* New ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition’ model on sale from 1 March 2010
* Priced from £16,850 (on-the-road), 1.8-litre model echoes true spirit of 1990 original
* Represents great value with 10 additional items of equipment and unique colours

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the world’s best-selling two-seater roadster going on sale in the UK, Mazda is introducing a special version of the legendary Mazda MX-5 sportscar called, appropriately, the ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition’.

“British motorists have enjoyed a long-term love affair with the Mazda MX-5 which shows every sign of continuing to flourish through the next decade,” comments Mark Cameron, sales and marketing director for Mazda UK.

“Launching in Spring when the prospect of open-top motoring has added appeal, the new Mazda MX 5 20th Anniversary model is the perfect way to celebrate this relationship during a year when we expect MX-5 sales in the UK to pass the 100,000 milestone since its launch in 1990.

“The Anniversary model will appeal to customers in search of pure driving pleasure who are also keen to enjoy the whole sportscar ownership experience while celebrating the unique MX-5 heritage. Over a span of 20 years, Mazda has sold more than 850,000 MX-5 sportscars worldwide and our roadster has won more than 170 awards. Today, the Mazda MX-5 remains unrivaled as a rewarding, affordable sports car that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round, supported by Mazda’s legendary reliability and durability.” adds Cameron.

In the true spirit of the original, the new Limited Edition model is based on the purest, back to basics MX-5, the entry-level soft-top 1.8 SE convertible, offering the best, fun-to-drive thrills along with a truly rewarding motoring experience. The 20th Anniversary Limited Edition also represents great value. Priced at £16,850 on-the-road, it features 10 additional items of equipment worth more than £650, just £55 more than the SE – and significantly less than the original Mazda MX-5 of 1990, in real terms when prices are adjusted for inflation over two decades.

‘Stand-out’ additional equipment featured on the Anniversary model includes 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a unique silver finish, front fog lights, chrome trims (around the grille, headlamps and fog lights), body-coloured roll bars and a supporting strut brace. Inside, the stainless steel scuff plate features a unique ‘20th Anniversary’ logo and limited edition number, premium ‘20th Anniversary’ branded floor mats, a body-coloured front dashboard, aluminum pedal set, and manual air-conditioning.

MX-5 20th Anniversary drivers benefit from the generous specification of the SE model, on which it is based, ensuring comfort and convenience are not comprised. Featuring as standard, electric and heated door mirrors, electric windows, remote central locking with deadlocks and remote boot release. The Limited Edition model also boasts a stylish, modern cabin with a leather steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake, plus an MP3-compatible Radio/CD audio system with six speakers, steering wheel controls and an auxiliary (AUX) input jack for MP3 and iPod connection.

Mazda UK has secured 32 percent of the Anniversary model production destined for Europe, with around 600 units, reaching showrooms from 1 March 2010. Customers can choose from three colours which echo the original 1990 launch colours of red, white and blue. The ever-popular True Red is joined by two unique colours for the Anniversary model, Crystal White Pearlescent and Aurora Blue Mica, both available for the first time on the MX-5 in the UK, priced at £395.

Mazda dealers are currently offering Mazda MX-5 buyers three finance packages available for retail sales only, until 31 March 2010. Typical 0%*, 3.9% and 5.9% APR** finance are available depending on type of sale and duration of package.

The Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary model is powered by a 126ps, 1.8-litre petrol engine driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Sportscar handling and legendary agility are complimented by a lively performance – 0-to-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 121mph – and environmental responsibility with modest CO2 emissions (167g/km) and a combined fuel economy of 40.4 mpg.

Oh My Goodness – if you were able to check out the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show your eyes were lucky see an army of Mazda2 Concepts.

Press Release – Mazda 2Evil Special Concept – The Mazda Active2 Surf & Snow Special Concepts

This concept is inspired by the weekend track car but one that can function equally well as an urban commuter. The body has been modified to show a more aggressive front spoiler and a deeper side rocker for improved aerodynamics and lower overall stance. A strong lower diffuser is added to enhance the rear proportion and more emphasis is placed on the exhaust tip. The rear upper spoiler was redesigned for both additional downforce and a race appearance. The dynamic MAZDA2 body is finished in Ceramic Grey metallic with subtle motorsports inspired graphics. The graphics are finished off with the historic number 55, a tribute to the 1991 Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B race car. Wheels, mirrors and other details are accented in Spirited Green. To top it off, the performance and stance are enhanced with 17″ wheels, 215/45/17 Yokahama Advan tires, lowered coil-over suspension provided by H&R and Magna performance exhaust.

