Mazda Tidbits

[Wolfe]

Interesting idea of using a rotary engine for a hybrid (hydrogen fueled or otherwise.) The compact size and lighter weight of a rotary would likely suit a hybrid powertrain quite well.

But I don't think that the poor fuel economy of rotaries would suit hybrids at all (where the whole point is better fuel economy).

So the whole point of the upcoming Lexus LS hybrid is better fuel economy?

[quadzilla]

According to ford.ca:
- Focus S 2.0LI4 5speed is rated 9.0L/100 city, 6.4L/100 highway
- 2WD EH is rated 6.6L/100 city, 7.0L/100 highway
- 4WD EH is rated 7.1L/100 city, 7.5L/100 highway
- 2WD Escape 2.3L 5speed manual 9.9L/100 city, 7.3L/100 highway
so it looks like you're not quite right with the better EPA thought. Regardless, why not have the choice of buying an SUV that gets decent mileage? People will buy SUVs regardless so give them a choice. If balls-to-the-wall fuel economy is what you're after then get a scooter and some long johns

I sit corrected.  To my defense I only look at hwy numbers as I don't drive in the city very often 

Yes people should have a choice.  But just think how much better the Focus numbers could be. 

Oh, the Focus' EPA is 8.7L/100km in the city and 5.9L/100km for highway.

I did one better than a scooter...a bicycle.

[Mitlov]

So the whole point of the upcoming Lexus LS hybrid is better fuel economy?

No, the whole point of the LS hybrid is a lame public relations gimmick.  Don't even get me started on how contradictory and stupid "high-performance hybrids" are--they add significant mechanical complexity and weight while still guzzling gas compared to anything but a dedicated Autobahn-burner.

[Leviathan]

Oh, the Focus' EPA is 8.7L/100km in the city and 5.9L/100km for highway.

I got those numbers from the compare models on ford.ca. Maybe a web master is not of his domain 

I did one better than a scooter...a bicycle.

Indeed. When it warms up and dries out around here I'll be hoisting my carcass back on the bike and wheezing my way to/from work. I like riding but I'm not a fanatic 

[Railton]

But it will be their hybrid

For the short term anyway:
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/mazda-to-go-it-alone-with-hybrid-development/

Interesting idea of using a rotary engine for a hybrid (hydrogen fueled or otherwise.) The compact size and lighter weight of a rotary would likely suit a hybrid powertrain quite well.

http://rotarynews.com/node/view/886

[Wolfe]

So the whole point of the upcoming Lexus LS hybrid is better fuel economy?

No, the whole point of the LS hybrid is a lame public relations gimmick.  Don't even get me started on how contradictory and stupid "high-performance hybrids" are--they add significant mechanical complexity and weight while still guzzling gas compared to anything but a dedicated Autobahn-burner.

Ahh Mitlov, you're so straight ahead serious sometimes.

I agree with you about the ridiculousness of the concept of high-performance hybrids, however, the fact that there are several of these high-performance hybrids in production belies your sweeping statement that the whole point of hybrids is only fuel economy. I know you already get the point but 

Interesting idea of using a rotary engine for a hybrid (hydrogen fueled or otherwise.) The compact size and lighter weight of a rotary would likely suit a hybrid powertrain quite well.

But I don't think that the poor fuel economy of rotaries would suit hybrids at all (where the whole point is better fuel economy).

[Wolfe]

But it will be their hybrid

For the short term anyway:
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/mazda-to-go-it-alone-with-hybrid-development/

Interesting idea of using a rotary engine for a hybrid (hydrogen fueled or otherwise.) The compact size and lighter weight of a rotary would likely suit a hybrid powertrain quite well.

http://rotarynews.com/node/view/886

Cool site Railton. I also found this little snippet http://rotarynews.com/node/view/882 There's not much to it but someone else is at least asking about a rotary powered hybrid.

[MKII]

Mazda vehicles have claimed the top place in one of the world's largest- ever reports on vehicle reliability. Nearly 92 percent of the Mazda cars studied, including the MX-5 Miata, aged between three and nine years old, suffered no mechanical failure of any type, outperforming all other brands.
The report, which was issued by independent automotive extended-warranty specialists, Warranty Direct, looked at the reliability of more than 450,000 vehicles from 33 manufacturers, across the United States and United Kingdom. The resulting 'Reliability League Table' shows the number of failures reported for every 100 vehicles covered by Warranty Direct's policies. Mazda was rated number one with a failure rate of just 8.04 percent of vehicles aged between three and nine years old.

