Wednesday, September 27, 2000

Organizational Changes

Mazda Organizational Changes
Mazda Motor Corporation announced the following organizational changes, effective October 1.

(1) R&D Organization
[Purpose] To develop cost competitive strengths at a world-wide level and develop products along with Mazda's brand strategy reflecting customers needs and wants, Mazda will reinforce effective and speedy product development in the R&D area, and maximize synergies with Ford in product development.
[Contents] The main contents of the reorganization include;
1) Establishment of a product development system based on platform,
2) Reinforcement of design & styling to match the Brand DNA,
3)Realization of an organization which focuses on key product and business strategic issues,
4)Reinforcement of a powertrain development system which quickly responds to the changes in needs from society and the competitive environment, and
5)Promotion of process re-engineering and reinforcement of management of development resources. With these changes, the R&D organization, which currently consists of 7 divisions and 24 departments, will be reorganized into 8 divisions and 41 departments.
1. R&D Technical Administration Division
In addition to the promotion of the re-engineering process by FSS, Modularization, IT system utilization and other measures, we will accelerate the implementation of a new development process using MDI.
- The R&D Business & Administration Div. will be changed to the R&D Technical Administration Div.
- The R&D Business Strategy & Standardization Office, R&D Process Development & Management Office, and R&D Quality & Customer Satisfaction Office will be reorganized. The Process Re-Engineering Dept. and Program Control & Quality Management Dept. will be newly established.

2. Product Planning & Business Strategy Division
Mazda will strengthen the advanced planning area and promote the reinforcement of innovative product planning and business strategy.
- The Product Planning Business Strategy Div. will be changed to Product Planning & Business Strategy Div. The Product Innovation Dept. and New Feature & Business Planning Dept. will be newly established.

3. Design Division
By establishing distinctive design studios in an independent division, we will promote the reinforcement of global and creative design activities.
- The Design Dept. will become an independent organization from Product Planning Div. The Design Div. will be newly established
- 5 Design Studios will be newly established in Design Div.

4. Platform & Programs Management Division
Mazda will implement product and business related program management, using platforms as the key. Platform General Managers will be newly assigned in each Platform & Program Management Office.
- The Program Manager Div. will be changed into Platform & Program Management Div. Five Platform & Program Management Offices will be newly established.
- The function of the Basic Design Dept. will be transferred from Product Planning Div. and changed to Concept/Pre-Program Platform & Program Engineering Dept.
- To support the platform development, Infrastructure Dept. will be newly established.

5. Complete Vehicle Development Division
- The Product Development Center will be changed to Complete Vehicle Development Div.

6. Powertrain Development Division
We will reinforce R&D development capability of small and medium engines programs.
- The Powertrain Development Center will be changed into Powertrain Development Div.
- The Powertrain Development Dept. will be divided into Powertrain Advance Development Dept. (newly established) and Drivetrain Development Dept. (newly established)
- The Powertrain Engineering Dept. will be divided into Engine Engineering Dept. No.1, Engine Engineering Dept. No.2. It will be renamed Powertrain System Engineering Dept.
- The Powertrain Testing & Research Dept. will be reorganized and renamed Engine Testing & Research Dept.

(2) Overseas Sales Division
In line with the job transfer of sales and production requirement planning in the North American and European markets from Europe and America Sales Dept. to Global Sales Planning Dept., we will transfer remaining interface support jobs for MNAO and MME in Europe & America Sales Dept. to the newly established divisional office "MME·MNAO Interface Support Office" and, Overseas Sales Administration Dept. At the same time, the Europe & America Sales Dept. will change its name to Carib and Central & South America Sales Dept. The Asia & Oceania Sales Dept. will change its name to Asia and Pacific Sales Dept. In addition, the Japanese name for the Middle East & Africa Sales Dept. will change.

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Limited Edition of Bongo Friendee

Mazda Motor Corporation has started selling "City Runner," a special edition of the Bongo Friendee at Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

Mazda Bongo Friendee 2000
With its box-type body configuration, the vehicle provides plenty of interior room with flexible seating arrangements.

