Posts Tagged → Mazda News
Mazda European Sales up in December
Retail sales up 9.4 percent last month
Europe’s Big-5 countries up double-digits for second straight month
The UK and Germany close out 2009 with strong results
9 countries report December increases
The UK, Turkey, Slovenia and Hungary set sales records last month
Leverkusen, 14 January 2010. Mazda Motor Europe closed out 2009 on a high note by selling 17,800 vehicles in December, which is an increase of 9.4 percent compared to December 2008. For the second month in a row, Mazda sales were up sharply in Europe’s Big-5 countries, where an increase of 64 percent was reported.
Mazda was led by the UK, where an all-time December record volume of 4,700 units was achieved, up 264 percent, which translates into record monthly market share, estimated at 3.2 percent. For the year, Mazda sales in the UK stood at 49,500 units, the third highest ever, with an estimated calendar year market share of 2.5 percent, the highest ever recorded. Mazda also did well again in Germany, where KBA registrations stood at 2,608 units, up 4.7 percent versus December 2008. This closes out a good calendar year in Europe’s largest market, where Mazda registered 60,032 vehicles, up 6.7 percent versus 2008.
In France sales rose for the second month in a row with a volume of 1,400 units, up 46 percent, and in Italy 1,100 Mazda vehicles found owners, up 54 percent. Three other countries achieved their second month in a row of sales increases as well – in Switzerland Mazda sold 760 units in December, up 71 percent, in Turkey the highest estimate market share ever at 1.4 percent was achieved based on a sales volume of 390 units, up 42 percent; and in Sweden 280 units were sold, up 30 percent year-on-year. Mazda also had a good December in Norway where 250 units were sold, up 41 percent, and in the Netherlands with a sales volume of 200 units, which is up 193 percent. A December record for volume was also set in Slovenia, at 80 units, and in Hungary, Mazda recorded its highest December market share ever, predicted to be 2.9 percent.
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Mazda Delivers Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to Iwatani Corporation for use in Kyushu
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today delivered a Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to Iwatani Corporation, an energy development company based in Japan. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is Mazda’s latest hydrogen rotary engine (RE) vehicle which uses hydrogen as a fuel and features a unique hybrid system.
The delivery marks the fifth Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to be leased by Mazda, and the second to be provided to Iwatani Corporation. The first model was delivered to Iwatani Corporation in May 2009. The new vehicle will be mainly used for business purposes and will be based at the Kitakyushu Hydrogen Station. It is the first hydrogen rotary engine vehicle to be leased in Kyushu, the most southwesterly of Japan’s four main islands.
The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid uses a unique hybrid system with power delivered to the vehicle’s wheels by an electric motor. This powertrain substantially enhances the driving performance and boosts the hydrogen fuel driving range to 200 kilometers, twice the range of Mazda’s previous hydrogen vehicle, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid can run on gasoline as well as hydrogen thanks to a dual-fuel system that was developed for the RX-8 Hydrogen RE.
Mazda’s program manager in charge of hydrogen RE development, Akihiro Kashiwagi, said, “Mazda is pleased to deliver a second Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to the Iwatani Corporation. Iwatani has been a leader in advancing the use of hydrogen energy for years. We’re doubly delighted that the vehicle will be used in Fukuoka prefecture, an area known as a research hub for the real-world use of hydrogen energy.”
Main specifications of the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid
Base model: Mazda Premacy
Overall length: 4,565 mm
Overall width: 1,745 mm
Overall height: 1,620 mm
Engine: Mazda’s hydrogen rotary engine (with dual-fuel system)
