IRVINE, Calif., June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total May sales of 39,066 vehicles, an increase of 35 percent compared to May 2025. Year-to-date sales totaled 164,667 vehicles sold; a decrease of 6.9 percent compared to the same time last year. With 26 selling days in May compared to 27 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 40.2 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

CPO sales totaled 7,992 vehicles in May; an increase of 7.2 percent compared to May 2025.

Sales highlights include:

• Best total sales month since July 2025
• Best-ever sales month for CX-50 Hybrid
• Best sales month since May 2021 for Mazda3 (Sedan and Hatchback combined)

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported May sales of 6,281 vehicles, a decrease of 21 percent compared to May last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 27,551 vehicles sold; a decrease of 16.1 percent compared to same time last year.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported May sales of 9,759 vehicles, an increase of 13 percent compared to May last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 42,682 vehicles sold; a decrease of 0.2 percent compared to same time last year.

About Mazda North American Operations
Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com. 

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads.

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

• GR86 Receives Focused Enhancements for 2027, Including Updated Throttle Calibration, Improved Shift Feel, New Interior Treatments and Expanded Convenience Features
• New Thunder Exterior Color Highlights GR86’s Sculpted Body Lines
• New Cockpit Red Interior Option Added to Premium Grades
• 2.4-Liter, 4-Cylinder Boxer Engine Generates 228 Horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of Torque
• Available Performance Package Includes Brembo^® Brakes and SACHS^® Dampers
• Complimentary 1-year Membership to the National Auto Sport Association
• Expected to Arrive at Dealerships Summer 2026

PLEASANTON, Calif., June 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Making its debut at FuelFest in the Bay Area, where car culture, performance, passion and the enthusiast community come together, the 2027 Toyota GR86 returns with a series of focused enhancements designed to deepen the connection between driver, car and road. Built for enthusiasts and engineered with input shaped by motorsports, the GR86 continues to deliver the kind of lightweight, rear-wheel-drive fun that has made it a favorite among sports car purists around the world.

The GAZOO Racing team is always working to sharpen the GR lineup year after year, and for 2027 the GR86 benefits from several thoughtful updates aimed at elevating both control and confidence. Engineers refined throttle calibration for a smoother, more linear response and improved fifth-to-fourth downshift feel for an even more seamless and natural connection during spirited driving. Inside, updated interior treatments further amplify the GR86’s focused, driver-centric cockpit, while expanded active safety and convenience technologies help provide added confidence across a wider range of everyday driving situations.

There is also a new exterior color for 2027: Thunder. This new solid gray color shifts depending on the light, accentuating the sculpted body of the GR86 and highlighting the authentic sports car attitude.

Powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2027 GR86 will be offered in GR86 (base) and GR86 Premium grades. Both grades will be available with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The 2027 Toyota GR86 is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in summer 2026. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing and specs will be shared later this year.

What’s New
In the pursuit of building ever-better cars, the GAZOO Racing team focused on further enhancing the GR86’s controllability, convenience and comfort for 2027.

Track testing played a key role in shaping these updates, with every lap helping engineers further refine the vehicle’s response and feel. To improve controllability, engineers refined the relationship between accelerator input and torque delivery to help create a smoother, more linear response. They also widened the chamfer of the shifter interlock between 4^th and 5^th gear by approximately 0.02 inches to help deliver a smoother shift feel.

In addition to the new Thunder exterior color, the 2027 GR86 introduces updated interior options that build on its driver-focused, GR-inspired character. A new available Cockpit Red interior adds bold contrast to the cabin with black Ultrasuede® and red leather accents on the side bolsters, red floor mats and red door accents. A black interior option is also available, featuring black Ultrasuede® and black leather-trimmed upholstery, black stitching and an all-black cabin treatment. Premium models also receive a cast iron black finish on several interior touchpoints, including the switches, knobs and shifter, for a more cohesive appearance. The base grade comes equipped with six-way adjustable black GR-embossed fabric seats with sport fabric side bolsters.

Additional updates were also made to help enhance driver confidence. The recognition range of the stereo camera was nearly doubled to improve detection of preceding vehicles when using cruise control. A monocular camera was also added to help detect nearby objects at intersections.

Impressive Performance Package
Each GR vehicle is designed and engineered with a precise attention to detail and unique driving character. The GR86 is a sports car that focuses on performance and balance. Its compact dimensions and responsive chassis make it feel nimble on both tight corners and open roads, delivering an engaging driving experience that emphasizes fun over outright power.