The new "City Runner" is a revamp of the popular limited edition "City Runner Briza," released in May of this year. Based on the two-wheel-drive, 2.0-liter engine, standard roof RS-V model, the new model features aerodynamic exterior parts to add a dash of sport. A genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and moquette fabric seat surface highlight the interior. Twin fully automatic air conditioners ensure a comfort ride on hot summer days.

Pricing of the new City Runner remains moderate and reasonable, 130,000 yen less expensive than the standard Bongo Friendee equipped with all these features. Mazda will build only 6,000 units of this special model, available only in Japan.

Primary features added to the base model
Exterior
- Front and side spoilers, rear under spoiler
- Roof spoiler including an LED-configuration high-mounted built-in brake lamp
- Front fog lamps
- Dark-tinted window glass (side and rear)
- Customized decals
- Pure white outer panel color

Interior
- Genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Moquette fabric seat surface with accent pattern

Equipment
- Twin fully automatic air conditioners (the rear one includes a heater, too)
- Anti-ultraviolet glasses for all windows
- Water-repellent front glass and side mirrors, whose outer panel matches outer panel color
- Easy-to-close sliding doors, large ottoman, four speakers and black front door frames

Suggested retail prices (not including sales tax) (Unit: 1,000 yen)
Drive Engine Trans
mission
Roof Capacity Tokyo/
Nagoya/
Osaka/
Hiroshima
Sapporo Sendai Yamagu
-chi
Fukuoka Okinawa
2WD 2.0-liter
gasoline
4EC-AT Standard 8 2,254 2,310 2,277 2,272 2,279 2,340

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Bongo Friendee RS-V/RF-V

Mazda Bongo Friendee
Original models
- Two-wheel-drive, 2.0-liter "RS-V" gasoline engine, 4EC automatic transmission, standard roof model
- Two-wheel-drive, 2.5-liter V-6 "RF-V" gasoline engine, 4EC automatic transmission, standard roof model
- Two-wheel-drive 2.5-liter V-6 "RF-V" gasoline engine, 4EC automatic transmission, auto free top model
*All original models are wintry-weather equipped.
Changes from the original models
Series common features:
- Mazda Telematics-compatible DVD car navigation system
- Shiny aluminum wheels
- Exclusively designed key and ornament
Exterior:
- Rear roof spoiler with LED-type high-mounted stop lamp
- Front fog lamps
- Dark-tinted window glasses (side and rear)
Equipment:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Twin fully automatic air conditioners which also contain a rear heater
- Water-repellent side mirrors and front side windows. The side mirrors are electrically-adjustable and match the outer panel color
- Electrically-operating side window curtains (available to the 2.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine model)
- Easy-closing sliding doors, large ottoman, black front door frames and four speakers (All these features are standard equipment for the 2.0-liter gasoline engine model. Originally, these are standard equipment for the base 2.5-liter V-6 engine model.)
Outer panel color:
- Series-exclusive platinum silver
Values for money compared to the original models
- 2.0-liter gasoline engine normal standard model: 320,000 yen less expensive
- 2.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine standard roof model: 225,000 yen less expensive
- 2.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine auto free top model: 270,000 yen less expensive
Sales target
1,000 units
Dealership
Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships nationwide

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Demio LX-G @NAVI series

Mazda Demio LX-G
Original models
- 1.3-liter SOHC engine, 4EC automatic transmission model
Changes from the original models
Series common features:
- Mazda Telematics-compatible DVD car navigation system
- Shiny aluminum wheels
- Exclusively designed key and ornament
Exterior:
- Wide side protection moldings matching the outer panel color
- Black window frames
- Dark-tinted window glasses (rear doors, rear quarters and rear gate)
Equipment:
- Anti-ultraviolet windows
- Filter with aldehyde eliminating function
- White instrument panel meters including a tachometer
- Moquette fabric seat surface
- Four speakers
Outer panel color:
- Series-exclusive platinum silver and pure white
Values for money compared to the original models
190,000 yen less expensive
Sales target
1,500 units
Dealership
Mazda, Mazda Anfini, Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Premacy @NAVI L package

