Mazda Has Fords in Its Future

In a new twist to their longstanding relationship, the president of Mazda Motor Corp. said today that the Japanese auto maker hopes to sell pickup trucks built by Ford Motor Co. at Mazda’s U.S. dealerships.

Mazda President Norimasa Furuta, in his first appearance in the United States, also said Mazda plans to bring out a mini-van on the U.S. market this fall. He told reporters the company expects its U.S. sales this year to increase to 370,000 cars and trucks, up from 331,000 in 1987. Ford has held a 25% stake in Mazda since 1972.