U.S. inventory has dipped to a super-tight five-day supply, and the all-wheel-drive niche brand is adding about 10,000 vehicles a month to a backlog of orders.

The company that pioneered the Prius hybrid has drawn criticism for perceived foot-dragging on EVs. But Akio Toyoda wants it known that his company is pursuing carbon neutrality.

Japan's automakers are stoking R&D investment to meet mounting demand for a staggering array of technologies. Toyota by far outpaces the pack.

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.