutive years, achieving cumulative sales of over 18 million units.
Toyota Camry
Toyota will end sales of the sedan model “Camry” in Japan. The overseas model will undergo a full model change and continue to be sold in the 11th generation, but will be an overseas-only model. Unfortunately, sales in Japan will end with the 10th generation.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
Daihatsu “Mira Tocot”
The Daihatsu Mira Tocot features a friendly square design and simple, easy-to-use operability. The exterior has a friendly and cute design, including rounded headlights and a square form. The interior has a simple, easy-to-use layout. Safety performance: The collision avoidance support system “Smart Assist III” is standard equipment on all vehicles.
Mira Tocot
Daihatsu’s Mira Tocot production to end in early December 2023, ending a five-year history Daihatsu has announced that production of its light vehicle Mira Tocot will end in early December 2023.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
Background to the end of production
Poor sales
Models that continue to sell poorly are likely to be discontinued. In recent years, sales of minivans and sedans have been sluggish due to the growing popularity of SUVs.
Strengthening environmental regulations
In recent years, environmental regulations have been strengthened in countries around the world, and automakers are focusing on developing EVs to improve fuel efficiency and emissions performance.
The spread of electric vehicles (EVs)
EVs are becoming increasingly popular around the world due to their lower environmental impact compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Automakers are scaling back production of conventional gasoline-powered vehicles in order to accelerate the development and sales of EVs.
summary
We have compiled a list of car models that will be discontinued in 2024. Although discontinued, some models are still being sold overseas after undergoing a full model change, and some may be revived in Japan in the future.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
→ [2023] Lexus global sales reach 824,258 units, the highest number ever