Motor: Alternating current synchronous motor
Maximum output: 110 kW
Generator: Alternating current synchronous generator
Battery: Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
Seating capacity: Five
Fuel: Hydrogen and gasoline
Hydrogen tank: 35 MPa high-pressure tank
History of Mazda’s hydrogen vehicle development
1991 Developed first hydrogen rotary engine vehicle, HR-X
1992 Conducted test drive of golf cart equipped with fuel cell
1993 Developed second hydrogen rotary engine vehicle, HR-X2
Developed MX-5 test vehicle equipped with hydrogen rotary engine
1995 Conducted Japan’s first public road tests of a hydrogen rotary engine vehicle, Capella Cargo.
1997 Developed Demio FC-EV
2001 Developed Premacy FC-EV, conducted first public road test in Japan
2003 Announced RX-8 hydrogen rotary engine development
2004 Received MLIT approval for public road testing of RX-8 Hydrogen RE
2006 Started commercial leasing of RX-8 Hydrogen RE in Japan (eight models have been delivered to date)
2007 Signed agreement to provide RX-8 Hydrogen REs to HyNor, a Norwegian national transportation project
2008 Commenced public road tests in Norway with RX-8 Hydrogen RE validation vehicle
2009 Commenced commercial leasing of Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid
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Mazda Sales Rebound in Western Europe in November
8 countries report retail sales increases for Mazda last month
Mazda sales up 21 percent in Europe’s Big-5 countries
Austria, the UK, Turkey and Malta set sales records
Another double-digit increase in Germany
Leverkusen, 21 December 2009. Mazda did well in Western Europe last month, with sales increasing by 21 percent in the Big-5 (vs. November 2008). A total of eight markets reported retail sales increases for the Mazda brand, with three countries setting volume records. In Austria (domestic sales), Mazda achieved its highest monthly volume ever, at 1,400 units (+ 63 percent vs. November 2008). In the UK Mazda continued to do very well, and recorded its highest November volume in history, at 3,800 units (+ 46 percent). And in Turkey, Mazda recorded its highest market share ever, estimated at 0.9 percent for the month.
Other countries reporting sales increases last month include Germany, where KBA registrations continue to increase as they have for most of the year. Last month, Mazda registrations in Europe’s largest market stood at 3,505 units (+ 19.1 percent). Mazda retails sales were also strong in Italy, where 1,400 units were sold (+ 10 percent), and in France where a volume of nearly 1,000 units (+ 13 percent) was achieved. Mazda Switzerland also had a good November, selling almost 700 units (+ 24 percent), as did Sweden, which recorded a volume of about 300 units (+ 51 percent). And in Malta, Mazda sold 20 vehicles in November, which is the island’s highest November volume ever.
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New Mazda Carol Launched in Japan in Time for Christmas
- Remodeled micro-mini features new interior and exterior design, improved safety and 24.5 km/L top class fuel economy -
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has fully updated the Mazda Carol micro-mini for the Japanese market. Sales of the new Carol commence today at all Mazda Autozam, Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships nationwide.
Thanks to its charming design, excellent fuel economy and affordability, the Mazda Carol is popular among women, and supported by a broad range of customers. In its first full remodeling since September 2004, the Carol offers new interior and exterior design. Also featuring reduced curb weight and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an auxiliary gearbox, the Carol provides improved eco-friendliness and even better value for money.
The attractive new exterior design shows off soft, rounded curves that inspire affection. Inside, the instrument panel now has a distinctive circular design. Seats upholstered in a bright combination of beige and brown create a lively, stylish impression. The updated Carol is also more user friendly than ever, with highly visible large dials, an easy-to-use floor-mounted shift lever and several useful storage features.
All model grades offer improved eco-friendliness and qualify as super ultra-low emission vehicles (SU-LEV), with exhaust emissions at least 75 percent lower than Japan’s 2005 standards. The CVT and five-speed manual transmission grades exceed Japan’s “2010 fuel economy standard plus 25%.” The Carol’s automatic transmission grades exceed the “2010 fuel economy standard plus 15%.” The most fuel-efficient versions in the range, the front-wheel drive (FWD) grades with CVT, achieve outstanding figures of 24.5 km/L*. With this outstanding eco-friendly performance, all Carol model grades qualify for Japan’s eco-car tax reduction and incentive programs. Additionally, the new Mazda Carol provides ample safety protection with structures and equipment, such as supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags, to mitigate potential injuries in the event of a collision. Theft prevention devices, such as a vehicle immobilizer, have also been newly adopted.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the new Mazda Carol range from 899,850 to 1,167,600 yen, including sales taxes. The target sales volume is 800 units per month.
Main features of the new Mazda Carol?1. Design
Carrying forward the previous model’s charming character, the new Carol’s distinctive design also emphasizes a lively character, quality and security.
Exterior
-New front face. The Carol adopts Mazda’s hallmark five-point lower grille, which has been adapted to match the rounded design and enhance the model’s appeal.