Mazda's score compares to failure rates ranging from 8.90 to 24.98 for vehicles in the top ten.

"The exceptional build-quality and long-term reliability of Mazda vehicles is something we have been proud of for quite some time," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "The findings of this recent report reinforce what we've believed all along - that Mazda reliability is not just very good, it's the best. These results are proof that Mazda builds stylish and exciting vehicles without sacrificing quality or reliability."

Warranty Direct was launched in 1997 and is the first and only direct personal warranty company operating in the United Kingdom and United States. As a privately owned insurance intermediary, the firm operates within the automotive and household electrical markets.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.
 
http://www.blueovalnews.com/index.php?categoryid=15&p2_articleid=490
 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Anyone see the recent article in Maclean's about Albi Mazda in Mascouche, QC? The world's largest Mazda dealer, sort of placed in the middle of nowhere (rural/industrial area N/E of Montreal, dead end street). This is likely an aged shot...  http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=3550+bleriot+st,+mascouche,+quebec&layer=&sll=45.752792,-73.656721&sspn=0.008744,0.048923&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=17&ll=45.720825,-73.588561&spn=0.003618,0.01075&t=h&iwloc=addr

I've seen the Albi sold vehicles driving in Quebec (have family in Mascouche), but didn't realize just how big they are: facility is the size of 1.5 Wal-Marts (145,000 sq feet or something?), 200 service bays or something to that effect.

4,200 (or thereabouts) Mazda units sold in 2006CY. The highest selling Mazda dealer in the world, with more than double the next leading dealer in Canada. I forget the stat given about "1 in X sold in Canada is by Albi". To compare, the highest selling Ford store in Canada is in Edmonton, something in the 2,000 unit range, and many of those are to fleet customers whereas Albi does next to no fleet business.

Was an interesting read, but can't find it online.

[Snowman]

Wow....The big dealers in Sudbury sell +/-900 cars each.

[coldcase]

Anyone see the recent article in Maclean's about Albi Mazda in Mascouche, QC? The world's largest Mazda dealer, sort of placed in the middle of nowhere (rural/industrial area N/E of Montreal, dead end street). This is likely an aged shot...  http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=3550+bleriot+st,+mascouche,+quebec&layer=&sll=45.752792,-73.656721&sspn=0.008744,0.048923&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=17&ll=45.720825,-73.588561&spn=0.003618,0.01075&t=h&iwloc=addr

I've seen the Albi sold vehicles driving in Quebec (have family in Mascouche), but didn't realize just how big they are: facility is the size of 1.5 Wal-Marts (145,000 sq feet or something?), 200 service bays or something to that effect.

4,200 (or thereabouts) Mazda units sold in 2006CY. The highest selling Mazda dealer in the world, with more than double the next leading dealer in Canada. I forget the stat given about "1 in X sold in Canada is by Albi". To compare, the highest selling Ford store in Canada is in Edmonton, something in the 2,000 unit range, and many of those are to fleet customers whereas Albi does next to no fleet business.

Was an interesting read, but can't find it online.

Yep.  I bought my Mazda there....maybe the next one too.  They had the Mazda 3 like one month before any other dealers....When other dealers where inviting us for a "wine and cheese Mazda 3 unveiling night" I was like..."No thanks...I have one in my driveway right now" 

[Allen]

Mazda reaffirms partnership with Ford
Associated Press

TOKYO — Mazda Motor Corp. reaffirmed its partnership with ailing Ford Motor Co. Thursday in announcing a target for global sales of 1.6 million vehicles per year by fiscal 2010.

Mazda sold about 1.1 million vehicles worldwide in the fiscal year ended March 2006. The Hiroshima-based Japanese automaker said in a statement that it will grow more competitive by cutting costs, increasing research investment, strengthening its model lineup and taking more control of its U.S. dealer network.

Mazda will also expand production in Japan by the fiscal year ending March 2008 by 15 per cent from now to 996,000 vehicles, it said.

