Ford Lio Ho Unveils Ford i-Max Minivan in Taiwan

According to a number of news reports -- primarily one over at Automotive World, and another at Car Scoop -- Taiwan-based Ford Lio Ho (link to Chinese-language site) has introduced a reskinned Mazda5 as the curiously-named Ford i-Max. (US-market Mazda5 pictured.)

Ford Lio Ho is a joint-venture with Ford that produces vehicles for a variety of Asian markets. Automotive World reports that the vehicle will be available in left- and right-hand drive versions, and will also be exported to New Zealand and Australia. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with the IMAX chain of giant-screen movie theaters. It also won't be coming to North America or Europe.

So what do you think about minivans being introduced in other parts of the world, but not in North America? Ford sells the award-winning S-Max compact minivan in Europe, while Mazda sells a refreshened MPV minivan (with an optional turbocharger and AWD, no less!) in their home market of Japan. I think we're missing out on some excellent vehicles, but I'd also like to know what you think. Click on the comment link below this post and let us know!
^{photo: © Mazda North American Operations}