-The profile features a sweeping, stylish roofline and a stretched shoulder line.
-Six exterior body colors are available, including Shiny Green Metallic (new), Air Blue Metallic, Milk Tea Beige Metallic and Maroon Brown Pearl.
Interior
-A rounded design theme is used throughout the interior, and bright colors provide an enhanced sense of space.
-Centered on the distinctive circular design, the stylish instrument panel offers outstanding operability with easy-to-read dials.
-A patterned seat design in a combination of beige and bright tea-colored material reinforces the light and airy interior ambience.
2. Environmental and safety performance
Offering a smooth and reassuring ride, the Carol also boasts improved fuel economy and a full complement of safety equipment.
-The upgraded Carol has improved low-speed power and high-speed fuel economy due to reduced bodyweight, a variable valve timing (VVT) system that improves combustion efficiency, and a CVT with an auxiliary gearbox. The FWD CVT model grades achieve top fuel economy of 24.5 km/L*.
-All grades qualify for Japan’s eco-car tax reductions (grades with CVT or five-speed manual transmissions (MT) qualify for 75 percent reductions; four-speed automatic transmission (AT) models for 50 percent reductions). All grades also qualify for Japan’s eco-car incentive program.
-A newly adopted information display can be toggled to show current fuel economy, average fuel economy or remaining driving range.
-Various safety equipment — including driver and passenger side SRS airbag systems, a lightweight shock-absorbing body, and an interior structure designed to minimize head injuries — mitigates potential injuries to occupants in the event of a collision.
-A theft-prevention security alarm system is standard equipment on all models. The XS grade also features a vehicle immobilizer as standard.
3. Packaging and equipment
The new Carol offers enhanced practicality and a more comfortable interior achieved through close attention to detail.
Packaging
-More space between rear seat passengers provides greater comfort. Access has been improved thanks to larger door openings and lower side sills.
-A spacious cargo area can hold a baby stroller even when four occupants are in the vehicle.
-Split rear folding seats in the XS model grade provide enhanced versatility.
Equipment
-A seat lifter and tilting steering wheel (XS grade only) enable drivers to find their ideal driving position.
-Mazda’s advanced keyless entry and push button engine start system is standard equipment on the XS model grade.
-All models feature windows that block approximately 90 percent of UV rays.
-Enhanced storage features on the instrument panel include multiple trays, a shopping bag hook and a driver’s side cup holder. The center console also has four bottle holders for occupants in both front and rear seats.
-The XS model grade features a vanity mirror with an attached light (passenger and driver’s side).
-High grade door mirrors with embedded LED turn signals on the XS grade contribute to enhanced safety protection.
-4WD model grades feature a driver’s side heated seat.
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North American Mazda2 to Debut at 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show
Hiroshima, Japan, 18 November 2009. Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the Mazda2 at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The globally-acclaimed Mazda2 brings a level of style and driving dynamics to the North American sub-compact segment that no other competitor can offer. The vehicle will be sold in the U.S. and Canada beginning in late 2010. The LA Auto Show press days are 2-3 December; public days run from 4 through 13 December.
“Bringing Mazda2 to North America completes the bookends in our line-up,” said Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “With the seven-passenger crossover CX-9 at one end and the sub-compact Mazda2 at the other, Mazda’s line-up now spans the most significant product segments in the industry, and is the strongest, best-designed, best-built we have ever offered. Mazda2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive and a heck of a value. In short, it will be the definition of Zoom-Zoom.”
Mazda2 has been a sales and media success in markets around the world, winning 48 awards and being recognized as Car of the Year in more than 20 countries. Additionally, Mazda2 was named “2008 World Car of the Year,” besting all other new cars around the world.
Mazda’s press conference is scheduled to take place from 11:05 to 11:30 (local time) on Wednesday, 2 December 2009.
Main Exhibits
Scheduled for sale
Mazda2 North American specification (North American premiere)
Models currently
on sale
Mazda3, Mazda3 MPS, Mazda5, Mazda6, Mazda MX-5, Mazda RX-8, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9
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Mazda i-stop Wins 2010 RJC Technology of the Year Award
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation announced today that its unique idling stop system, i-stop, has won the 2009 Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) Technology of the Year award.
