Jul 10, 2013, 4:05am ET

Mazda rules out hybrids, EVs

The automaker will continue to focus on its fuel-saving Skyactiv technology.

Mazda has confirmed that it is not planning on introducing a gasoline-electric hybrid in the near future. Instead, the automaker will focus on squeezing every last mile per gallon from gasoline- and diesel-burning internal combustion engines with the help of its fuel-saving Skyactiv technology.

Introduced on the CX-5 crossover, Mazda's oddly-named Skyactiv technology aims to make cars as efficient as possible by cutting all excess weight from the body, adding rigidity to the chassis and making the overall design more aerodynamic. Equipped with special pistons, injectors and manifolds, Mazda's gasoline-burning Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine features a high compression ratio that saves fuel by making the combustion process more efficient.

The technology has enabled the Japanese automaker to offer larger engines than many of its competitors while meeting emission regulations in countries all around the world without having to resort to costly electric drivetrain. As a result, Mazda will continue to eschew hybrids as long as its investment in Skyactiv technology pays off.

Mazda also confirmed that it will not enter the EV fray in the near future. The automaker leased a limited number of battery-powered Mazda2 hatchbacks in Japan but it will not go a step further and take on the Nissan Leaf with a more mainstream, purpose-built EV.

"We've created a full EV version of the Mazda2, which we showcased mainly to prove wrong those who said we couldn't do it," said Peter Allibon, Mazda UK's sales director, in an interview with AOL Cars. "In fact, creating an electric car isn't that difficult but in terms of customer appeal and uptake, we don't foresee the time being right before 2020."