In a strategic move to accelerate its electrification strategy, Mazda Motor Corporation, through its Chinese joint venture Changan Mazda, has entered a key partnership with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL), the world’s leading EV battery manufacturer. The collaboration will focus on developing next-generation electric vehicles using CATL’s revolutionary CIIC (Cell to Chassis) skateboard platform.

Focus on chassis integration and manufacturing collaboration.

The partnership will centre on CATL’s CIIC platform, which was introduced in December last year. The chassis system is built around a decoupled vehicle architecture that separates the upper and lower body sections, allowing modular subsystems and standardised interfaces. This structure supports flexible hardware and software configurations and is designed to streamline model development and improve adaptability.

By combining CATL’s chassis technology with Chang’an Mazda’s automotive production systems, the two companies aim to shorten development timelines and align with changing market requirements for NEVS.

Executive attendance at the signing ceremony

Representatives from both companies attended the signing event. CATL was represented by Yu Jiashuai, Customer Director; Tan Libin, Co-President of Market Systems; Li Xiaoning, Executive President of Overseas Business; and Yang Hanbing, Managing Director of the Intelligent Mobility Division. Changan Mazda was represented by Ma Dayong, Procurement Director, and Deng Zhitao, Executive Vice President.

Plans for future development

CATL and Changan Mazda intend to expand the scope of their cooperation by working on new NEV technologies. Their goal is to support vehicle production that meets safety, performance, and reliability standards for domestic and international markets.

This collaboration reflects a broader trend among automakers and battery suppliers to consolidate expertise to meet regulatory and market expectations for electrification.

Mazda’s activity in China’s EV sector

Mazda is expanding its electric vehicle efforts in China, which has been marked by recent visits from President Masahiro Moro for the launch of the EZ-60 SUV at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show and the earlier debut of the 6e sedan in Nanjing. The company has committed to a 10 billion yuan (1.37 billion USD) investment, aiming to double production and reach 300,000 annual sales by 2027, with 90% being electric or hybrid. Its Nanjing base supports R&D, manufacturing, and exports. Mazda also plans to introduce two additional electric models in China by 2027.

Source: IT-Home