Idling stop systems reduce fuel consumption by automatically shutting down the engine when the driver stops the vehicle. Mazda’s i-stop system is fitted to direct injection engines and uses combustion energy to restart the engine in just 0.35 seconds, about half the time necessary for most other competing systems. The i-stop system also suppresses noise and vibration as the engine shuts down and restarts, ensuring that drivers experience a natural driving feel with no sense of discomfort.
Mazda introduced i-stop on the all-new Mazda Axela*1 (known overseas as the Mazda3), which launched in Japan in June 2009. The new Axela with i-stop offers approximately 15 percent improved fuel economy compared to the previous model when tested under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle.*2 Axela models with i-stop also qualify for Japan’s eco-car incentive program as well as tax reductions of 75 percent under the government’s eco-car tax reduction program. Almost half of the total Mazda Axela sales volume in Japan to date has been for i-stop models.*3
Seita Kanai, Mazda’s senior managing executive officer in charge of R&D, said, “Mazda’s i-stop system is one of the green technologies that form the base of our future product strategy. It improves fuel economy without adversely affecting driving performance. In this way, we believe i-stop perfectly reflects Mazda’s commitment to provide our customers with driving pleasure as well as superb environmental and safety performance. We are honored to receive this award. In recognizing our environmental efforts, this prize holds a special significance for Mazda.”
The Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan, a non-profit organization (NPO), was established in 1990. It aims to contribute to the development of the automotive industry through various activities, including the recognition of outstanding vehicles and technologies by the Car of the Year selection committee.
Automotive technologies eligible for the 2009 RJC Technology of the Year competition must be introduced to the market in vehicles sold between November 1, 2008, and October 31, 2009. This is the third time that Mazda has won the RJC Technology of the Year award. Previously, Mazda won for its Miller-cycle engine (used in the Eunos 800) in 1993 and for the RENESIS Rotary engine (for the RX-8) in 2003.
*1 i-stop is standard equipment in 2.0-liter front-wheel-drive Axela models (20S, 20C, 20E FWD).
*2 Compared to the previous Axela 20C, which achieved 14.2 km/L in Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle.
*3 As of September 30, 2009.
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Mazda Retails better than Expected in September fuelled by new Mazda3 Sales
The UK, Portugal, Turkey, Tunisia set all-time records last month
Mazda KBA registrations in Germany up sharply
7 countries report year-on-year sales volume increases
16 countries exceed their sales objectives for the month
Leverkusen, 16 October 2009. The European automotive industry rebounded slightly in September, with a drop of just 2.6 percent year-on-year, but many carmakers continue to struggle and conditions remain challenging. There were some bright spots in September for the Mazda brand, fuelled by sales of the all-new Mazda3, which was launched a few months ago. 16 European countries exceeded their sales projections for the month, resulting in a European retail volume that was 8 percent above objective.
The UK led all countries by setting two all-time monthly retail sales records in September – for volume, at 11,400 units, which is up 20 percent, and for market share, estimated at 3.1 percent. An all-time record was also set last month in Portugal, where the brand achieved its highest estimated monthly market share ever, at 2.9 percent. September sales volume records were recorded for the Mazda brand in Turkey (+400 percent) and Tunisia (+21 percent) as well.
Four other countries booked sales increases in September. In Germany Mazda had one of its best months of 2009, registering 6,692 vehicles (KBA), which is up 26.8 percent year-on-year. Retail sales were also up in Spain (+2 percent), Mazda BELUX (+ 16 percent) and Ireland (+ 2 percent). And in Switzerland, Mazda sales volume last month equalled that of last September, despite difficult market conditions.
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Mazda Commences Production of Mazda2 at New Passenger Car Plant in Thailand
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it has commenced production of the Mazda2 (known as Mazda Demio in Japan) at the new passenger car plant at AutoAlliance Thailand Co., Ltd. (AAT), a joint venture manufacturing facility with Ford Motor Company. Mazda2 units produced at AAT will be sold mainly in the ASEAN markets.
To celebrate the start of production, AAT today held a ceremony at the new passenger car plant in Rayong’s Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate. The ceremony was attended by executive officers from Mazda’s head office in Japan, including Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer Masazumi Wakayama and Managing Executive Officer Yuji Nakamine.
