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Drive away in a brand new Mazda3 from only €265 per month

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Attractive finance packages across the range
Mazda3 from €265 per month including a €2,000 finance deposit contribution & low rate finance
Free Equipment pack upgrade worth €1,000 on the Mazda3.

Mazda Ireland is offering very attractive finance packages across its entire range of cars for April.

In particular there’s never been a better time to buy a brand new Mazda3. Now you can drive away in Ireland’s favourite Mazda from only €265 a month thanks to a low 4.9% APR rate. Mazda Ireland is sweetening the finance deal further with a contribution of €2,000 towards the customer’s finance deposit.

Not only are Mazda keeping the finance repayments more affordable; customers benefit from a free equipment upgrade pack worth over €1,000: including alloy wheels, Bluetooth®, cruise control and front fog lights.
“With this fantastic offer, April is the month to buy a new Mazda with a winning combination of a free equipment upgrade pack and a strong finance offering”, explains Tony Howarth, Managing Director Mazda Motor Ireland.

The Mazda3 is the driver’s car of the class. Mazda’s engineers have optimized handling for more agility on Irish B roads along with motorway comfort. The entire Mazda3 range has a clean 1.6-litre common-rail diesel engine CO₂ emitting only 115g/km (€200 road tax), while delivering fuel economy of only 4.3L/100kms (65mpg).

Mazda is offering exceptional value for money across its entire range of cars. Mazda’s most recently introduced models are market leaders for fuel efficiency and low CO₂ emissions. The exciting all-new Mazda6, and the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV are available with highly competitive finance packages.
Featuring Mazda’s innovative fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology and the new KODO – Soul of Motion design, the all-new Mazda6 is available from €383 per month and Mazda CX-5 from €371 per month.

For full promotion and finance details please see: http://www.mazda.ie/cars/mazda3-hatchback/offers/

Mazda and contemporary art at Milan Design Week

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Leverkusen, 26 March 2013. Design is clearly a central element of Mazda’s convention-defying attitude toward automobiles. To celebrate its dedication to the functional beauty, as demonstrated by the award-winning “KODO – Soul of Motion” design of its new generation of cars, Mazda is taking part in Milan Design Week 2013 from 9-14 April. It has set up a special venue in the Italian metropolis, and the all-new Mazda6 with its stunning KODO lines will be there.

Located in Milan’s stylish Zona Tortona district, Mazda Con-Temporary Space (MACS) was conceived as a cultural forum to present contemporary art and design in a variety of forms. Since opening in January, MACS has featured various public exhibitions by Italian artists with “movement” and “soul of motion” as their central themes. The new Mazda6 flagship has been a “permanent” fixture at MACS throughout the exhibition period, which goes until late April.

During Milan Design Week, MACS will host the exhibition Forma Fluens by Giuliana Cunéaz. Designed specifically for MACS, this exhibition uses 3D and HD video installations as well as painted screens, sculptures, photographs and drawings to take the viewer on a fascinating virtual journey through a metamorphic landscape exploring nanotechnology and other forms of science.

“My desire to delve into and capture these types of dynamic transformation processes has much in common with the Mazda approach, which goes beyond merely designing cars,” says Ms. Cunéaz. “It’s about using the KODO theme to create models where aesthetics and technology are united into an overall design that achieves new levels of harmony and emotion.”

About Milan Design Week
Milan Design Week gives artists, companies and other organisations a prime opportunity to present their design work and installations at locations of their choice throughout the city. It evolved out of the “Salone del Mobile”, an annual furniture fair held since 1961. The largest event of its kind in the world, the Salone currently attracts some 2,500 exhibitors and around 300,000 visitors to the Milan fairgrounds.

About “KODO – Soul of Motion”
Developed under the guidance of Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s head of design, the prize-winning “KODO – Soul of Motion” design theme was inspired by the instantaneous movements of animals in the wild. KODO represents the ultimate form of motion, brimming with energy and emotion, and symbolizes Mazda’s devotion to building stunningly fashioned yet exceptionally practical and refreshingly driver-oriented vehicles. Honours bestowed thus far for KODO include Auto Bild’s 2012 European Design Award for the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV, the first KODO production model. The Mazda Takeri, which served as the basis for the all-new Mazda6, also took first place at the German Design Council’s Automotive Brand Contest 2012 in the concept car category.

