Mazda to build electric SUV with Chinese partner

Mazda and China's Changan Automobile Group are poised to build electric SUVs together. 

According to Japan's Nikkei Asian Review, the automakers plan to collaborate to develop and build a battery-powered crossover SUV by 2019. The two manufacturers have been in a 50:50 joint-venture partnership since 2012, and their relationship stretches back even longer, into the mid-2000s. 

The Nikkei's report indicates that Changan will supply much of the SUV's electric drivetrain -- including batteries and motors, while Mazda will produce the bodies.

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The move comes amidst a backdrop where Chinese authorities are pushing to adopt more stringent clean-air regulations. The country is already the world's largest market for electric vehicles, and it's become a global leader in the move to electrification through public policy. 

Near-term 2019 legislation in China is expected to call for the widespread proliferation of "new-energy" vehicles (read: EVs). Because the local government has already long mandated that foreign automakers partner with domestic companies if they want to produce new vehicles for Chinese customers that aren't subject to high taxes, EV developments are expected to follow the same path.

The Changan Mazda joint venture presently offers versions of the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 small crossovers, as well as sedan and hatchback versions of the Axela (known in North America as the Mazda3).

There's no word yet on whether Mazda or Changan plan to market the unnamed EV outside of China. 

The two automakers did not immediately return a request for comment.