Mazda Premacy L
Original models
- Two-wheel-drive, 1.8-liter DOHC engine, column-shift automatic transmission, five-person /seven-person capacity model
Changes from the original models
Series common features:
- Mazda Telematics-compatible DVD car navigation system
- Shiny aluminum wheels
- Exclusively designed key and ornament
Equipment:
- White instrument panel meters
- Six speakers
- Wintry-weather specifications
Outer panel color:
- Series-exclusive platinum silver and pure white
Values for money compared to the original models
- Five-person capacity model: 204,000 yen less expensive
- Seven-person capacity model: 164,000 yen less expensive
Sales target
2,000 units
Dealership
Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

MPV Urban Break and Sport

MAZDA MPV Urban Break, Sport
Original models
- Two-wheel-drive, 2.0-liter DOHC engine, column-shift automatic transmission "Urban Break" model
- Two-wheel-drive, 2.5-liter V6 DOHC engine, column-shift automatic transmission "Sport" model
- Four-wheel-drive, 2.5-liter V6 DOHC engine, column-shift automatic transmission "Sport" model
Changes from the original models
Series common features:
- Mazda Telematics-compatible DVD car navigation system
- Shiny aluminum wheels
- Exclusively designed key and ornament
Equipment:
- Nine speakers
Outer panel color:
- Series-exclusive platinum silver and pure white
Values for money compared to the original models
- Two-wheel-drive 2.0-liter DOHC engine model: 256,000 yen less expensive
- Two-wheel-drive 2.5-liter V6 DOHC engine model: 183,000 yen less expensive
- Four-wheel-drive 2.5-liter V6 DOHC engine model: 181,000 yen less expensive
Sales target
4,000 units
Dealership
Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships nationwide

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

NAVI models-MPV, Premacy, Demio, Bongo Friendee

Mazda Motor Corporation has launched the limited "@NAVI" (pronounced "at-nah-vee")*1 series that features as standard equipment an advanced car navigation system*2 compatible with "Mazda Telematics," the driver's information service. All four @NAVI models-MPV, Premacy, Demio and Bongo Friendee-are now available at Mazda dealerships throughout Japan.

MAZDA NAVI models
The advanced car navigation system of the @NAVI models facilitates a safe and comfortable trip. It provides static route information by accessing an optical-disk database-DVD for MPV, Premacy, and Bongo Friendee and CD-ROM for Demio-and offers the latest traffic information thanks to "VICS-FM." With the optional adapter, the user can access the Mazda Telematics Center to pull down information on motels, restaurants, gas stations, parking facilities and other sites and attractions through the Internet.*3 Additionally, this navigation system can link to the i-mode*4 service, provided by NTT DoCoMo Inc., which enables users to access a variety of i-mode services.

The "@NAVI" series also features the platinum silver outer panel and shiny aluminum wheels to represent the series' color theme, enhancing its total quality feel.

Based on Mazda's brand personality, it is "stylish," "insightful" and "spirited," "@NAVI" is the latest series in Mazda's "MM Project"*5 launched in May to develop a closer connection with its customers.

Highlights of the "@NAVI" series are:
- Advanced car navigation system as standard equipment
- Platinum silver outer panel and shiny aluminum wheels that represent the color theme of the "@NAVI" series
- Reasonable and affordable prices that are 164,000-320,000 yen less than current model prices with the same features
These features enhance Mazda's brand personality, especially the "stylish" and "insightful" aspects. The target sales figure of the entire series is 8,500 units in Japan.

*1: @NAVI (pronounced "at-nah-vee") refers to the car navigation system which gives customers interactivity with various services.
*2: Optional adapter unit (including hands-free device) and a mobile phone are required to connect to the Mazda Telematics Center using a compatible car navigation system. Cdma-One and PHS mobile phones are not compatible. Customers are responsible for the connection charges for the phone company and the Internet provider.
*3: Customers need to become a member to access the Mazda Telematics services. There is no charge for gaining/maintaining membership.
*4: -"i-mode" is a registered trademark of NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
-This product has no relation to NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
-To use the "i-mode" service, contracts for "Packet-data transmission" and "i-mode service" are required plus a mobile phone (800MHz) contract.
-To use "i-mode" service on Mazda Telematics car navigation, an adapter unit (combined with a hands-free system) and a car navigation-compatible "i-mode" mobile phone are required.
*5: "MM project" stands for "MORE MAZDA." It also connotes a close connection between "Mazda" and "Market."