Mazda, which has been one bright spot in Ford's recent dismal business, said it saw the alliance with Ford as “a win-win partnership.” Ford owns 33.9 per cent of Mazda.

Mazda said it will aim for more than 200 billion yen operating profit in fiscal 2010. That's up by about 63 per cent from its operating profit in the latest fiscal year, which ended March 2006

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Mazda targets 23 percent boost in global sales
Plan does not call for new plants in North America or Europe

James B. Treece  |  Automotive News / March 22, 2007 - 5:21 am   
 
TOKYO -- Mazda Motor Corp. aims to boost its global retail sales 23 percent to more than 1.6 million units by the 2010 fiscal year that begins April 1, 2010. All of that growth will come from sales outside Japan.

That's one of several goals set in the "Mazda Advancement Plan," a mid-term strategy plan that takes effect from April 1.

The plan's other specific major goals include:


Achieve an operating profit of more than 200 billion yen, or $1.70 billion at current exchange rates;


Achieve a consolidated return on sales of 6 percent; and


Achieve a stable payout of dividends.


Contrary to some expectations, though, the plan does not explicitly call for starting production at a new plant in either North America or Europe.

Instead, it calls for Mazda to "develop overseas production capacity by taking into account the balance in each market of sales demand and resource availability." Translation: the company wants higher sales in those markets before building more cars there.

Instead of adding plants abroad, the Hiroshima-based carmaker will boost production capacity in Japan for both cars and engines.

In Europe, the plan calls for Mazda to develop advanced powertrains and to enter "selected emerging markets." The company did not elaborate.

Mazda will introduce an E85 fuel-compatible flex-fuel engine in the Northern European market in 2009. It also will further develop the company's diesel engine. It will introduce a new diesel that meets Japanese and North American long-term emissions regulations toward the start of the 2010 decade.

It also plans to introduce an automatic transmission with improved fuel efficiency and performance equivalent to a manual transmission toward the start of the 2010 decade.

Toward that end, Mazda vowed to raise its cumulative r&d spending 30 percent, and spending on plant and equipment by 50 percent, over the four years of the new plan compared to the prior four years.

In North America, Mazda aims to "deepen relationships with Mazda's younger customer base."

It also aims to "work toward gaining 100 percent control of distributors in the United States and Canada." Mazda currently owns 60 percent of its Canadian distributor. Trading house Itochu owns the remaining 40 percent.

[MKII]

The first Skip Barber Mazda MX-5 Cup Three Day Racing School is April 27-29

SEBRING, Fla. (March 16) - The Skip Barber Racing School is excited to announce an all-new iteration of its famous three-day competition course. The Skip Barber Mazda MX-5 Cup Three Day Racing School will use Mazda MX-5 race cars built by Skip Barber Racing to the exact same specifications as those raced in the popular SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup series.


That makes this the only three day racing school in North America where students drive the exact same cars as used in a professional racing series.


Scheduled to launch at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in April, the new program is based on the same proven curriculum as Skip Barber’s open-wheel formula-car school, but suitably modified to take advantage of not only the unique capabilities of the MX-5, but the vast experience of Skip Barber’s many instructors whom currently race closed-wheel sports cars. This is a new capability, unique to the Skip Barber Racing School. The cost, $3,995, is the same as its formula-car school.


“ Sedan racing is growing very quickly in North America and we expect to see that trend to continue well into the future,” said George Ayres, Skip Barber chief operating officer. “This program will give an extraordinary advantage to the serious amateurs and professionals looking to advance their skills and gain a competitive edge. Much like our famous open-wheel school, we expect auto enthusiasts to gravitate to the program even if they are fully licensed or have already graduated from a Skip Barber open-wheel school.”


The first two MX-5 Cup Schools are April 27-28-29 and May 1-2-3, both at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The third is scheduled for May 21-22-23 at Road America, with additional dates at Road America being explored. The MX-5 Cup School will return to Mazda Raceway mid-summer and be available year round there.


By the fall of this year, the MX-5 school will be available at Skip Barber’s Florida bases – Sebring International Raceway and Daytona International Speedway – then in the spring of 2008 it will come to Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, the fifth base location.


“No one else has a three-day racing school of the type we do, in a car raced by pros. We’re confident there is a good market for that,” explains Ayres. “Its primary draw, we think, is that this is the only racing school using a car that’s currently raced professionally. It’s ideal for people looking to race in Grand-Am, ALMS, SCCA and other sedan and sports car championships.