Mazda to Build Transmission Plant in Thailand

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Hiroshima, Japan, 30 January 2013. Mazda Motor Corporation will construct a transmission plant with an annual production capacity of approximately 400,000 units in the Chonburi Province of Thailand representing an investment of 26 billion yen. Mazda has decided to establish the plant in order to respond to increasing demand for models featuring SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and to strengthen its global production footprint. Operations at the new plant will commence in the first half of the fiscal year ending March 2016.

The new transmission plant will be located approximately five kilometers north of Mazda's joint venture production facility, AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (AAT) and will supply SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmissions for SKYACTIV models produced at AAT and other Mazda vehicle production facilities around the world.

Mazda's Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Takashi Yamanouchi commented, "Mazda is establishing global production footprints in order to achieve our goal of an annual global sales volume of 1.7 million units by fiscal year ending March 2016. The Nakanoseki district of Hofu Plant will remain the chief production facility for transmissions, but we have decided to establish a second major transmission plant in Thailand's Chonburi Province. This will enable Mazda to cope with the rapidly increasing demand for SKYACTIV models and establish a production system capable of responding to the changing demands of our customers in a flexible and timely manner. We will make use of the knowledge and experience gained through AAT to ensure the success of the new plant in cooperation with the people of Thailand."

In accordance with the decision Mazda will establish a new affiliate company in Thailand.

Company Overview

Company name	Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (MPMT)
Location	Chonburi Province, Thailand
Total investment	Approximately 26 billion yen
Investment ratio	100% Mazda
Business outline	Production and sales of transmissions for Mazda vehicles
Number of employees	Approximately 500

Mazda SKYACTIV technology wins What Car? Ultra-low-carbon Award

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Mazda SKYACTIV technology praised for its ‘totally fresh approach’ to fuel efficiency
SKYACTIV-equipped all-new Mazda6 delivers class leading CO₂ emissions from as low as 108g/km
Mazda CX-5 compact SUV records CO₂ emissions from 119g/km, thanks to SKYACTIV technology

Mazda’s ability to defy convention and manufacture uniquely efficient cars was given another glowing endorsement this week by experts at Britain’s biggest and best selling car buyer’s guide. During the annual What Car? Awards held in London last night, judges from the influential monthly publication selected Mazda’s fuel-saving SKYACTIV technologies as winner of the Ultra-low-carbon Award.

Praising Mazda’s innovative technology at the awards ceremony, What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett said: “Mazda wins this year’s Ultra-low-carbon Award because it has taken a totally fresh approach to improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions. We named its first vehicle with SKYACTIV technology, the Mazda CX-5, our Green SUV of the Year 2012. Mazda has shown it can deliver real improvements without resorting to more expensive hybrid or electric technology.”

Describing this year’s prize winners in detail, the ‘Awards 2013’ edition of What Car? states: “Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology incorporates some of the world’s most advanced petrol and diesel engines to lower emissions and improve fuel consumption without compromising the driving dynamics. The latest version of the Mazda6 delivers CO2 emissions from as low as 108g/km – a remarkable figure which shows how a radical rethink can deliver real gains.”

The latest award for Mazda SKYACTIV technology follows two accolades for the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV equipped with this technology – the 2012 What Car? Green SUV Award and the 2012 SCOTY (Scottish Car of the Year) Safety Award.

"Mazda is proud to have a high-profile publication, such as What Car?, acknowledge that our truly innovative fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology has enabled us to produce two remarkably efficient new vehicles while retaining the fun-to-drive qualities which are typical core features of our brand,” comments Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda UK.

“The introduction of our unique i-ELOOP regenerative braking system on the all-new Mazda6 is the latest additional ingredient to Mazda’s long-term building block strategy for creating uncompromisingly efficient vehicles which also deliver responsive performance.

“Both the Mazda CX-5 and all-new Mazda6 offer customers a class-leading combination of a rewarding drive, outstanding fuel economy, solid environmental credentials, high specification, attractive pricing, unusually low running costs and excellent residuals – making them remarkably compelling ownership propositions,” adds Thomson.

Mazda’s SKYACTIV engines, transmissions, chassis and body technologies are currently available on the Mazda CX-5 SUV models, will be available on the all-new Mazda6 currently on sale – with the addition of the unique i-ELOOP regenerative braking system, and will also be progressively introduced across the Mazda range as other new models come to the marketplace in years to come.

