Last paragraph of the article:
Regardless, it’s not helpful for Mazda to make misleading claims about the relative environmental benefits of EVs and diesel-powered cars. And it creates a foul smell around Mazda’s first EV, which otherwise looks like a fun ride.
The other day Honda announced they were taking their time on EV’s.
Today Mazda poopoos their own new EV.
They need a product to placate the regulators and not bet the farm.
Recall Sergio:
“I hope you don’t buy it because every time I sell one it costs me $14,000,” he said to the audience at the Brookings Institution about the 500e. “I’m honest enough to tell you that.”
https://www.reuters.com/article/chrsyelr-ceo-evs/fiat-chrysler-ceo-please-dont-buy-fiat-500e-electric-car-idUSL1N0O71MS20140521
And Japan is famous for its backchannel collusion.