For 2027, a Performance Package is available on the GR86 and GR86 Premium grades, which includes Brembo^® Brakes and SACHS^® Dampers. The SACHS Dampers are filled with high-pressure nitrogen and oil and are designed to absorb vibrations across a wide range of speeds, maximize ground contact, and support firm, stable steering, while also balancing road feedback and ride comfort. The red-painted Brembo 4-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers clamp down on smooth surfaced 12.8 x 1.3-in front rotors, with 12.4 x .79-in. rotors in the rear. 

The dampers and brakes complement the GR86’s chassis, which is known for its taut, agile feel. Crafted from a combination of high-strength steel, hot-stamped steel, and aluminum, each material in the frame is strategically placed to bring drivers a balance of roll and pitch that helps maximize control. Up front, it uses diagonal cross members and high-strength fasteners to join the front suspension and frame together. At the rear, a full ring structure and high-strength fasteners connect the frame and suspension mounts. For additional reinforcement, structural adhesive has been added throughout the underbody. Altogether this creates a cohesive, connected frame.

Lightweight and Pure Driving Experience
All GR86 models pack in modern engineering, tech, and convenience – while sticking to their lightweight sports car roots.

Weighing in at just 2,811 pounds for the manual transmission equipped base grade model, and at 2,851 pounds for the automatic transmission model, the GR86 is one of the lightest sports cars that Toyota develops. An aluminum hood, front fenders, and roof panel help keep the weight down on the body. While details such as the use of structural adhesives in the frame and seats that are over six pounds lighter than the prior generation 86, help save precious ounces in the name of maximum control.

The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter FA-24 engine delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque and is tuned so that peak torque arrives at 3,700 RPM, resulting in a responsive and powerful driving experience. Zero-to-60 acceleration comes in at 6.1 seconds for the 6-speed manual transmission, and 6.6 seconds for the available six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT-i). With either transmission, the GR86 comes equipped with a Torsen^® limited-slip rear differential for better traction while cornering.

Sports car purists will love GR86’s 6-speed manual transmission. With the push of a button, drivers can engage Track mode or switch off Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). On the automatic transmission GR86, additional clutch discs and a high-capacity torque converter allow for smooth delivery of the 2.4-liter engine’s higher power and torque.

On the inside, a low-slung, driver-focused cockpit with digital instrument panel, push-button start, HVAC system with LED dials and piano-key switches, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls keep the driver in complete control of their environment. On the 6-speed automatic, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters offer enthusiasts a dynamic driving experience. Drivers can choose between Normal, Sport or Snow modes. When in Sport mode, the transmission senses brake and accelerator operation and vehicle behavior to automatically select the optimal gear, helping bring drivers the control they want.

GR86 Safety, Convenience & Connected Services
All Toyota GR86 models come standard with an Active Safety Suite. This suite includes Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning and Automatic High Beams. Rear Sonar Warning is standard on the Premium grade, designed to help detect and alert the driver to objects behind the vehicle during low-speed reverse driving. An anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and alarm are also standard.

Standard on all models, Toyota’s Star Safety System™ includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Smart Stop Technology^® (SST), Track Mode and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) round out the suite of active safety systems. Additional safety features include LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) with lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats and a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Seven airbags are standard on all models, including a driver’s knee airbag.

Experience convenience and peace of mind with GR86’s Connected Services* trials, including a one-year trial subscription to Safety Connect* with Emergency Assistance Button and Enhanced Roadside Assistance; a one-year trial of Service Connect, which includes receiving personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports; and a one-year trial of Remote Connect so owners can remotely interact with their vehicle through the Toyota app via a compatible smartphone and/or smartwatch. Remote activities enabled by the app include locking/unlocking doors, starting and stopping the vehicle, locating the last parked location, checking vehicle status, and monitoring guest drivers. For more details, please visit toyota.com/connected-services. 

^{* 4G network-dependent}

Motorsports Inspired
To earn the GR badge, GR sport cars go through an intensive track testing process tested by Akio Toyoda, aka Morizo, and the Toyota GAZOO Racing drivers and engineers. Toyota GAZOO Racing is also working with ROOKIE Racing to compete in various endurance and touring car races like the Super Taikyu in Japan to help provide insights and develop new technologies through motorsports. The team uses real-world competitive racing to hone in on what makes a GR a GR.

In 2023, Toyota GAZOO Racing North America developed the GR Cup single-make racing championship that features race-modified GR86s. The series is designed to celebrate car culture and motorsports by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. It provides an entry-level professional racing opportunity at a more affordable rate, allowing more drivers to compete and help them develop.

Toyota’s commitment to motorsports is one of the many reasons why it also offers a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) giving GR owners the chance to experience the world of performance driving in an enclosed road course. Owners will enjoy a host of benefits, including one free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events.

