Mazda CX-5 to be made in China in 2013

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai July 9) - Mazda will begin domestically producing its upcoming compact CX-5 in late 2013, auto.sohu.com learned earlier this week. The SUV is based on the recently unveiled Minagi concept and will reportedly share a lot in common with it.

The vehicle will supposedly be built at Changan Ford Mazda's factory in Nanjing, according to an announcement on the region's technology website saying that a new five-door SUV, codenamed J53R, would be built there. Mazda has said that they will first sell the imported version, until domestic production hits full swing, probably in 2013. All signs point to Mazda having officially put into motion production plans for the vehicle.

Spy pictures of the CX-5 from overseas have begun circulating through the media as well. In the shots (pictured above) the new SUV shares the Buick GL8 minivan's curves. It takes the Minagi concept's (pictured below) design another step further.