News

The NEW Mazda6



Media Release

25 July 2012

All-New Mazda6 Sedan World Premiere at 2012 Moscow Motor Show

—Mazda’s new flagship model fully incorporates both SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the KODO-SOUL OF MOTION design theme—

Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the all-new Mazda6 sedan (totally redesigned for the first time in five years, at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show. The Moscow Motor Show begins August 29 and runs through to September 9, 2012.

The new Mazda6 is the second of Mazda’s new generation of products which incorporate both the full range of SKYACTIV technologies and the new KODO-SOUL OF MOTION design language. It will also be the first model equipped with Mazda’s brake energy regeneration system, i-ELOOP. The introduction of i-ELOOP marks stage 2 of Mazda’s Building Block Strategy for environmental technology development. The strategy calls for thorough improvements in base automotive technologies before the step-by-step introduction of electric devices to improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions.

Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director Mazda New Zealand says there is a lot of excitement among New Zealand vehicle buyers around the all new Mazda6.

“The Mazda6 has been a stand out performer for us in New Zealand since its launch in 2002 and we expect this new generation model to prove just as popular.”

The new Mazda6 draws on the best of Mazda’s technical expertise and craftsmanship across all domains, from dynamic performance and design, through to environmental performance and safety. It stands as the flagship model for a new generation of Mazda products. It features a sense of dignity, style, luxury feel and comfort expected from a vehicle in the CD segment whilst offering the pleasure of responsive and agile driving, which is at the core of the Mazda brand.

MEDIA RELEASE
24 July 2012


Mazda Foundation provides assistance to Kiwis across the country
The Mazda Foundation has donated over $57,000 to 14 individuals and groups from around New Zealand, as part of the Foundation’s second round of funding for 2012.

Each year, the Mazda Foundation holds three funding rounds and selects deserving New Zealanders, community groups and charities that are in need of assistance.

This round, a combination of individuals and groups with a variety of different causes was granted funding, including Toru Fetū Kindergarten and Save the Otago Peninsula (STOP) environmental group.

Toru Fetū Kindergarten applied for funding to provide free, healthy cooked lunches for the children enrolled at the kindergarten.

The not-for-profit organisation received a $1,049 grant to purchase a freezer for food storage purposes, which will enable the school to provide free cooked meals to the children every day of the week.

Toru Fetū Kindergarten is an early childhood education provider to over 80 children up to the age of five. It has three classrooms that cater for the Cook Island, Tuvaluan and Niuean languages. Typically the children come from low income families. The teachers hope that the cooked meals will enhance the children’s education, culture and mental development by feeding their brains with healthy, hearty meals.

The Toru Fetū Kindergarten was the first Pasifika Centre in the greater Wellington region to receive a Healthy Heart Rito Bronze Award. A programme awarded to early childhood services that promote healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle to children and their families.

The environmental group, Save the Otago Peninsula received a grant of $1,375 to provide plants to enhance the habitat of the Jewelled gecko which is currently in decline and encourage population growth.

Over the last few years the population of Jewelled geckos, a species native to the South Island of New Zealand, is known to have declined by around 200 geckos. The need to enhance their natural environment and encourage food sources to flourish is urgent to help increase their numbers.

The decline of the Jewelled gecko population is due to a combination of impacts on their environment. Predation rodents, poaching for the animal black market, and isolation of suitable remnants containing food plants have all contributed to the Jewelled gecko being listed as in decline. To combat these threats, predator-proof fencing was erected in 1993, but environmental enhancement is still necessary.

The money donated by the Mazda Foundation will be used by volunteers from Save the Otago Peninsula group to plant Kanuka, Corokia and Coprosma plants within a reserve and to join isolated remnants. Kanuka in particular provides a good habitat for geckos as it shades over grass and reduces mice numbers.

Andrew Clearwater, Chairman of the Mazda Foundation, says the Foundation is delighted to be able to help such a wide variety of projects and causes throughout New Zealand.

“We are always astounded and humbled by the many projects that New Zealanders are involved in. Education and conservation groups were strongly represented in this latest funding round, which shows they are both areas that New Zealanders feel passionate about.

“Whether it’s helping Toru Fetū Kindergarten provide free, healthy school meals or helping Save the Otago Peninsula to increase the numbers of an at risk species. The Foundation is thankful to be in a position to help such deserving groups and individuals,” says Clearwater.