All-new Mazda6 App available now

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Smartphone app for all-new Mazda6 arrives for both Apple and Android devices
Customers to configure their ideal all-new Mazda6 from the comfort of their own home
High-resolution 360-degree exterior and interior views offer a comprehensive insight to the all new Mazda6

Mazda has launched a ‘mobile showroom app’ dedicated to the all-new Mazda6 for customers to configure their ideal car and share with friends and family from the comfort of their home.

With its stunning KODO design and efficient SKYACTIV technology, the all-new Mazda6 promises high performance, low fuel consumption and emissions coupled to outstanding driver engagement. It is set to become the clear class-leader in the CD-segment.

The easy-to-use mobile showroom enables customers to choose their favourite all-new Mazda6 exterior colour, alloy wheel designs and interior upholstery on both the Saloon and Tourer bodystyles. With superb image quality and a camera function, they can even take a ‘snapshot’ of their configured vehicle to save and share with friends, or use the app’s information tab to discover the new model’s key safety features, infotainment functions and much more. Users can also visit Mazda’s website at the touch of a button.

The new app is designed for Apple and Android devices* and includes high-resolution, 360-degree exterior and interior views. Users can sit virtually in the spacious all-new Mazda6, as if they were in the actual car. The free app can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store and the Google Play shop for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.burrows.mazda.mazda6.

Editors Notes
*Devices include: Apple: iOS 4.0-6.x; iPhone 3GS, 4 & 4S; iPod Touch (4th generation); iPad 2 & 3. Android 2.2-4.1.x operating systems; 7 and 10-inch Android-based tablets; Android phones with min. 320x480 pixel resolution.

Mazda Announces SKYACTIV-D CLEAN DIESEL Engine for 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Le Mans, France, 16 June 2012. Mazda Motorsports today announced that it will sell racing versions of its new SKYACTIV-D CLEAN DIESEL engines to teams competing in the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class of racing’s greatest endurance challenge – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Le Mans engine program will make its debut at the 2013 running of the race. Mazda was the first – and to this day, remains the only – Asian manufacturer to score an overall win at the race, in 1991.

“This reopens our love affair with Le Mans,” said Jay Amestoy, Vice President of Mazda Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “In 1991 we made history, winning with rotary technology. Now we’re looking to return to the winner’s circle with what we believe will be the most advanced and cleanest production-based powerplant the sport has ever seen. We’ll do it in current Mazda style, with engines being available for sale to European and U.S. customers competing in the LMP2 class for both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).”

The engines are being developed jointly by Mazda Motor Corporation, Mazda North American Operations and SpeedSource Race Engineering. Dyno testing has already begun and on-track testing begins in late 2012.

The engines will be stock-block Mazda SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter diesel four-cylinder, dual-stage turbocharged powerplants. According to John Doonan, MNAO’s Director of Mazda Motorsports, “will deliver outstanding performance and fuel economy coupled with the kind of quality, durability and reliability needed to produce great street cars and win endurance races.”

Mr. Masahiro Moro, Executive Officer in charge of global sales and marketing of Mazda Motor Corporation, made the following comment: "Mazda has fostered the culture of 'never stop challenging.' And it was this spirit that drove us through 18 consecutive years of racing at Le Mans, until we finally triumphed in 1991. In fact, it is this same spirit that laid the foundation for the portfolio of SKYACTIV Technologies. This was realized thanks to a number of technological breakthroughs. I am pleased that we will be supporting our private customers who are taking up the Le Mans challenge by supplying race engines as a customer-program based on our SKYACTIV-D CLEAN DIESEL."

Dempsey Racing planning to be first SKYACTIV-D customer
Planning and preparations continue for Dempsey Racing to become the first LMP2 customer for the Mazda SKYACTIV-D racing powerplant. Dempsey Racing is co-owned by racer/actor Patrick Dempsey.

Dempsey Racing has been racing Mazda RX-8s in the GRAND-AM GT class since 2007 with their highlight being a podium finish at the 2011 Rolex 24 at Daytona. The team has steadily improved their on-track performance since their arrival in the series, and was a key contributor to Mazda winning the 2010 GRAND-AM GT Manufacturers Championship. With support from several partners such as VISITFLORIDA.com, Dempsey Racing expanded their operation this year to include a team running in the American Le Mans Series, and is competing in both the Prototype Challenge (LMPC) and Prototype 2 (LMP2) classes as they prepare for their Le Mans effort. In fact both team owner Dempsey and co-driver Joe Foster are currently testing their LMP2 car in Virginia as the rest of the sports car world focuses on the 80th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend.