The Thai-produced Mazda2 will be one of Mazda’s core products in the ASEAN region, with ASEAN sales targeted at approximately 20,000 units per year.
“The Thai-produced Mazda2 will be a key element in Mazda’s future growth in the ASEAN region, which is continuing to see growing demand for small cars. We consider that the Mazda2 model will also play a pivotal role in Mazda’s global strategy,” said Mazda’s Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, Masazumi Wakayama, before the ceremony.
“Since its launch, the Mazda2 has received more than 50 awards globally, including Car of the Year in over 20 countries. In 2008, Mazda2 was named World Car of the Year, acclaimed for its beautiful design, sporty driving performance, and outstanding eco-friendly features,” added Wakayama. “I firmly believe that the Mazda2 being built at our state-of-the-art facility in Thailand will make an immense contribution toward establishing the Mazda brand in ASEAN markets and will be our main driving force in the region as we go forward.”
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Mazda Launches MazdaEurope.tv
Leverkusen, 07 October 2009. After the successful upgrade of its video platform for the media, Mazda’s customers can enjoy online videos about the brand as well. Videos are now available for all Mazda vehicles, from short driving scenes to extensive product films in which Mazda engineers explain all aspects of the model in detail. Interviews with Mazda executives, designers and development engineers round out this new service. At “best of YouTube™” Mazda will continuously gather interesting topics about the brand, and make them available as well.
Short texts of each video give a preview of what content the user can expect. Depending on band width, the user can choose between low, high or full-screen mode. An RSS feed also keeps the user updated on the latest from Mazda. The user can also subscribe to watch a video as a Podcast, in iTunes for instance, which makes viewing videos on iPhone and iPod possible. If the user wishes to integrate a Mazda video into their website, the functions “Share” and “Embed” allow this too.
The Mazda video portal is available in English, German, Spanish, Italian and French and can be found at www.mazdaeurope.tv.
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Huge Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event Held in Japan
- Over 1,600 Mazda Roadsters converged on Miyoshi Proving Ground in Hiroshima prefecture in western Japan -
HIROSHIMA, Japan—To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Mazda Roadster (known overseas as the Mazda MX-5), Mazda Motor Corporation hosted a special commemorative event on September 20, 2009, at its Miyoshi Proving Ground in western Japan.
First launched in 1989, Mazda’s two-seat lightweight open-top sports car is celebrating its 20th birthday this year. To commemorate the milestone, over 1,600 Roadsters and their owners made their way to the car’s birthplace at the Miyoshi Proving Ground.
When the proving ground gates opened at 6:30 a.m., the arriving Roadsters were welcomed home by attending staff. Approximately 2,600 owners and fans had journeyed from all over Japan and overseas to join in the celebration. The event was officially launched with a toast from a 20-year old Roadster owner, who had been born the same year as the iconic vehicle was launched.
During the event, members of the development team and MX-5 owners from abroad delivered congratulatory speeches; Roadster owners’ clubs from every region of Japan were introduced; and guests were invited to take part in a Roadster quiz. To bring the celebration to a close, Mazda’s director and senior managing executive officer in charge of vehicle development, Seita Kanai, stood up to address the crowd. His cry of, “The Roadster is forever!” was greeted by thunderous applause from the spectators.
To end with a Zoom-Zoom flourish, all 1,600 Roadsters formed up to parade around the track before leaving the Miyoshi Proving Ground with a fond farewell from the Mazda staff.
Main events at the Roadster 20th Anniversary Meet
Date held: Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Mazda Miyoshi Proving Ground in Miyoshi, Hiroshima prefecture. (Mazda’s main proving ground in Japan.)
Organizer: Roadster 20th Anniversary Meet Committee. (This committee is mainly comprised of staff from Mazda’s Domestic Business Division and members of Roadster owners’ clubs.)Hosted by: Mazda Motor Corporation
Hosted by: Mazda Motor Corporation
Supported by: Volunteers from the “National Roadster Meeting Official Summit for (the) 20th/World Roadster Friendship Clubs”
Participating Mazda Roadsters: Approximately 1,600 units
Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary Web Site (currently available in Japanese only):
http://www.mazda.co.jp/roadster_20th/
Information about the official Mazda MX-5 community is available in English at:
http://www.mx-5.com/
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