Other grants this round include funding to purchase tricycles to provide exercise for disabled students, a set of ukuleles for Waikouaiti School, and a hydrotherapy ozone spa to help relieve the symptoms of Angelman syndrome for a young boy.

The Mazda Foundation has now distributed over $1,265,000 to more than 325 recipients since its establishment in late 2005.

The closing date for the next round of Mazda Foundation applications is 30 September 2012. For more information or to download an application form, visit www.mazdafoundation.org.nz.

9 December 2011



MAZDA BT-50 RECEIVES ANCAP 5-STAR RATING

The recently launched all-new BT-50 has been awarded an ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Programme) 5-star safety rating.

The rating applies to all BT-50 models sold in New Zealand. The vehicle scored a total of 34.72 points, receiving 15.72 out of 16 in the offset crash test, 16 out of 16 in the side impact crash test and a further two points in the pole test.

“Mazda is committed to engineering great driving vehicles that maximize the safety of their passengers,” says Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director of Mazda New Zealand.

“The BT-50 is designed for on and off-road use. This 5-star rating will provide drivers and passengers with the confidence that its impact-protection systems will minimize occupant injury as well as vehicle damage and repair costs.

“The BT-50 is a fantastic vehicle that provides the versatility of an off-road vehicle with car like comfort. The 5-star safety rating will further enhance its reputation,” continues Clearwater.

Dual front airbags, head protecting side curtains, and a state-of-the-art electronic stability programme including anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) are standard on all BT-50s. Side thorax airbags are also standard except for single cab models with three front seats.

13 September 2011


Mazda Raises Curtain on CX-5

The world premiere of the all-new Mazda CX-5 will be a highlight of this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show which kicks off today.

It is the first new-generation Mazda vehicle to include Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies and an eye-catching new design direction called ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’.

The CX-5 compact crossover SUV features a full set of all-new SKYACTIV technologies, including engines, transmissions and a new chassis and body that further enhance the Mazda fun-to-drive experience and deliver an outstanding environmental and safety performance.

The world premiere of the all-new Mazda CX-5 in Frankfurt begins a new era for the Mazda brand, bringing together the full range of unique Mazda-developed SKYACTIV Technologies and the exciting new ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design language.

The CX-5 will be available in both petrol and diesel engines, featuring record-breaking compression ratios, coupled with the new SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic or the new SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmissions.

These technologies are combined with a new platform featuring lightweight yet rigid body and chassis structures, aerodynamic efficiency for precise response, resulting in a high-quality, rewarding ride. Customers can choose from two- and all-wheel-drive versions.

Mazda CX-5 engineers focused on achieving exceptional environmental performance for the compact SUV. When testing the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel model with standard power, front-wheel-drive and manual transmission, the European-spec models targeted CO2 emissions of less than 120 g/km.

On the inside, CX-5 has generous boot volume, one of the roomiest rear legroom spaces in this segment, low noise levels, superior functionality, and a high quality feel for an enjoyable ride.

Superior safety performance is achieved with Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM)* and all-new active safety equipment, including Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)*, High-Beam Control (HBC)* and Lane Departure Warning*.

When combined with a remarkable new design language that expresses a strong sense of vitality and agility, Mazda’s new core model CX-5 promises to set a new standard in the compact SUV segment when launched in early 2012.

*Dependent on country and model grade

26 AUGUST 2011

Mazda bumpers a world first


Mazda Motor Corporation has become the world’s first automaker to successfully recycle scrapped bumpers from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) into raw material for new vehicle bumpers.

Conventionally, bumpers from ELVs are processed into automobile shredder residue (ASR) and incinerated to recover heat energy (thermal recycling).

By enabling the ELV bumpers to be recycled into material for new vehicle bumpers, the new technology, inaugurated on August 21, 2011, improves the material recycling ratio (MRR) of Mazda vehicles and contributes to more effective use of resources.

Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealand, says, “Mazda’s bumper-to-bumper recycling programme is part the company’s commitment to working towards a sustainable future.

“We continue to develop advanced recycling technologies and we look forward to delivering further improvements in the future as more design innovation and technological advancements become available.”

Many ELVs are over 10-years-old, so the composition of the bumpers’ polypropylene plastic and the adhesive properties of the paint vary considerably.

Before recycling, unwanted materials such as metal attachments must also be removed. As a result, processing ELV bumpers into new material has previously been technically and economically difficult.