“And because the MX-5 Cup car is a two-seater, our instructors may ride ‘right-seat’ for specific on-track exercises where instantaneous feedback will be of huge value to the student. No three day racing school other than Skip Barber can provide that.”


Like the successful formula-car three day school, the MX-5 Cup School will emphasize track time combined with the best, most experienced instructor corps in the industry. Participants who complete the school will receive a certificate they can send to the Sport Car Club of America (SCCA) to obtain a regional racing license, the same as for graduates of the formula car school.


For more information, visit www.skipbarber.com


Press Release Bullet Points


This is the first and only racing school in North America in which “raw” students – no experience needed – are learning the art and science of race car driving in the very same car as is used in a professional racing series: The SCCA Pro Racing Sirius Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup.


The renowned Skip Barber Three Day Racing School curriculum provides the basic structure for the new MX-5 Cup School, but is modified to account for the unique capabilities of the MX-5, including the opportunity for instructors and students to ride together.


The school leverages the vast experience of Skip Barber’s many instructors whom currently race closed-wheel sports cars.


The first three Skip Barber MX-5 Cup Three Day Racing Schools are scheduled for April 27-29, May 1-3 (both at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca) and May 21-23 at Road America.


Skip Barber is the largest, most respected racing school in the world. Established in 1975, its list of now-famous graduates is long and enviable and includes winners and champions in virtually every form of major motorsport: NASCAR Nextel Cup/Busch/Craftsman Truck, Formula 1, IRL, Champ Car, Indy 500, Le Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona, Rolex Sports Cars, ALMS, 12 Hours of Sebring, A1GP, GP2 – even NHRA drag racing. Some of those grads are: Jeff Gordon, Marco Andretti, Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Speed, A.J. Allmendinger, Bobby Labonte, Bryan Herta, Michael Andretti, Bill Elliott, Sam Hornish, Helio Castroneves, Kenny Schrader, Scott Sharp, Tony Kanaan, Whit Bazemore, Kasey Kahne, Darrell Alderman and dozens of others.


With the just-announced news that the SCCA Pro Racing Sirius Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup champion will be awarded by Mazda a funded drive in the following year’s SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship, a “ladder system” for aspiring sports car racers is now in place.

http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=25656&CFID=2653293&CFTOKEN=b6d43492ec6fc7b1-3AA7D212-1185-6A02-D86B599B3D8D9C8F&jsessionid=583039cf1cacA$AB$9A$

[MKII]

Mazda CX-5 http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/gallery.php?id=215850
Baby Mazda to face Freelander
It might be part cabrio and part off-roader, but Mazda’s CX-5 looks all set to define a new niche

As our exclusive picture shows, the crossover model will be inspired by the Hakaze – the design study which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month – and take aim at Land Rover’s Freelander. It com- bines the fun of the brand’s MX-5 roadster with the practicality of the CX-7 SUV, which will be coming to UK showrooms in September.
   
The production version will also boast removable roof panels to give occupants a genuine wind-in-the-hair experience
 

And while the distinctive Mazda radiator grille and swept-back headlamps have a familiar look, there are plenty of new features to surprise buyers. Key styling cues taken from the Hakaze include a split-opening tailgate and four-seater cabin.

The production version will also boast removable roof panels to give occupants a genuine wind-in-the-hair experience. However, the bubble can­opy of the Hakaze and its pair of long doors are not scheduled to appear on the roadgoing variant.

Instead, the company is likely to opt for a more conventional windscreen and a four-door set-up inspired by the RX-8 sports car, with short rear-hinged ‘suicide’ back doors. Not only will they boost access to the rear seats, but with tight shut lines and no visible handle they will also provide the CX-5 with the sporty look of a two-door. Inside, buyers will get a range of hi-tech features, including a USB port to allow music lovers to connect their MP3 players directly to the stereo, as well as Blue­tooth hands-free phone connectivity. Advanced systems won’t be limited to the interior, either, because the tarmac-biased model will also have a clever part-time four-wheel-drive set-up for light off-road duties or work on slippery surfaces.