Patrick Dempsey and his business partner/co-driver Joe Foster have both competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as drivers in the GT category, and are eager to return in 2013, this time in the LMP2 class and with Mazda SKYACTIV-D clean diesel-power.

Patrick Dempsey comments “Our long-term partnership with Mazda has been fantastic, and we look forward to mutual success as we prepare for 2013. We are focused on that preparation which is why we are currently testing our LMP2 car here in the US in preparation for the next ALMS event. Our team and partners are excited to be associated with SKYACTIV-D technology and the cutting-edge green technology it represents."

Mazda and Fiat announce co-operation program

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) and Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. (Fiat) have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and manufacturing of a new roadster for the Mazda and Alfa Romeo marques based on Mazda's next-generation MX-5 rear-wheel-drive architecture.

The study calls for both Mazda and Fiat to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight, roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand.

The project assumption is that both vehicles will be manufactured at Mazda's Hiroshima, Japan, plant with production for Alfa Romeo envisaged starting in 2015.

"Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda's corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as Alfa Romeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognised as the best-selling roadster of all time." said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO.

"This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognised leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship." said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.

The Final Agreement is expected to be signed in the second-half of 2012.

Mazda and Fiat have also agreed to discuss further opportunities for co-operation in Europe.

Mazda Motor Ireland launches Mazda Finance

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Mazda Motor Ireland announced the launch of Mazda Finance, the brand's retail finance service provider.

Alphera Financial Services was named as the new official retail finance partner. Alphera Financial Services, the multi-make trading arm of BMW Financial Services, will provide retail financial solutions for Mazda from the start of 2012.

Mazda Ireland is looking to increase its market share next year with the introduction of Mazda Finance. Mazda Dealers are now in a position to better accommodate the demand for customer finance. Mazda Customers will benefit from more competitive lending rates and lower monthly repayments.

Mazda Finance aims to provide more individually tailored credit solutions for those in the market for a new car.

Mazda Finance is launching with a low APR-led campaign for the 2012 market. Typical APR rates for Mazda2 and Mazda3 models will be 5.9%; 6.9% for the Mazda5 and Mazda6.

Mazda Ireland believe they can particularly attract new customers to the Mazda2 with monthly repayments as low as €267 thanks to an aggressive finance package of 5.9% APR over a 48 month term, with only a 20% deposit.

Customers also have the opportunity to finance the cost of scheduled services over a three year period, with repayments of as little as €11.99 per month.

Alphera Sales and Marketing Director Brian Merrigan: "We are very excited with this new business opportunity. With the strength of the Mazda brand and product portfolio, this provides an excellent platform to further grow Alphera's business in Ireland."

MAZDA CONFIRMED AS NEW SPONSOR OF CONNACHT RUGBY

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Mazda has been confirmed as the Official Title Sponsor of Connacht Rugby. Mazda will invest over €1.5m in Connacht Rugby over the next 3 years as part of major sponsorship deal which will facilitate the development of both brands.

With Connacht Rugby's participation in the Heineken Cup this season, the support offered by Mazda as Official Title Sponsor of the club will allow Connacht Rugby to build on the excellent work carried out both on and off the field last season and compete at the highest level in club rugby, testing their skills against the toughest opposition in Europe. Connacht Rugby supporters will also get the unique chance to see some of rugby's biggest names in action on their own doorstep.

Commenting on the announcement, Eric Elwood, Head of Coaching, Connacht Rugby, said, "This is a very exciting year for Connacht Rugby with the Heineken Cup coming to Galway, the newly branded RaboDirect PRO12 and now our new sponsor Mazda joining us as our official title sponsor. Mazda and Connacht share a lot of common values in terms of drive, passion and performance and there are huge opportunities for us to work successfully together over the next 3 years."

As Official Title Sponsor, Mazda will work closely with Connacht Rugby to develop marketing activities which will help drive support for Connacht Rugby across the province, using big match days to really bring the sponsorship to life for supporters.

According to Michael Howe, Country Manager, Mazda Ireland, "Mazda Ireland is delighted to be the new title sponsor for Connacht Rugby. The passion and ambition of Connacht's management and supporters is immense. We are thrilled to support this exciting new chapter in Connacht Rugby's proud history.