To overcome this, in the 1990s Mazda began designing bumpers to be easily recyclable, and now the number of ELV bumpers that can be efficiently dismantled is increasing.

Currently, approximately 20 percent by weight of ELVs (parts made of plastics, rubber and other materials) is incinerated as ASR.

Bumpers comprise a large proportion of the plastic so collecting and recycling ELV bumpers is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing ASR and optimizing efficient use of resources.

History of Mazda’s bumper recycling technologies

Year Details
1992 Began collecting damaged bumpers (that were replaced at dealer service centers) and recycling them for use as vehicle undercovers.
2001 Implemented mechanical paint removal technology, increased the strength of recycled plastic to the same level as new plastic and began using recycled plastic to reinforce new bumpers.
2002 Optimized the paint removal process, improving the paint removal rate from 98% to 99%. Recycled resin used for new (dimpled black plastic) bumpers on Mazda Bongo Friendee from July 2003.
2003 Developed an optical selection mechanism and new paint removal technology in collaboration with Satake Corporation which increased the paint removal rate to 99.9%. The resulting recycled plastic achieved the necessary strength and quality for use as replacement painted bumpers.
2005 Began continuous recycling of damaged bumpers as raw material for use in new car bumpers.
2009 Developed the world’s first automated recycling technology for end-of-life vehicle bumpers

CX-5



All-New Mazda CX-5 Crossover SUV World Premiere at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

3 August 2011

The first of Mazda’s new-generation vehicles to fully adopt breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and new ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme

Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (September 13 through 25, 2011). The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda vehicles that will adopt the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and new design theme, ‘KODO - Soul of Motion’.

Developed around the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY - including all-new Mazda petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, body and chassis - the CX-5 delivers precise response and a high-quality ride matched with outstanding environmental and safety performance. The new model will be progressively introduced to global markets from early 2012.

Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director of Mazda New Zealand, says, “The design follows the striking new ‘KODO - Soul of Motion’ theme and paired with the SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, takes Mazda into a new generation. We believe the CX-5 will prove very popular with the New Zealand motoring public when it is launched here in 2012.”

The CX-5 is the first production model to showcase the ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme, which was previewed with the Mazda SHINARI and Mazda MINAGI concept cars. Unique themes of KODO design include a prominent new front view with a bolder family face and dynamic styling that conveys a strong sense of vitality and agility.

Joining the CX-5 on Mazda’s stand at the Frankfurt show will be the facelifted Mazda3. It delivers lower CO2 emissions; more sporty and stable driving dynamics; updated interior and exterior design; and higher quality levels.

Officially titled the 64th Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung(IAA), the Frankfurt Motor Show will open to the press on September 13 and 14, and to the public from September 15 through 25, 2011.

All-New Mazda BT-50 freestyle cab to make its global debut at Australian International Motor Show

22 June 2011

The Freestyle Cab version of the All-New Mazda BT-50 utility will make its global debut at the upcoming Australian International Motor Show to be held in Melbourne on 1 – 10 July.

Utilising the revolutionary Freestyle door configuration first seen on the RX-8, the BT-50 Freestyle Cab offers a unique combination of seating for four, an exceptionally wide pillar-less door opening, and a large carrying capacity.

On each side of the cabin, a front-hinged door and a rear access panel combine to provide a 1,408mm-wide opening that makes for easy entry and exit from either the front or rear seats. Rear-seat comfort has been taken to levels never seen before in the Freestyle Cab. Cushions have been lengthened by 50mm for better thigh support and more stable fitment of child seats, while the seatback height has been increased by 128mm.

The rear seat cushions can be removed and with the rear access panels opening to an angle of nearly 90 degrees, the option of loading and storing cargo into the rear seating area of the cab has never been easier.

A further advantage of the All-New BT-50 Freestyle Cab is its considerable carrying capacity. The cargo tray has increased in width, length and height, resulting in an overall cargo volume of 1,453 litres. This is an increase of 266 litres from the current model.

Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealand, says, “We are really excited that the All-New BT-50 Freestyle Cab is being presented for the first time at the Melbourne show as this is always a great event and being so close to New Zealand, many kiwis also go across to it. We are looking forward to seeing the response it receives from the public and motoring media.”

The All-New Mazda BT-50 will go on sale later this year.
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