Officially, the CX-5 has yet to be confirmed for production.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/207602/mazda_cx5.html

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Mazda aims to keep inventories in line

James B. Treece  |  Automotive News / April 27, 2007 - 11:19 am /
 
TOKYO -- Mazda Motor Corp. plans to get its U.S dealers' inventories back to "appropriate" levels by October, says Daniel Morris, senior managing executive officer in charge of marketing and sales.

"We will continue to take actions to bring it into the 65- to 70-day range," he says.

Mazda dealers' inventories dropped to a 61-day supply as of April 1 from 98 days on Jan. 1, according to the Automotive News Data Center. Morris said that by Mazda's reckoning, though, inventories had been "into the 80s" at the end of March.

One action: Ship fewer cars to dealers. Mazda's North American factory sales in the April-September period are forecast to be 177,000. But retail sales are predicted to be 218,000, drawing down inventories.

Meanwhile, Mazda hopes to keep trimming incentives. Mazda's average incentive spending was between $1,800 and $1,900 per vehicle at the end of March. By the end of March 2008, Mazda aims to shave that to "the low $1,800s," Morris says.

Mazda announced record sales and profits for the fiscal year that ended March 31.

Mazda's operating profits rose 28.4 percent to 158.53 billion yen, or $1.34 billion at current exchange rates. Net income rose 10.5 percent to $624.7 million.

Revenues rose 11.2 percent to $27.51 billion. Unit sales grew 2.0 percent to 1,302,000.

Mazda predicts that in the current fiscal year that began April 1, revenues and profits will set records for the seventh straight year.

Separately, Subaru maker Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. said its operating profits for the fiscal year ended March 31 fell 17.9 percent to $405.8 million. Net income, though, doubled to $270.2 million from $132.2 million a year earlier.

Revenues rose 1.2 percent to $12.66 billion. Unit sales grew 6.6 percent to 577,900.

Yen amounts were converted at an exchange rate of $1=118.05 yen, the rate prevailing on March 30.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Europe tops U.S. in Mazda's books

James B. Treece  |  Automotive News / May 3, 2007 - 5:03 pm
 
TOKYO -- For Mazda Motor Corp.'s last fiscal year, Europe topped the United States in unit sales and profits.

Mazda sold 301,000 vehicles, up 6.7 percent, in Europe during the fiscal year that ended March 31. It was the first time in 15 years for sales to exceed 300,000.

Mazda's European operations turned an operating profit of 15.49 billion yen, or $131.2 million at current exchange rates, up 61.9 percent.

In the United States, Mazda sold a record 281,000 vehicles, up 7.3 percent. It posted an operating profit of $130.9 million, up 11.0 percent.

It was not a one-time fluke. Mazda predicts its European sales will total 321,000 in the fiscal year that began April 1, against 296,000 in the United States.

Mazda already includes sales in Russia and the Ukraine in its European total. In the current fiscal year it also will count sales in Turkey as part of European sales.

Mazda's overall profits benefited from favorable exchange rates. The yen-euro rate contributed $153.3 million to Mazda's total operating profit of $1.34 billion during the last fiscal year. That was almost double the $83.0 million added by the yen's favorable rate against the dollar.

"That's a unique windfall for us," says Daniel Morris, senior managing executive officer in charge of marketing and sales. "It's not how you plan your business."

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think 2008MY is a short one for the Mazda6. Still, I don't see the MS6 or the Mazda6 Sport Wagon available to order. Are these delayed releases or discontinued for 2008? Hope the Sport hatch and Wagon continue on with the next generation...

[airbalancer]

I think 2008MY is a short one for the Mazda6. Still, I don't see the MS6 or the Mazda6 Sport Wagon available to order. Are these delayed releases or discontinued for 2008? Hope the Sport hatch and Wagon continue on with the next generation...

I thinkyou will see the wagon and hatch gone soon, with CX-7taking its place

[quadzilla]

I think 2008MY is a short one for the Mazda6. Still, I don't see the MS6 or the Mazda6 Sport Wagon available to order. Are these delayed releases or discontinued for 2008? Hope the Sport hatch and Wagon continue on with the next generation...

I thinkyou will see the wagon and hatch gone soon, with CX-7taking its place

Hope you are wrong or the next gen Mz3 is longer (more trunk) and diesel.

But from what I've heard the wagon/hatch are suppose to make it through the next round.