Warranty and ToyotaCare
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles, and corrosion with no mileage limitation. On GR86, ToyotaCare is a no additional cost plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 7.5 months or 7,500 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs approximately 48,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 36 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com. 

About GR
GAZOO Racing was founded from a passion for the adrenaline-filled world of motorsports. Started by the late Master Driver Hiromu Naruse and Akio Toyoda himself, GR was forged through their mutual respect and understanding that the ultimate proving ground for development of technologies and the people behind them is the racetrack. With his endurance racing debut in 2007, Akio Toyoda under the guise of his now iconic “Morizo” pseudonym, along with Naruse and a team of technical experts, reached the catalyst of what would inspire and define his mission for developing performance-oriented vehicles that continually enhance the overall driving experience. Today, the brand offers three GR models. GR is a commitment to the car enthusiasts in every generation to continue building sports cars that stir the soul and drive passion into future.

Media Contact
Marjorie Owens
[email protected]

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

IRVINE, Calif., June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) and Kia America (KUS) celebrated the start of production for its newest vehicle, marking three major milestones for the advanced manufacturing facility: the first Kia model, the first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and the third vehicle to be assembled¹ at the site.

The Kia Sportage Hybrid joins HMGMA’s lineup alongside award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 electric vehicles, demonstrating Hyundai Motor Group’s comprehensive powertrain capabilities. This production flexibility was built into HMGMA’s original design, enabling seamless integration of different powertrains with minimal modifications. The plant has the ability to produce up to 10 different vehicles.

“Once again, Marty and I are proud to join Kia’s Sean Yoon, Stuart Countess and the entire Metaplant team to help celebrate this historic moment for our great state,” said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. “Our mutual success is the direct result of our proven partnership approach to creating long-lasting relationships between Kia America, HMG’s Metaplant, the local community, and hardworking Georgians. We look forward to this new vehicle joining the Georgia grown lineup and helping support jobs for our communities for years to come.”

“This marks a very important event for Kia in the state of Georgia and for our customers across the US,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. “Metaplant in Savannah is our second major investment in Georgia and is a clear testament to our confidence in this state’s future as an automotive powerhouse.  We have great confidence that Metaplant will continue the strong momentum that Sportage Hybrid has achieved since updated last year to quickly became one of our highest volume models.”

“This is an exciting moment for all of us at HMGMA,” said Tony Heo, President and CEO of HMGMA. “Through the dedication of our Meta Pros and the strength of our flexible manufacturing system, we have successfully prepared to produce our first hybrid vehicle and our first Kia model. Today represents an important next step as we continue building the future of mobility through world-class manufacturing here in Georgia.”

This event expands the nearly two-decade commitment by Kia America to production of award-winning vehicles in the state of Georgia.  Kia’s West Point factory currently assembles the all-new 2nd generation Telluride, all-electric EV9 and EV6, and internal combustion powered versions of the popular Sportage and Sorento SUVs.  With assembly of the Sportage Hybrid now starting in Georgia, Kia looks to expand the number of SUVs produced for and sold within the US market and further accelerate electrification of their entire line-up.

The celebration was attended by approximately 200 Meta Pros, who shared in the milestone after extensive preparation for the new powertrain. Many team members traveled to Kia facilities in West Point, Georgia and South Korea to learn best practices for Sportage Hybrid production, ensuring HMGMA is equipped to deliver the highest levels of quality, efficiency and performance.

Kia’s West Point facility currently employs over 3,200 team members and HMGMA adds nearly 2,000 Meta Pros, with a very high percentage coming from the state of Georgia. Both facilities continue to create high-quality jobs and economic opportunities for their local communities and across the state.

Distinguished guests including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Kia North America and America President and CEO Seungkyu (Sean) Yoon and Kia Georgia President and CEO Stuart Countess, joined the celebration. During the ceremony, the first Kia Sportage Hybrid assembled at HMGMA made its debut in a signature display of the plant’s advanced automation capabilities, traveling to the stage on an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR). Gov. Kemp rode in the vehicle as it was presented, highlighting the innovation and technology embedded throughout the Metaplant.

The addition of the Kia Sportage Hybrid marks a significant step in expanding HMGMA’s production portfolio across Hyundai Motor Group’s three brands — Kia, Hyundai and Genesis —and reinforces the larger group’s leadership as a global leader in smart manufacturing, electrification and sustainable mobility solutions.  Kia now has capacity for up to 550,000 vehicles across the West Point and HMGMA facilities on annual basis. Future model plans are not being released at this time.

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2025. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several SUVs proudly assembled in America*.  

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert  

* The 2026 and 2027 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excluding PHEV model), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

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SOURCE Kia America