In the epoch of electrification, one era of "legendary cars" draws to a close, marking the end of an automotive romance while heralding a new dimension in human travel civilization.

On March 7th, the global automotive industry recorded two significant milestones: Mazda announced the cessation of global production for its iconic sedan, the Mazda 6 (Atenza), while Ford simultaneously shut down its Focus production line in Germany, signaling no successor model.

These models encapsulate a generation's nostalgia. At their peak, they were household names—the Mazda 6, introduced in 2002, sold 800,000 units in China by 2017, disrupting the sedan market dominated by models like the Passat and Accord. The Focus, meanwhile, reigned as China's sedan sales champion from 2012 to 2014, amassing over 15 million units globally before production ceased.

Yet, both automakers refrained from explicitly stating the reasons behind the production halt, leaving many stunned by the news.

The Cold Logic Behind the Cessation

The demise of these models is hardly surprising. The Mazda 6 ceased sales in North America in 2021 and exited the UK market in 2023, with sales limited to Japan and Australia. In China, FAW Mazda withdrew from the market in 2021, merging its models and business into Changan Mazda, effectively disappearing from the domestic scene.

The Focus's tale is even more poignant. The third-generation model, launched in 2016, garnered praise for its handling. However, the fourth-generation, introduced in 2018, suffered a reputational collapse due to a three-cylinder engine paired with a dry dual-clutch transmission, aimed at complying with Europe's stringent emission regulations. Neglecting vibration and jerkiness issues severely impacted consumer experience, leading to global quality complaints. Despite Ford's mid-cycle refresh to a four-cylinder engine, trust had been eroded, and sales never recovered. In 2021, Focus sales in China plummeted to 22,500 units, a 35% year-on-year drop, and by 2023, sales dipped below 5,000 units. The 2024 financial report revealed a profit margin per vehicle of just 2.3%, far below the F-150 Raptor's 18.7%. Consequently, Ford's sedan business has been loss-making for five consecutive years.

Paying Tribute to the "Era of Electricity"

"Nürburgring made us famous overnight. Twelve years ago, it was me, the GT-R; twelve years later, it's you, the SU7 Ultra. Paying tribute to this era of electricity!" Notably, shortly before the production cessation announcements, Dongfeng Nissan congratulated Xiaomi on the successful launch of the SU7 Ultra on social media, soon followed by Nissan's announcement of the GT-R's cessation.

The GT-R mentioned is the GT-R Nismo (sixth-generation GT-R, codename R35), sold for 18 years since 2007. Over the years, the GT-R R35 announced its withdrawal from multiple markets, including Europe in 2022 and the US at the end of 2024.

This dialogue spanning twelve years symbolizes a handover from the fuel era to the electric era: in 2013, the GT-R Nismo (codename "R35") stunned the world with a 7:08 lap time; in 2024, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, equipped with a three-motor system and all-domain 800V high-voltage platform, set a new record for four-door production cars at 6:46.

Official information indicates that Xiaomi SU7 Ultra adopts the same three-motor system as the prototype, featuring a dual V8s + V6s all-wheel-drive layout. The V8 motor reaches a maximum speed of 27,200 rpm, with a combined power of 1,548 horsepower. This configuration enables the SU7 Ultra to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 1.98 seconds, 0-200km/h in 5.86 seconds, and reach a top speed exceeding 350km/h.

This leap from 600 to 1,548 horsepower signifies a market discontinuity driven by technological intergenerational differences and a revamped powertrain roadmap. This transformation extends beyond specifications, profoundly impacting the driving experience and overall energy efficiency.

In the era of electrification, traditional fuel performance cars' pride in sound waves, shift rhythms, and mechanical coordination has been replaced by instant torque, smooth CVT, and algorithm-controlled chassis. Moreover, user values are shifting. A 2024 Deloitte survey revealed that Chinese consumers prioritize smart cabins (38%), charging efficiency (32%), and autonomous driving (25%) when choosing an electric vehicle, with "handling" ranking seventh. As Generation Z values in-car entertainment over engine sounds, the value system of traditional fuel vehicles collapses.

The Throne's Replacement Never Waits for the Nostalgic

Mazda 6 and Focus faced similar fates. Mazda 6 delved into engine technology advancements, with the 2012 SkyActiv technology exemplifying the Japanese automotive industry's pursuit. Its "Soul Red" paint, developed over 15 years, utilized 0.3-micron aluminum powder coating for complex optical refraction effects, culminating in peak industrial design aesthetics.

The Focus's transformations are also noteworthy: the second-generation model incorporated Volvo's safety design on the C1 platform in 2004; the third-generation led the small-displacement turbocharging trend with the Ecoboost engine in 2010; and the fourth-generation, despite its ambitious 8AT transmission and three-cylinder engine combination, became a cautionary tale of technological ambition meeting market indifference.

Fortunately, some have awakened. "Low-profit models cannot support R&D investment. We must bid farewell to 'boring cars' and focus on electric pickups," said Ford CEO Jim Farley in a 2024 fourth-quarter conference call. Ford will concentrate on electric pickups and high-end off-road models like the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Raptor, and Bronco. Notably, its latest F-Series pickup trucks contribute nearly 67% of Ford's profits. To this end, Ford aims for an annual global electric vehicle production capacity of 2 million units by 2026, transforming the Cologne plant into an electric vehicle production base, and planning an electric Focus to continue its IP value.

Similarly, Mazda recently launched a new "Lean Asset Strategy," viewing the period until 2030 as the "Dawn of Electrification." The brand will adhere to a "multi-solution" approach, offering internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid, and battery electric vehicle (BEV) models based on customer demand.

This plan aims to enhance electrification flexibility, improve production efficiency, and reduce R&D costs through strategic partnerships. By manufacturing electric and fuel vehicles on the same line, Mazda can reduce investment costs by 85% compared to a dedicated electric vehicle factory. These flexible lines will introduce automated guided vehicles (AGVs), artificial intelligence technology, and OTA remote updates to improve supply chain efficiency. Mazda has also reduced planned electric vehicle investments and plans to launch a new SkyActiv-Z engine, debuting in 2027 after adapting to a hybrid system and planned for the next-generation CX-5 model.

However, industry evolution relentlessly progresses. As Xiaomi SU7 Ultra speeds through the Nürburgring, its motor's high-frequency hum harmonizes with the GT-R's roar from twelve years ago. This is both an inter-era dialogue and proof of technology's relentless surge. Amid electrification and intelligence waves, this dialogue underscores a truth—no one stays on the throne forever, but innovators will find their place in the new era's coordinates.