Suggested retail prices (sales tax not included/Unit: thousand yen)
[MPV @NAVI]
Drive Engine Transmission Tokyo/Osaka
Nagoya/Hiroshima
Sapporo Sendai Yamaguchi Fukuoka
2WD 2.0L DOHC 4EC-AT 2,398 2,443 2,419 2,416 2,423
2.5L V6 DOHC 2,648 2,693 2,669 2,666 2,673
4WD 2.5L V6 DOHC 2,890 2,935 2,911 2,908 2,915

[Premacy @NAVI]
Drive Engine Transmission Passenger
capacity
Tokyo/Nagoya/Osaka/
Hiroshima/Yamaguchi
Sapporo Sendai Fukuoka
2WD 1.8L DOHC Column AT 5 1,998 2,048 2,018 2,018
7 2,098 2,148 2,118 2,118

[Demio @NAVI]
Engine Transmission Suggested retail price
1.3L SOHC 4EC-AT 1,398

[Bongo Friendee @NAVI]
Drive Engine Trans
mission
Roof
type
Passenger
capacity
Tokyo/
Nagoya/
Osaka/
Hiroshima
Sapporo Sendai Yamagu
-chi
Fukuoka Okinawa
2WD 2.0L
gasoline
4EC-AT Standard 8 2,298 2,354 2,321 2,316 2,323 2,384
2.5L
V6gasoline
Standard 8 2,598 2,654 2,621 2,616 2,623 2,684
AFT* 8 2,898 2,954 2,921 2,916 2,923 2,984
*AFT: auto free top

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Friday, September 22, 2000

Mazda 1500 GL Special Demio

Mazda Motor Corporation has started selling a limited edition 1500 GL Special Demio at Mazda, Mazda Anfini, and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

Mazda 1500 GL Demio
The Demio, which created a new "compact wagon" genre when introduced in August 1996, has been one of Mazda's best-selling products. Its compact body makes it easy to park and maneuver in traffic or in a multi-level parking lot. Its roomy and comfortable interior, stylish appearance, flexible and creative seat arrangements, and responsive handling and performance make it a pleasure to own and drive.

Based on the GL model equipped with 1.5-liter engine and automatic transmission, this special package features a rear roof spoiler, side protective moldings which match the outer panel color and dark-tinted window glass (rear doors, rear quarters and rear gate) to deliver a more stylish look. It costs 35,000 yen less than the standard model. Three outer panel colors are available: pure white, glacial silver and sunlight silver.

The company will build only 1,500 units of this special model, available only in Japan.

-Suggested Retail Prices (not including sales tax) (Unit: 1,000 yen)

Limited model Engine Transmission Nationwide suggested retail price
GL Special 1500SOHC 4EC-AT 1,398

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Tuesday, September 12, 2000

Demio 1500 Aletta 1.5, 1.3

Mazda Aletta Demio 1500
1. New 1.5-liter engine model "Aletta"
Boasting sporty interior and exterior, and customized chassis to facilitate handling stability in the pursuit of driving pleasure
(1) Exterior

- Aerodynamic accessories: spoiler parts on front, rear under, side sill and rear roof
- Customized mesh grille
- Detachable roof antenna
- Customized decals
- Five outer panel colors, including two new two-tone colors, Classic Red and Sunlight Silver Metallic, and three carried-over monotone colors, Pure White, Brilliant Black and Innocent Blue Mica.
(2) Interior

- Black-based instrument panel incorporating a silver-coated center panel and climate control dials.
- Steering wheel wrapped with NARDI's genuine leather
- White instrument panel meters dimmed with amber illumination lamps
- Customized black-based seats and seat trim
(3) Chassis

- Optimized performance of the rear damper and reliable handling stability facilitated with a new stabilizer and performance rods.

2. Enhanced 1.3-liter Engine Models with new emission mechanism
- Revised 1.3-liter engine models come up with a lower level of emission for the catalytic converter repositioned and re-configured. Now the emission amount of hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide 50% lower than the 2000 base Emission Control Standard. This mechanism makes these models meet the 2000 E-LEV Emission Control Standard of Japan's Ministry of Transport.
- These models are qualified for the lower rate of the automobile acquisition tax based on the preferred taxing system for low-emission vehicles. Additionally, the vehicles registered in the Tokyo Metro area are eligible for its own lowe rate of the automobile tax.3
3 If both tax reductions are applicable, the one is required to choose either reduction option.

3. Improved body rigidity for side-impact collision and additional safety features
- The center pillars are enhanced: filled with resin foam plastic to effectively disperse the energy of impact. Light-weight but solid cross members have been added to the floor providing the extra strength of the body structure in the event of side-impact collision.
- All models include front seatbelts with pretensioners and load-limit mechanism as standard equipment (the model without passenger-side airbags is not equipped with load-limit mechanism.)
- Optional SRS side airbag system with head-protection function (LX-G, LX-S, GL and Aletta)

4. Spirited handling stability and ride comfort
- The entire rigidity for vibration and the spot rigidity of the trailing portions of the torsion beams have been increased. Such increased rigidity results in the tougher structure of undercarriage and wheels, eventually providing more handling stability and ride comfort.

5. More features of convenience to facilitate everyday use
- All components of the optional New-Concept Audio System are upgradeable, so the user can easily add or replace a CD changer or a MD player, for instance, to the 2DIN-sized base unit (Model L comes with this audio system as a dealer option.)
- User is accessible to i-mode4 by using the CD-ROM car navigation system compatible with the Mazda Telematics information service5 (Available to LX-S, GL and Aletta.)
- Keyless entry system features answer-back function that let the user know the state of locked/unlocked, showing a hazard warning signal flasher (Available to LX-G, LX-S, GL and Aletta.)
4 "i-mode" is a registered trademark of NTT DoCoMo, inc. To use the "i-mode" service, contracts for "Packet-data transmission" and "i-mode service" are required plus a mobile phone (800MHz) contract. To use "i-mode" service" on Mazda Telematics car navigation, an adapter unit (combined with a hands-free system)" and a car navigation-compatible "i-mode" mobile phone are required.
5 To connect to "Mazda Telematics Center" with a compatible car navigation system, optional adapter unit (combined with a hands-free system) and mobile phone are required. Cdma-One and PHS mobile phones are not compatible. The telephone charge and provider fee should be paid by the customer.

Mazda Demio 1500 Aletta 1.5, 1.3
-Suggested retail prices (Sales tax not included) (Unit: 1,000 yen)

Engine Model Transmission Suggested retail prices
1300
SOHC
L 5MT 999
4EC-AT 1,089
LX-G 5MT 1,155
4EC-AT 1,245
LX-G 5MT 1,207
4EC-AT 1,297
1500
SOHC
GL 5MT 1,343
4EC-AT 1,433
Aletta 5MT 1,459
4EC-AT 1,549


Demio 1500 Aletta rear

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Demio 1500 Aletta Sport Model

Mazda Motor Corporation has introduced "Aletta,"1 the new 1.5-liter sport model of the popular Demio minivan, at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan. In addition, Mazda has enhanced existing Demio models with a revised emission system that meets the 2000 Japan Emission Control Standards for all 1.3-liter models and reinforced body structure for all 1.3 and 1.5-liter models.

Mazda Demio 1500
The Demio, which created a new 'compact wagon' genre when introduced in August 1996, has been one of Mazda's best-selling products. Its compact body makes it easy to park and maneuver in traffic or in a multi-level parking lot. Its roomy and comfortable interior, stylish appearance, flexible and creative seat arrangements and responsive handling and performance also make it a pleasure to own and drive.

Mazda Demio 1500 Aletta Sport
Demio's highlights:
1. The revised emission system-rebuilding and repositioning the catalytic converter-enables all 1.3-liter engine models to meet the 2000 Japan Emission Control Standards.
2. Demio's enhanced safety features include a strengthened center pillar, filled with resin foam plastic, and reinforced bars on roof and floor and an optional SRS2 side-impact airbags to improve safety in the event of side-impact collision.
3. The new model includes aerodynamic accessories and a center-roof antenna on the outside and black-tinted interior with an accent of white-colored instrument panel meters and a NARDI leather-wrapped steering wheel on the inside to lend a spirited air to the model.
4. Enhanced body rigidity, along with revised suspension system, enhance ride comfort and handling stability.
5. Mazda's "New-Concept Audio System" is standard equipment for all models, except Model L, and the Mazda Telematics-compatible navigation system is optional.

1 Aletta means "attractive" in Italian. This name implies a stylish and spirited image for the new model.
2 SRS: Supplemental Restraint System.

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Thursday, September 7, 2000

Special equipped MPV

Features, specifications and prices -Suggested Retail Prices (Sales tax not included) (Unit: 1,000 yen)

Drive
System
Engine Grade Tokyo/Nagoya/
Osaka/Hiroshima
Sapporo Sendai Yamaguchi Fukuoka
2WD 2.0 Liter
4-in-line
Urban Break 2,706 2,751 2,727 2,724 2,731
Urban Break-S 2,796 2,841 2,817 2,814 2,821
2.5 Liter
V6
G 2,796 2,841 2,817 2,814 2,821
Sport 2,996 3,041 3,017 3,014 3,021
L 3,166 3,211 3,187 3,184 3,191
4WD 2.5 Liter
V6
G 3,046 3,091 3,067 3,064 3,071
Sport 3,236 3,281 3,257 3,254 3,261
L 3,416 3,461 3,437 3,434 3,441


* Add 26 for a two-toned color for outer panel.
* All the models are wintry-weather enhanced. Four-wheel-drive wintry-weather models are equipped with high-capacity batteries, anti-frozen wiper motors and heat-defrosting side mirrors.

-Special equipment
STANDARD: Lift-up passenger seat (w/ armrests), footrest for lift-up seat, removable chest belts, wheelchair tie-down belt.
O P T I O N: Floor mats.

-Specifications (Base model: 2WD G)

Grade G
Drive system 2WD
Vehicle type GF-LW5W
Engine V6 2500DOHC
Displacement 2,494cc
Transmission Electronically controlled 4-speed automatic
Overall length 4,750mm
Overall width 1,830mm
Overall height 1,745mm
Interior length 2,535mm
Interior width 1,610mm
Interior height 1,220mm
Wheel base 2,840mm
Tread (Front & rear) 1,545mm
Weight 1,690kg
Capacity (occupant) 7


Mazda MPV with lift-up passenger seat
-Primary features
Rear Gate Ramp-incorporating; Lift-up opening
Wheelchair loading area
(specially-lowered floor)
Ground clearance: 320mm
Wheelchair tie-down equipment Standard tie-down
Wheelchair occupant seat Two-point tie-down belt
Suspension (rear) Strut
Spare tire Interior-installed; bolt-fixed
Maximum acceptable dimensions/
weight of wheelchair
Dimensions: Overall length: 1,100mm; overall width: 650mm; overall height: 1,200mm. Weight (including a wheelchair and its occupant): 160kg

-Specifications
Model GF-CP8W
Body Type Station wagon
Engine Type Water-cooled in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve
Displacement 1,839cc
Drive wheel/Transmission FF/4-speed automatic
Overall length/Overall width/Overall height 4,330mm/1,695mm/1,650mm
Curb weight 1,320kg
Capacity (occupant) 5 [w/ wheelchair]/6 [w/o wheelchair]
Minimum grand clearance 160mm
Rear gate opening grand clearance 1,274mm
Wheelchair compartment grand clearance 1,280mm
Ramp length 1,237mm
Ramp width 670mm
Ramp angle 11°
Fuel tank capacity 43 Liter


Mazda Premacy i

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

New MPV Features

Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase four special equipped vehicles for the disabled Tuesday through Thursday, September 12-14 at the 27th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition 2000* at Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo. The four models include the MPV, which goes on sale today at Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan, the prototype "Premacy i," "Demio-i" and "AZ-Wagon i."

New Mazda MPV
The special equipped MPV model for the disabled includes a lift-up passenger seat which can be built into the passenger seat compartment of all new MPV models except for the 2.0-liter engine B model. Using a lever at the lower part of the special seat, the passenger can rotate it 90 degrees to face left and lower it 50 centimeters to the ground for easy ingress and egress. This mechanism helps passengers moving between a wheelchair and a vehicle seat. The yearly target sales figure is 180 units for the Japan market.

Based on the existing model with three rows of seats, the "Premacy i" features a specially lowered floor to load a wheelchair. Its rear gate frame incorporates a ramp to allow the caregiver to push a wheelchair into the vehicle. The second row of seats consists of two removable seats, while the third row features a removable two-passenger bench seat.

Even when the third row of seat is taken out and a wheelchair is loaded, "Premacy i" is spacious enough to accommodate five adults. With the third-row-seat, the vehicle can handle six adults. The second row of split seats accommodates a center aisle, which enables occupants to gain access easily to the passenger in the wheelchair in the rear compartment. The specially-lowered floor at the rear enables the passenger in the wheelchair to have almost the same eye level as the other occupants. Other specially equipped vehicles on display include "Demio-i" and "AZ-wagon i."

Incorporating the theme "more care, more convenience," the company has named its special equipped vehicles for the disabled "i-Series"-"i" is the Japanese pronunciation of the word "love."

* The 27th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition 2000 reveals products for the disabled and those assisting the disabled and manufactured by approximately 600 companies from 16 countries. The exhibition will run from Tuesday, September 12 until Thursday, September 14, 2000.

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Tuesday, September 5, 2000

Mazda Premacy 2WD Sports Package

Primary changes on the upgraded Premacy

Mazda Premacy 2WD
(1) New Features
All Models

- Driver-side armrest (not available on the base model)
- Colored protection molding for front bumper, rear bumper and sides (not available on the base model)
- Heat-defrosting side mirrors (available on the four-wheel-drive models)
- New sporty seats and door trim fabric
Sport Package
- Aerodynamic accessories (front & side air-dam skirts and rear under-skirt)
- 16-inch tires & aluminum wheels
- White instrument panel meter

(2) New L Package
The new L Package adds to the G Package the following features:

- Beige-colored interior
- Deluxe jacquard moquette fabric (seats and door trim)
- Simulated wood-pattern panels (center panel and front door switch bezels)
- 15-inch tires & aluminum wheels (14-inch tires & wheels applied to the four-wheel-drive models)
- Front fog lamps

(3) New outer panel color schemes
Out of seven outer panel colors, three colors have been newly added: Sunlight Silver Metallic, Supreme Blue Mica and Passion Red Mica.

- Suggested Retail Prices (Sales tax not included)
(Unit: 1,000 yen)

Engine Drive Max
passengers
Package Tokyo; Nagoya;
Osaka; Hiroshima
Yamaguchi
Sapporo Sendai Fukuoka
1800
DOHC
2WD
(FF)
5 Standard 1,688 1,742 1,712 1,708
G package 1,828 1,882 1,852 1,848
Sport package 1,958 2,012 1,982 1,978
L package 1,928 1,982 1,952 1,948
7 Standard 1,748 1,802 1,772 1,768
G package 1,888 1,942 1,912 1,908
Sport package 2,018 2,072 2,042 2,038
L package 1,988 2,042 2,012 2,008
4WD 5 Standard 1,948 1,998 1,968 1,968
G package 2,088 2,138 2,108 2,108
L package 2,178 2,228 2,198 2,198
7 Standard 2,008 2,058 2,028 2,028
G package 2,148 2,198 2,168 2,168
L package 2,228 2,278 2,248 2,248


* All the models are column AT(EC-AT)
* The optional price of cold package for 2WD is 4,000 yen.(The price of 2WD models for Sapporo and Sendai includes the cold package price). All 4WD models all adopt cold package.

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Sport Package New Features

Mazda Motor Corporation has started selling the upgraded Premacy that features the new Sport Package and the new deluxe L Package at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

Mazda 2WD Sports Package
The Premacy embodies Mazda's brand personality; it is "stylish," "insightful" and "spirited." As a compact car, Premacy is easy to park and to maneuver in traffic. More space with its roomy interior and three rows of seats, Premacy is spacious enough to accommodate seven adults in various seat arrangements.

Except for the base model, all models of the upgraded Premacy feature a driver-side armrest and protection molding (front bumper, rear bumper and sides) that matches the color of the outer panel for an even more stylish appearance. Additionally, the Sport Package is now equipped with aerodynamic accessories (front & side air-dam skirts and rear under-skirt), 16-inch tires and aluminum wheels, and white instrument panel meters.

The new added deluxe L Package makes the Premacy even more appealing to a broader range of customers with features such as beige-colored interior, simulated wood-pattern center panels, 15-inch tires and aluminum wheels, and front fog lamps.

The company expects to sell 3,000 units of this enhanced Premacy per month in the Japan market.

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Mazda Digital Innovation (MDI)

Mazda Motor Corporation has begun Phase 3 of Mazda Digital Innovation (MDI), a revolutionary information technology system that will dramatically improve the quality and efficiency of vehicle development and manufacturing.

Mazda Digital Innovation
By introducing a wide range of virtual testing and upgrading Phase 1 and 2, Mazda aims to reduce vehicle development time after styling freeze from 18 months to 14 months for brand-new models. MDI also will help the company reduce development costs through increased efficiency.

Mazda launched MDI in 1996. Phase 1 and Phase 2 initiatives included the installation of an integrated CAD/CAM system and the use of cutting-edge 3D information systems in the overall development process.

MDI Phase 3 has two major objectives:

* To reduce vehicle development time and improve the quality of vehicle performance and durability by using 20 additional road simulators and advanced virtual testing simulation.
* To improve the availability and sharing of information for joint vehicle development with the Ford group.

With MDI Phase 3, Mazda plans to conduct virtual tests at the planning and designing stages of vehicle development before building prototype cars. Mazda will use virtual testing to cover all major areas, including durability, crashworthiness, handling stability, and NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness).

In addition, Mazda will use virtual testing to prove quality of major components such as engines, transmissions and suspensions. Mazda expects to reduce the number of prototype cars by 30% and testing time by 50%.

Mazda also plans to accelerate concurrent engineering within the company and with the Ford group and overseas suppliers through the Product Information Management (PIM) system. Using PIM, Mazda digitizes all information required for product development and production engineering, making vital information available to all who need it.

"Mazda considers MDI a core competency for our product development," said Phil Martens, managing director in charge of Product Planning, Design and Programs. "We will continue to strengthen MDI to increase our competitive strength."

Mazda plans to invest an additional 17.5 billion yen in the MDI Phase 3, bringing total spending to 41.0 billion yen.

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

Friday, September 1, 2000

E-Business Enabling Office

To strengthen its overall e-business strategy and accelerate its implementation, Mazda Motor Corporation established the 'e-Business Enabling Office' today.

E-Business Enabling Office

Mazda, which will unify and promote e-business through its new office, wants to be the e-business leader in the Japanese automotive industry. The new office will cooperate with Ford Motor Company to develop e-business on a global scale.

Mazda already has developed many e-business initiatives, including:
- 'Web-tuned@Demio', a limited edition Internet version of the Demio and an accompanying Website that provides trade-in estimates and credit checks
- An information exchange service for suppliers through the 'Mazda Supplier Network'
- 'Mazda Telemetics Center' provides information to customers using the Internet, mobile phone and car navigation system. This service, which requires no admission or annual membership fee, was the first of its kind by any Japanese automaker.

"Recent advances in information technology are remarkable," said Mazda President Mark Fields.
"E-business can go a long way toward helping us prosper in the future."

Managing Director Ryoichi Hasegawa, currently responsible for Mazda's Information Systems, will manage the new organization.

Find more news and information at www.mazda.com

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