Thursday, August 30, 2001

Mazda RX-7 Retail Prices

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (Excluding Tax) (Unit: 1,000 yen)

Mazda RX-7
Mazda RX-7

Engine Name Transmission Maximum output Price (nationwide)
13B RE-W Type R
Bathurst
5-speed manual
transmission
206 kW (280 PS) 3,398

Features of the Type R Bathurst R

The Type R Bathurst R takes as its basis the Type R, the lightest power-weight ratio among RX-7 series, and adds custom height-adjustable dampers designed specially for this limited edition model. This provides a unique driving experience to match the individuality of the customer. Carbon tone interior panels accentuate the sporty feel.

Mazda Speed RX-7 R
Mazda Speed RX-7 Bathurst R

- Custom "Bathurst R" decals
- Height-adjustable dampers (custom designed for the limited edition model)
* Adjustment is performed by the dealer with request of customers
- Carbon tone panels (center panel, center console, power window switch panel and small storage compartment cover on driver's side) (manufactured by Mazda Speed)
- Carbon shift knob and parking brake lever (manufactured by Mazda Speed)
Available body colors: Sunburst Yellow (exclusive to the limited edition model), Pure White, Innocent Blue Mica

RX-7 Limited Edition Model

Mazda Motor Corporation has released a limited edition version of the RX-7 rotary engine real sports car. Equipped with features designed to enhance driving pleasure and its sporty appeal, the new Type R Bathurst R goes on sale today at Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

Mazda RX-7 Type R
Mazda RX-7 Type R Bathurst R

The RX-7 has a particularly distinctive design, brimming with originality. Its lightweight, compact, high-output rotary engine allows it to raise responsive handling and performance to an exceptionally high level. The RX-7 is a sports car that exemplifies the Mazda spirit.

The new limited edition model is based on the Type R, with the lightest power-weight ratio among RX-7 series, and features custom height-adjustable dampers designed specially for the limited edition model for enhanced driving excitement. In addition, employing the carbon tone cockpit reminiscent of a racing car adds up to a thoroughly sporty feel. Three body colors are available, including exclusive color for this limited edition vehicle: Sunburst Yellow.

The name Bathurst was chosen to commemorate the Bathurst 12-hour car race in Australia, where the RX-7 has been victorious for three consecutive years (1992 through 1994). Since that time all limited edition versions of the RX-7 have carried the Bathurst name.

Sales of the RX-7 Type R Bathurst R are limited to 500 units for all of Japan.

RX-7 Limited Edition Model

Mazda Motor Corporation has released a limited edition version of the RX-7 rotary engine real sports car. Equipped with features designed to enhance driving pleasure and its sporty appeal, the new Type R Bathurst R goes on sale today at Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

The RX-7 has a particularly distinctive design, brimming with originality. Its lightweight, compact, high-output rotary engine allows it to raise responsive handling and performance to an exceptionally high level. The RX-7 is a sports car that exemplifies the Mazda spirit.

The new limited edition model is based on the Type R, with the lightest power-weight ratio among RX-7 series, and features custom height-adjustable dampers designed specially for the limited edition model for enhanced driving excitement. In addition, employing the carbon tone cockpit reminiscent of a racing car adds up to a thoroughly sporty feel. Three body colors are available, including exclusive color for this limited edition vehicle: Sunburst Yellow.

The name Bathurst was chosen to commemorate the Bathurst 12-hour car race in Australia, where the RX-7 has been victorious for three consecutive years (1992 through 1994). Since that time all limited edition versions of the RX-7 have carried the Bathurst name.

Sales of the RX-7 Type R Bathurst R are limited to 500 units for all of Japan.

Friday, August 3, 2001

AutoAlliance International

Philip G. Spender, formerly Managing Director of Ford India Limited has been named president, chief executive officer and chief operating officer for AutoAlliance International, Inc. (AAI, Flat Rock, Mich, USA), the joint manufacturing venture owned by Mazda Motor Corporation and Ford Motor Company.

Mazda AutoAlliance International
AutoAlliance International, Inc. (AAI)

Spender will replace current President, CEO and COO Deborah Stewart Coleman, effective September 1, 2001. He has been with Ford Motor Company for more than 24 years and has a rich experience gained through various cross-functional assignments in the company. He has an engineering background and contributed to the development of global manufacturing practices for Ford. He also has been involved in the planning and development of many new car launches.

"We are excited to welcome Mr. Spender as our new president. He brings many years of experience in automotive manufacturing, and I hope he will be an astute manager," said Takashi Yamanouchi, AAI chairman of the board, and senior managing director, Mazda Motor Corporation.

Coleman, who had previously served as Ford's Quality Director of Vehicle Operations, and has been at the current position since September 1999, will be assigned as Group Managing Director and CEO of the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa effective September 2001. "We're grateful to Ms. Coleman for her outstanding leadership and service at AAI," said Yamanouchi, "I hope her best wishes for her upcoming career."

The AutoAlliance plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, started production in 1987 and achieved the 2 millionth production in June 1999. It produces the Mazda 626 and the Mercury Cougar. The company employs approximately 1,800 people, and has an annual total capacity of 240,000 units (at straight production).

Sales Operations in the UK

Mazda Motor Corporation's wholly owned distributor, Mazda Motors UK Limited, started operation August 1 under James Muir, newly appointed Managing Director. Mazda Motor Corporation established Mazda Motors UK Limited (Mazda UK) on May 31, 2001. The new company's capital is 4 million pounds (approximately 7 oku yen).

Mazda Motors UK Limited
Mazda Motors UK Limited

Mazda took over the distribution business in the UK from Mazda Cars (UK) Limited (MCL Group), a company owned 60 percent by Itochu Corporation and 40 percent by Inchcape plc. Mazda reached agreement in the spring to take over Mazda business. Through a combination of investments in the distribution network, products, and marketing actions, Mazda UK expects to develop the brand significantly and grow volume substantially over the next five years. The new company will also reduce costs and improve efficiency through maximizing synergies with other Mazda operations.

Mazda plans to reinforce distribution networks in major markets as part of its Millennium Plan which defines the company's strategy for growth through 2004. In the European market, Mazda's strategy is to take control of distribution in those markets where direct manufacturer involvement maximizes growth opportunities.

Mazda's wholly owned sales companies in Spain and Italy began operation in 2000. Mazda acquired the distribution business in France from Inchcape plc in April 2001 and has been the distributor in Portugal since 1995. It has successfully operated a distributor in Germany, Europe's largest market, for many years.

Mazda's objective in the Millennium Plan for Europe is to have more than 70% of the sales under Mazda's direct control by the end of 2001.

Mark Fields, President of Mazda Motor Corporation said," With the successful execution of the direct control initiatives in Europe, we will come very close to achieving more than 70% direct control target by the end of 2001. Our operations in Europe have made another strong stride to achieve our Millennium Plan objectives."
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