New Mazda CEO: ‘US is the highest priority.’

Akira Morumoto, Mazda Motor Corp.'s newly minted CEO, made his top priority clear during a press conference prior to taking office on June 26.

"In terms of profit and brand, the U.S. is the highest priority," Marumoto said at the event.

Marumoto has been the CEO of the Japanese car brand's American arm since 2013, which explains his focus in a way. He oversaw the expansion of one assembly plant in Mexico and brokered the plans for another in Alabama--all while facing the huge challenge of building both brand value and volume in what Mazda considers its most important market. On both fronts, the automaker has enjoyed mixed success.

The year Marumoto first sat on the chair for Mazda in the Americas, the brand sold 283,946 vehicles in the region. By 2017, the numbers came in at just 289,470, signaling very little growth. On top of that, Mazda's US market share dropped from 1.8 percent to 1.7 percent, while the original goal was two percent.

Despite these setbacks, Masamichi Kogai, who will transition from CEO to chairman in June, is confident that Marumoto can deliver. Kogai says that Marumoto is in a unique position to lead the company because the US plays a significant role in Mazda’s growth strategy.

"I can entrust him with all actions and initiatives," Kogai said of Marumoto.