To crack the code of building low-cost electric vehicles, Japan's automakers intend to leverage their skills at tried-and-true lean manufacturing and kaizen.

Last year, Mazda sped up its electrification plan, saying electric vehicles would account for a quarter of global sales in 2030, with the rest of the portfolio employing some other form of electrification. But executives are now saying that outlook needs an update.

A product blitz starting this year will transform Mazda's global lineup. It's going with larger and electrified vehicles that it bets will boost U.S. sales to record levels in just four years.