MAZDA 2 RECEIVES HIGHEST SAFETY CRASH RATING FROM EURO NCAP

Mazda2 delivers impressive fuel efficiency thanks to a weight reduction of nearly 100 kilograms and world-class safety protection -
HIROSHIMA, Japan Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the new Mazda2 was awarded the five-star maximum rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) adult occupant protection safety test. This is the second five-star score from Euro NCAP awarded to a Mazda vehicle; the first was given to the Mazda5 (known as the Premacy in Japan) in September 2005.

This Euro NCAP five-star rating for adult occupant safety is a validation of the Mazda2's world-class crash protection in a compact car which also achieves outstanding fuel economy and boasts many user-friendly features.

The new Mazda2 (known as the Demio in Japan) is nearly 100 kilograms lighter than the former model. Obtaining a lower vehicle weight was a key focus of the new models development, which aimed at achieving top class fuel economy, dynamic driving performance and superior safety protection all at the same time. Mazda used high-tensile steel sheets in the Mazda2 and its body shell was engineered using a structure which absorbs and disperses impact energy in the event of a collision and helps prevent cabin deformation. These attributes add up to a high level of safety protection for occupants in a vehicle that meets the worlds most stringent safety standards.

Under its Zoom-Zoom brand promise to customers all over the world, Mazda seeks to keep delivering exciting driving performance, inspiring design, eco-friendliness and safety features in its vehicles so they will look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.

Notes:
Euro NCAP is an independent agency consisting of a consortium of agencies responsible for road safety from countries in the European Union. Euro NCAP vehicle safety reports have been published since 1997.

MAZDA DEMIO WINS 2008 RJC CAR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Mazda CX-7 crossover sports utility vehicle also receives special award for 'Best SUV'

HIROSHIMA, Japan Mazda Motor Corporation has announced today that the Mazda Demio was named the 2008 Automotive Researchers and Journalists Conference of Japan (RJC) Car of the Year. The Mazda CX-7 also won the special Best SUVprize. RJC Chairman, Michio Takei, announced the two awards after the final round of balloting.

This years RJC Car of the Year (COTY) winner, the Mazda Demio (known as the Mazda2 overseas), is a compact car that combines distinct styling, superb handling and very competitive running costs with the fun-to-drive spirit of Zoom-Zoom. Demio received high marks from RJC for its great fuel efficiency and drivability. The new model is around 100 kilograms lighter than the previous model, and the 13C-V model grade combines Mazda's MZR 1.3L Miller-cycle engine with a continuously variable transmission to achieve top class fuel economy of 23.0 km/L in 10-15 fuel mode.

The Mazda CX-7, the recipient of the 2008 RJC special award for Best SUV, is a crossover SUV with sporty, cosmopolitan styling. The Mazda CX-7 was highly evaluated by the RJC for its powerful and responsive driving dynamics thanks to its eco-friendly 2.3-liter direct injection turbocharged engine which is complemented by a six-speed Activematic transmission and the stable, comfortable ride quality provided by its suspension.

Mazda's Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, said, We are delighted to receive these prestigious awards from the RJC. Under our product-led growth strategy, we launched the Mazda Atenza as the first of our next-generation models in 2002 and it won the RJC Car of the Year award. Were pleased to be chosen again by the RJC for the Mazda Demio, the first new model we introduced after announcing our Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term technical development vision this year. We appreciate these accolades as a validation of where we are going with our products. Looking ahead, we will continue to strive to make cars infused with the Mazda spirit.

The Automotive Researchers & Journalists Conference of Japan, a nonprofit organization (NPO), was established in April 1990 to contribute to the robust development of Japans automotive industry through open research and criticism. The RJC is comprised of researchers who study automotive engineering and automotive journalists. One of the organizations activities is the annual selection of the RJC Car of the Year, Import Car of the Year, Technology of the Year and other awards.

Models eligible for the 2008 RJC Car of the Year competition came from a field of 22 vehicles launched for sale in Japan between November 1, 2006, and October 31, 2007, with an annual production volume exceeding 5,000 units. Four years have passed since Mazda last won the RJC Car of the Year for the RX-8 in 2003. This is the fifth time that Mazda has won the RJC Car of the Year award since it was established in 1991.

MAZDA3 MPS LOOKS SET FOR TOP RACE SEASON

On the evidence from the first round of the New Zealand Production Racing Series held at Pukekohe at the weekend it appears that reigning champion Dale Williams in the Mazda3 MPS is going to be the one to beat again.

Even though Dale and his team are still coming to grips with the Mazda3 he managed to finish a credible 7th in the first two races. However it was in the third race where Dale demonstrated his skill as a driver and the potential of the car, crossing the line first.