The Active2 Surf exterior showcases a more aggressive front bumper and rocker. Adding to the sport theme, 17″ wheels with 215/45/17 Yokahama Tires and H&R coil over suspension were applied. The sheet metal is finished in Spirited Green and detailed with Active2 graphics. These subtle effects are displayed on the hood and driver-side fender. The graphics are finished in graphite and white, with matching wheels and mirrors. To support the overall concept, the Active2 Surf has been set up with a Thule roof rack system and a matching carbon fiber surfboard.

Via Worldcarfans

Press Release:
Southern California Automotive Design Studios Envision the Ultimate Youthmobile in Year 2030
The winner of the 6th Annual Design Challenge will be announced Dec. 3rd at the LA Auto Show

The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers’ conference that is held every year during the Los Angeles Auto Show press days, Dec. 2 & 3, 2009. For the last six years a new Design Challenge theme is chosen and the major Southern California Automotive Design Studios battle against each other to showcase their talents and further explore new ideas in automotive design. The Design Los Angeles Conference also gives designers access to design industry leaders and provides the opportunity to address common industry issues.

via Jalopnik

The highly anticipated 2009 MAZDA6 is the first of Mazda’s “Zoom-Zoom
Evolution” second-generation vehicles, building on a heritage of sports
sedans and sports cars that no other manufacturer can boast, and bringing a
combination of sports sedan, sophistication, build quality and product
insight not currently found in the market.

Following on the heels of the CX-7 and CX-9 crossover SUVs, the 2009 MAZDA6 was designed and engineered for the needs, wants and desires of the North American customer. As it has been since the first MAZDA6 launched in 2002, all North American MAZDA6s will continue to be built at AutoAlliance International, in Flat Rock, Mich, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company.The North American MAZDA6 differs from the similarly named car sold in
the rest of the world in many ways: larger interior and exterior size, more
powerful engines and unique styling. What it retains, however, is something
that earned the first MAZDA6 more than 130 international awards and
accolades: it delivers Zoom-Zoom, and in large doses.

Power for the 2009 MAZDA6 will be available from an all-new
Mazda-designed and developed MZR 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a
3.7-liter V6 as used in the 2008 CX-9, Motor Trend’s 2008 Sport/Utility of
the Year and the 2008 North American Truck of the Year. Transmission
choices are a six-speed manual or five-speed Sport AT automatic with
manual-shift mode (2.5-liter engine) or a six-speed Sport AT automatic with
manual-shift mode (3.7-liter V6).

The 2009 MAZDA6 will be available only as a four-door sedan, and in
three trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, with varying levels of
standard and optional equipment.

More information on the all-new 2009 MAZDA6 sports sedan will be
available closer to launch, including specifics on engine output, trim
levels, equipment and pricing.

Mazda Produces Over One Million Units in Japan in Fiscal Year 2007

- Production volume reaches highest level in 15 years -

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that domestic production in Japan during fiscal year 2007 has exceeded one million units. This marks Mazda’s highest domestic production volume in 15 years since 1992.

Masaharu Yamaki, senior managing executive officer in charge of production and business logistics, said, “We want to thank all of our valued customers across the globe who have supported Mazda and helped us break the previous 15 year-old production record. Producing over one million vehicles in Japan during the first year of our new mid-term plan, the Mazda Advancement Plan, is extremely significant. This achievement shows we are on track to reach the targets set out in the plan. We will strive to maintain this momentum and drive Mazda’s growth forward.”

Announced in March 2007, the Mazda Advancement Plan (MAP) includes business targets to be achieved in fiscal year 2010, namely: 1.6 million global retail sales, an operating profit over 200 billion yen, a return on sales (ROS) ratio of six percent, and a stable payout of dividends. In order to achieve these targets, Mazda will leverage its annual straight time production capacity in Japan, which is currently 996,000 units per year.

Mazda2 

CX-9 

Some of the highest selling models include the new Mazda2 (or Mazda Demio in Japan) and CX-9. Congratulations yet again goes out to Mazda Motor Corp. and all the Mazda Enthusiasts worldwide!