Gasgoo.com (Shanghai February 23) - The question of whether or not the Mazda CX-7 will be domestically produced may finally be answered, with FAW Mazda's Brand Promotion Director Song Xiaojuan announcing that, barring any unforeseen obstacles, the joint venture will begin manufacturing the crossover SUV by the end of the year. Other sources from the JV confirmed the news, stating that the CX-7 would definitely be made in China and sold via FAW Mazda's sales channels, 21st Century News Group reported today. It is only a matter of resolving technical question, the JV stated.

The CX-7 (pictured above) is Mazda's first SUV available in China. It is currently sold by FAW Mazda as an import version. The manufacturer has taken note of rapidly growing demand for SUVs in China over the past few years. Mazda has already confirmed that the CX-5 (pictured below) will be produced in the country by 2013.

As for its other models, FAW Mazda will reportedly only be offering yearly updates to its Mazda6, Mazda6 Ruiyi and Mazda8. However, there are speculations that Mazda's plans for 2012 may not end here, with recent news that FAW Car, a subsidiary of FAW Group, is planning to invest 1.51 billion yuan ($240.41m) to increase and improve its sales of Mazda's vehicles.