Starting 20th in a reverse grid start and with heavy rain falling Dale produced an outstanding start and went on to blitz the field that included all wheel drive Evos and Imprezas that should have been more suited to the conditions.

Glenn Harris, national marketing manager, Mazda New Zealand said Mazda was delighted with the result.

They were very difficult track conditions but Dale's driving was fantastic and certainly justifies our decision to select him to drive our factory-entry Mazda3 MPS.

We were also pleased with the performance of the car in its first race. Dale and team still have some work to do on the setup which gives us great confidence going into the next round in Christchurch.


For more information please contact:

Glenn Harris
Ph: (64-9) 277-8714
e-mail: gharris@mazda.co.nz

MAZDA NZ TO ENTER PRODUCTION SERIES

Mazda New Zealand is about to inject some Zoom-Zoom into the New Zealand motor racing scene this summer with its decision to enter a car into the New Zealand Production Racing series.

The company will enter a fully race prepared Mazda3 MPS in the FWD class of the highly competitive production series that takes place at circuits around the country between November and April. It is the company,s first factory entry into motor racing since the early,s however Mazda vehicles have always featured prominently on race tracks around the country for a number of years with the RX-7 and RX-8 proving very popular vehicles.

Andrew Clearwater, managing director Mazda New Zealand says the company has watched with interest as motor racing - much like the Mazda brand has gone through a renaissance in recent years.

We have a pool of very talented drivers coming through and the crowd numbers at race meetings are growing all the time, he said.

We thought long and hard about getting into motor racing because it can be a very expensive exercise. However we are confident the performance-bred Mazda3 MPS will ably compete with the best in its class and further enhance Mazda,s Zoom-Zoom brand image.

The stunning blue vehicle with prominent yellow Zoom-Zoom graphics, was prepared by the Mazda New Zealand technical team in conjunction with Octane Automotive in Palmerston North.

Later in September Mazda is giving some well known up and coming drivers the chance to drive the vehicle at Taupos Centennial Raceway after which a driver will be selected to race the car in the series.

In addition to the Mazda New Zealand factory entry Mazda is making other fully race prepared Mazda3 MPS vehicles available to other drivers to buy at a very competitive price. The drivers will need to secure their own sponsorship and back up crew.
We already have expressions of interest from a number of parties so we may end up with three or four Mazda3 MPS cars in the series which would be fantastic, said Clearwater.

People interested in discussing the purchase of Mazda3 MPS race car need to contact John Van der Velden at Mazda New Zealand.

For more information, please contact:

John Van der Velden
Mazda Motors of New Zealand Ltd
Ph: (64-9) 277-8710
email: jvandervelden@mazda.co.nz

ALL NEW MAZDA 6 TO DEBUT AT THE 2007 FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW


HIROSHIMA, Japan Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new Mazda6 (known as the all-new Mazda Atenza in Japan) at the 62nd annual Frankfurt Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, September 11 through Sunday, September 23, 2007.


The Frankfurt Motor Show press days are September 11 and 12, and the public days are September 15-23. Mazda will hold its press conference on Tuesday, September 11, at 13:45 (local time).


The all-new Mazda6 arrives as a full redesign of Mazda's first model to embody the Zoom-Zoom product philosophy, offering a thrilling drive to all those who still remember the love of motion first experienced as a child. Following the all-new Mazda2, the new Mazda6 is the second Mazda new generation product to evolve to the next stage, further deepening the emotional connection between man and machine - Mazda calls it a Kizuna.


Inheriting Mazda's tradition of responsive handling and performance that has become recognized around the world and evolving the original models distinctive design and exceptional functionality, the all-new Mazda6 takes a step forward in quality and offers strengthened environmental and safety performance. The result is an exciting and delightful experience that only the all-new Mazda6 can deliver.

CHALLENGING PROJECT

Christchurch Press - The Canterbury Mazda Showroom development was a challenging project which Leigh's Construction delivered in the latter part of 2006. The project involved a unique architecturally designed building with a number of challenging construction details.The project was made more challenging by the client's requirement that they use the yard space throughout construction.

Its successful completion was mainly due to attention to detail, good planning and collaborative working arrangements between the site management staff, the client and design consultants. The building construction and the architectural detail provided several challenges which were successfully resolved. The steel structure was challenging in that it needed to be constructed to a very fine tolerance due to the co-ordination of the aluminum cladding and the shop-front glazing.

This fine tolerance was also required to ensure that the sealed gap between the glass and the structure was kept at the minimum size to reduce sealant and allow movement. The interior of the project was finished with a ceramic tile floor, a suspended ceiling with feature hanging discs, and high-quality reception and servicing parts counter joinery.

Since the opening, the client has reported good trading conditions and positive comment from people praising the building. This project has been entered in the Retail and business Project category of the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards.