Friday, May 25, 2001

The Millennium Plan

The Millennium Plan, announced in November 2000, is designed to strengthen Mazda's business structure and its long-term competitive position through growth, based on the following elements:
- A strong brand
- New product launches
- Strengthened distribution
- Proactive actions to reform and restructure our business
- An enhanced and clear role in the Ford Motor Company group
- Developing our people to their maximum potential.

Mazda has already begun to implement the Millennium Plan. In FY2000, Mazda announced plans to begin production of its next-generation small car for Europe at a Ford plant in Valencia, Spain. The company also reduced its employment of indirect workers by more than 2,200 through an Early Retirement Special Program in March and announced that it will close its Ujina 2 assembly plant in Hiroshima by September 2001.

In FY2001, Mazda aims to improve customer satisfaction through various initiatives, assume control of distribution in selected markets in Europe, and continue to strengthen distribution in Japan and the U.S. We will begin production late in this fiscal year of the first of a new generation of products that fully embodies the Mazda brand DNA, including the first application in a Mazda vehicle of a new family of large I4 engines. We also will adjust domestic production capacity, continue to progress the development of other major product actions, prepare for the start of production in Europe in 2003, and strengthen employee development.

All members of the Mazda team are committed to delivering our business targets for FY2001 to ensure we continue to progress along a path of profitable growth as envisaged in the Millennium Plan.

Note:
- Dollar equivalents compiled at 124 yen to the dollar (Exchange rate prevailing on March 30, 2001).
- Euro equivalents compiled at 109 yen to the euro (Exchange rate prevailing on March 30, 2001).

Financial Results, Projection

Mazda Motor Corporation announced a net loss of 155.2 billion yen (US$1.3 billion, 1.4 billion euro) for FY2000 (April 1, 2000-March 31, 2001). The company also announced its financial projection for FY2001 (April 1, 2001 through March 31, 2002), reaffirming its plans to achieve consolidated net breakeven.

Mazda's consolidated revenue was 2,015.8 billion yen (US$16.3 billion, 18.5 billion euro), down 6.7% from the previous fiscal year. This decrease was primarily because of the adverse impact of a strong yen and lower sales of vehicles, parts, and components. Operating loss was 14.9 billion yen (US$120 million, 137 million euro). Ordinary loss was 29.7 billion yen (US$240 million, 272 million euro).

Consolidated cash flow was 52.2 billion yen (US$421 million, 479 million euro), reflecting management's continued focus and commitment to strengthen Mazda's financial structure. As a result, the company reduced consolidated net debt by 52.4 billion yen (US$423 million, 481 million euro), with a balance at year end of 484.6 billion yen (US$3.9 billion, 4.4 billion euro).

Non-consolidated revenue totaled 1,322.7 billion yen (US$10.7 billion, 12.1 billion euro). Operating loss was 31.3 billion yen (US$252 million, 287 million euro), and ordinary loss was 32.3 billion yen (US$260 million, 296 million euro). Net loss was 127.5 billion yen (US$1 billion, 1.2 billion euro).

Non-consolidated cash flow was a positive 5.9 billion yen (US$48 million, 54 million euro).


Financial Projection for FY2001 (Consolidated)
Mazda is committed to achieve consolidated net breakeven and a positive cash flow in FY2001, the first full year of the Millennium Plan.

In Japan, Mazda projects a slight increase in industry sales of 0.5%, to 6 million units. Overseas, a decline of 4.9% is projected for the U.S. industry and a decline of 2.4% for Europe.

Mazda forecasts an exchange rate on average of 115 yen against the U.S. dollar and 110 yen against the euro.

Under these conditions, our projection of consolidated financial results for the FY2001 is as follows:
Sales revenue: 2,140 billion yen (US$17.3 billion, 19.6 billion euro)
Operating profit: 17 billion yen (US$137 million, 156 million euro)
Ordinary profit: 2 billion yen (US$16 million, 18 million euro)
Net income: Breakeven
Cash flow: 5 billion yen (US$40 million, 46 million euro) including payouts required for the Early Retirement Special Program and funds to support an aggressive product plan

Latest Personnel Changes

Effective on June 1, 2001

Name New Post Current Post
Kei Kado Senior Managing Director
In charge of R&D, Quality Assurance and Six Sigma
Senior Managing Director
In charge of R&D and Quality Assurance

Changes of positions and responsibilities of Directors, new Directors and Corporate Auditor, Effective on June 26, 2001 after 135th General Stockholders Meeting.

Name New Post (Effective on June 26, 2001) Current Post (As of June 1, 2001)
Robert L. Shanks Representative Director, Senior Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer
In charge of Subsidiary & Affiliated Companies
Representative Director, Senior Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer
In charge of Corporate Planning, Cost Planning and Subsidiary & Affiliated Companies
Ryoichi Hasegawa Senior Managing Director
In charge of IT Solution, e-Business, General Affairs, Legal Affairs and Osaka Branch; Assistant to the CFO
Managing Director
In charge of IT Solution, e-Business, General Affairs, Legal Affairs and Osaka Branch; Assistant to the CFO
Gideon Wolthers Managing Director
In charge of Corporate Planning and Cost Planning;
General Manager, Corporate Planning Div.
.
Keishi Egawa Director
General Manager, General Affairs Dept.
Director
In charge of Financial Services and Domestic Dealer Financial Administration; General Manager, Financial Services Div.
Hiroshi Hosaka Director
General Manager, Domestic Sales Div
Senior Advisor
General Manager, Domestic Sales Div.
Nobuhide Inamoto Director
General Manager, Business Logistics Div.
Senior Advisor
General Manager, Business Logistics Div.
Kiyoshi Ozaki Director
In charge of Financial Services and Domestic Dealer Financial Administration; General Manager, Financial Services Div.
.
Teruhiro Shimono Corporate Auditor (Full time) .

Director and Corporate Auditor to step down from their positions:
- Masakatsu Takeyari, currently Director, will assume the position of Representative Director and Vice President of Mazda Ace Co., Ltd.
- Keiichiro Yoshikawa, currently Corporate Auditor (Full time), will step down from the position.

Thursday, May 24, 2001

Mazdaspeed Familia, Roadster Prices

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices and Participating Dealerships
[Mazdaspeed Roadster] (excluding sales tax) (Unit: 1,000 yen)

Engine Transmission Seating capacity Japan suggested retail price
4-in-line 1,800 DOHC 6MT 2 2,548

- Dealership: Mazda Anfini and selected Mazda dealerships throughout Japan.

[Mazdaspeed Familia] (excluding sales tax) (Unit: 1,000 yen)

Engine Transmission Seating capacity Tokyo, Nagoya,
Osaka, Hiroshima
Sapporo Sendai Yamaguch Fukuoka
4-in-line2,000 DOHC 5MT 5 1,998 2,048 2,018 2,008 2,018

- Dealership: Mazda, Mazda Anfini, and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

Note: MP3 Compatible Audio System
- Except for personal use, reproducing (recording) and distributing or disseminating music, etc., without the permission of the copyright holder is prohibited.
- CNever paste labels, stickers, tape, etc., on the label or recording surface of CD-R or CD-RW discs.
- CD-R and CD-RW discs are more susceptible than ordinary CDs to hot and humid environments. Playback of some discs may not be possible under such conditions. Also, fingerprints or scratches may impede proper playback.
- Some CD-R or CD-RW discs may deteriorate if left in an automobile for extended periods of time.

Limited Edition Mazdaspeed Familia

- Base model: Sedan RS (1.5-liter DOHC engine)
- Principal special equipment (points of difference from the base model)

Limited Edition Mazdaspeed Familia
Limited Edition Mazdaspeed Familia

Mechanical 2.0-liter DOHC engine (maximum output: 175 PS)
- This is a specially tuned version of the engine used in the S-Wagon Sport 20 by making modifications to the pistons compression ratio, cam shaft, flywheel, and more. It provides boosted output and improved engine response.
5-speed manual transmission (short stroke type)
- The 5-speed manual transmission is not available on the base model. This is also a "short stroke" format with a shorter shift lever.
"Sporty sound" muffler (Mazdaspeed)
- Produces a distinctive sports car engine growl.
Custom stainless steel exhaust manifold
- Improves engine exhaust efficiency.
Custom sports tuned suspension
- Increased roll stiffness for improved maneuvering stability
Custom front and rear stabilizers
205/45 R 17 tires
17-inch aluminum wheels (RacingHart)
Front and rear 15-inch disc brakes
Strut tower bar
Exterior Custom body color: Starry Blue Micax
Custom body color: Starry Blue Mica Custom aluminum wheel color: Gold
Aerodynamic parts (Due to this feature, the color side molding of the base model has been omitted)
Custom front bumper air splitter, custom rear under skirt, custom rear spoiler (with high mounted brake light), front aerodynamic bumper with large fog lamps, side skirts
Decal with "MAZDASPEED" logo (on left front fender)
Interior Silver panel (center portion of floor console)
Carbon tone center panel (side portions of air conditioner and audio panel)
Genuine leather 3-spoke steering wheel (Nardi) and genuine leather shift knob
Aluminum pedals
MP3 (*) compatible multi-control CD car audio system manufactured by Kenwood and ten speakers

Limited Edition Mazdaspeed Roadster

- Base model: RS (1.8-liter DOHC engine, 6-speed manual transmission)
- Major special equipment (points of difference from the base model)

Limited Edition Mazdaspeed Roadster
Limited Edition Mazdaspeed Roadster

Mechanical Four-level adjustment damper (Mazdaspeed)
- Allows the user to adjust the attenuation by four levels to match the driving conditions.
Custom exhaust manifold (Mazdaspeed)
- Improves engine exhaust efficiency.
"Sporty sound" muffler (Mazdaspeed)
- Produces a distinctive sports car exhaust sound.
Reinforced engine mount and differential mount
- Stiffer rubber at the locations where the engine and differential are mounted on the body allows motive power from the engine to be conveyed to the drive system more directly.
Colored front suspension tower bar (matches body color)
Hood insulators (noise dampers)
Exterior Custom body color: Starry Blue Mica
Custom aluminum wheel color: Gold
Aerodynamic accessories
Front air dam skirt, side air dam skirts, rear under skirt, rear spoiler, headlamp and rear combination lamp bezels, front fog lamps
Decal with "MAZDASPEED" logo (on left front fender)
Interior Carbon tone center panel
Blue metal plated meter rings
Blue stitching
- Stitching on seats, steering wheel, shift knob, and shift boot is blue to match exterior color.
MP3 (*See note below) compatible multi-control CD car audio system manufactured by Kenwood and four speakers

Mazdaspeed Roadster and Familia

Mazda Motor Corporation announces the release of limited edition versions of the convertible sports car "Roadster" and compact four-door sedan "Familia." Designed to offer improved driving performance, the Mazdaspeed Roadster and Mazdaspeed Familia are available today at dealerships throughout Japan.

Mazdaspeed Roadster

Mazdaspeed Roadster


Mazda defines "the driving pleasure of feeling at one with the vehicle" as "dynamic (driving) DNA," a common characteristic for all Mazda cars. The goal is to achieve a feeling of oneness between car and driver by providing a high level of integrated balance in basic functions such as accelerating, cornering, and stopping.

Mazdaspeed Familia

Mazdaspeed Familia


The new Mazdaspeed Roadster and Mazdaspeed Familia offer improved performance thanks to the modified specifications associated with the Mazdaspeed brand*. This further enhances fun-to-drive feeling.

The Mazdaspeed Roadster employs a damper that drivers can adjust easily among four levels to match driving conditions. It also features an exhaust manifold that provides improved exhaust efficiency and a "sporty sound" muffler for a distinctive sports car exhaust sound.

Mazda engineers equipped Mazdaspeed Familia with the 2.0-liter DOHC engine previously offered only on the S-Wagon Sport 20, and they have specially tuned on the model for improved dynamic performance. In addition, they have added large-diameter tires and a specially developed suspension system to enhance maneuvering stability. Large-diameter brake rotors deliver improved braking performance.

Finally, Mazda has equipped both limited edition models with aerodynamic parts and a distinctive exterior color scheme that features a blue body and gold wheels. The interiors also have special touches designed to add a sporty feel.

Mazda plans to produce 200 units of the limited edition Mazdaspeed Roadster, and 100 of the Mazdaspeed Familia.

* Mazda designs and develops tuning parts and accessories for the motor sports market under the Mazdaspeed brand.

Wednesday, May 23, 2001

Tribute Retail Prices

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (excluding sales tax) (Unit: 1,000 yen)

Engine Drive Grade Nationwide price
3.0-liter V-6 2WD LX 2,048,000
LX G package 2,211,000
4WD GL-X L package 2,645,000

- All models are cold region specification vehicles.
- The LX G package is offered as a manufacturer's option to the LX. The G package includes aluminum wheels, electric retracting colored side mirrors, dark tinted glass, keyless entry system, and SRS side airbags with head protection.

New Tribute Packages Overview

New Mazda Tribute

New Mazda Tribute


(1) 2-wheel drive, 3.0-liter V-6 LX and LX G Package
- Equipment is the same as that for the previous two-wheel drive/four-wheel drive 2.0-liter and four-wheel drive V-6 3.0-liter LX and LX G packages.

(2) 4-wheel drive, 3.0-liter V-6 GL-X L Package
(Additions to the GL-X)
- Genuine leather seats
- Driver's seat with lumbar support
- Large console box (with driver's side armrest)
- Cup holders and ashtrays (mounted on center console)
- Chrome plated aluminum wheels
- Aldehyde-eliminating air filters
(Exterior and interior colors) Pure white, passion red mica, silky pearl mica

Note: All are two-tone schemes (lower portion is moonlight gray M); all interiors are beige.

Two-Wheel Drive Tribute 3.0 V-6 Engine

Mazda Motor Corporation announces three new versions of the Tribute sport utility vehicle (SUV):

* LX with two-wheel drive and a 3.0-liter V-6 engine
* LX G with two-wheel drive and a 3.0-liter V-6 engine
* GL-X L with four-wheel drive and a 3.0-liter V-6 engine and deluxe features like genuine leather seats.

Mazda Tribute

Two-Wheel Drive Tribute models with 3.0-Liter V-6 Engine


All three go on sale today at Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

The latest additions to the Tribute lineup respond to the requirements of even more discriminating customers who pursue individuality and luxury. The additions also address the increasing demand for two-wheel drive SUVs.

The Tribute 3.0-liter V-6 engine was originally available only in a four-wheel drive format. The new LX and LX G packages provide two-wheel drive and a 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The V-6 engine delivers powerful acceleration and smooth cruising at high speeds. The LX is priced at 2,048,000 yen and the LX G, which includes aluminum wheels, electric retracting colored side mirrors, dark tinted glass, keyless entry system, and SRS side airbags with head protection, is priced at 2,211,000 yen. This affordable pricing brings the enjoyment of driving a Tribute within reach of an even broader range of customers.

The new GL-X L package is based on the four-wheel drive GL-X. It adds features such as genuine leather seats, chrome-plated aluminum wheels, and a large console box for a high-grade, luxury feel.

Tribute can handle rough terrain and off-road surfaces while delivering on-road maneuverability at a level not previously found in SUVs. Tribute also offers roomy interiors and distinctive styling.

With its 3.0-liter V-6 engine power, available in light SUV models for the first time, and sports car performance, handling and maneuverability, Tribute has been favorably received since last November's launch.

Mazda LX G Package Tribute Model

Mazda LX G Package Tribute Model


Monthly sales of the Tribute are projected at about 1,500 units.

Monday, May 21, 2001

Micro-mini vehicles from Suzuki

Mazda Motor Corporation (Headquarter Office: Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture; President: Mark Fields) and Suzuki Motor Corporation (Takatsuka-cho, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; President: Masao Toda) have confirmed that Mazda continues to have the OEM procurement for micro-mini vehicles from Suzuki.

Mazda AZ-Wagon

Mazda AZ-Wagon


Currently Suzuki supplies six models, including "AZ-Wagon" (Suzuki "Wagon R") to Mazda on OEM procurement. Based on this agreement, Suzuki has started developing the next OEM micro-mini models, which are fully-changed versions of currently supplied models.

The tie-up between Mazda and Suzuki began in December 1987 with the "Agreement on Production Cooperation of Micro-mini Vehicles." Suzuki began supplying micro-mini commercial vehicles on OEM procurement in May 1989 and core parts for passenger vehicles, including engines in October 1989. Mazda has been procuring all micro-mini vehicles from Suzuki since the launch of the new standard micro-mini car models in October 1998.

The total sales of the OEM procurement and models for which parts are supplied by Suzuki, are 674,000 units (registered vehicles as of the end of April, 2001). Mazda and Suzuki have reached this agreement, satisfied with the co-existence of the companies, and their healthy competitive relationship.
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