"Mazda, like Connacht, is beginning an important new chapter, as we prepare to launch our 6th generation of cars with SkyActiv Technology. This technology will deliver major fuel savings and emission reductions, whilst retaining Mazda's fun to drive characteristics. The sponsorship of Connacht Rugby provides an excellent platform for new customers to experience our cars."

The synergies between Connacht Rugby and Mazda were also underlined by Fiona Keys, Commercial Manager, Connacht Rugby, who said, "We are delighted to welcome Mazda as the new title sponsor of Connacht Rugby. Mazda is an innovative and exciting brand with ambition, fighting spirit and passion which aligns itself very well with Connacht. We are looking forward to working on building both brands over the next three years and excited about harnessing the opportunities that lie ahead!"

For more on Connacht Rugby visit, www.connachtrugby.ie.

Patrick Dempsey and Johnny Herbert celebrate twentieth anniversary of Mazda’s Le Mans 1991 victory

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

June 2011 marked the twentieth anniversary of the Mazda 787B's historic triumph in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. By winning Le Mans 1991, the Mazda race car became the first and, to date, the only Japanese auto manufacturer to win the world's most demanding endurance motor race. The legendary Mazda 787B, was powered by a 700 BHP, four-rotor rotary engine. Changes in race regulations meant that 1991 was the last year that rotary engine cars were permitted to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, making the Mazda triumph all the more impressive.

To celebrate Mazda's unique achievement at Le Mans, race organiser Automobile Club de L'Ouest (ACO) invited members of the victorious Le Mans 1991 team to demonstrate and celebrate the winning Mazda 787B on the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe before and after this year's 24-hour race. Patrick Dempsey, the US actor and Mazda RX-8 racer, made a special guest appearance, while English racer and winning co-driver Johnny Herbert finally got on to the podium this year, having missed the post-race celebrations in 1991 due to dehydration.

Seita Kanai, Director and Executive Vice President, Mazda Motor Corporation also attended the two day celebration, and summed up the scale of Mazda's momentous achievement like this: "In 1991, Mazda was very much an underdog team competing against Mercedes and Jaguar. This win was the racing embodiment of our expression - the will to never give up. We are pleased to be able to share this car once again with our many fans and employees around the world."

Watch Patrick Dempsey, Johnny Herbert and the winning Mazda 787B in action

Mazda 787B 1991 Winning Car Returns to Le Mans After 20 Years

Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

2011 marks the 20th anniversary of Mazda's victory in the world's most demanding endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1991, Mazda became the first and only Japanese car manufacturer to win the race. In celebration of this anniversary, and at the invitation of the event organizers, the Automobile Club de L'Ouest (ACO), Mazda will demonstrate the winning Mazda 787B on the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France on Saturday, June 11, 2011, before the 24-hour race begins.

The 79th 24-Hours of Le Mans is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. (local time) on Saturday, June 11, 2011, and finish at the same time on the following day. Mazda plans to hold the demonstration of the 787B racecar on the Circuit de la Sarthe at 12:30 p.m. on June 11. Additionally, the 787B will also take part in the Driver's Parade through the Le Mans city center on Friday June 10.

The Mazda 787B became the first and only Japanese car, and rotary-engine car, to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Jointly developed by Mazda and Mazdaspeed, the organization that managed Mazda's racing program, the 787B had a chassis designed to meet Group C racing car technical regulations and was powered by a four-rotor rotary engine that produced 700 horsepower. Due to a change in the race regulations, 1991 was to become the last year that a rotary-engine car could participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At the last chance, after 17 years of effort, Mazda finally realized its long-held dream to take the overall victory at Le Mans. This victory was not Mazda's alone, but the result of long years of hard work by Mazdaspeed, the drivers, suppliers and the many others involved.

Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's representative director, chairman of the board, president and CEO, said, "Mazda is founded on a desire to 'never stop challenging.' This spirit brings Mazda Group employees together across the globe, and it inspires us to achieve the demanding goals we set ourselves. Exactly 50 years ago, in 1961, Mazda commenced development of the rotary engine. The road from this beginning until our 1991 victory at Le Mans, and on to our current SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY development program, is built upon our spirit of challenge. 2011 is set to be another landmark year for the entire Mazda Group, as we enter our SKYACTIV era with the global introduction of our next-generation vehicles."

Since 1991, the winning Mazda 787B has mostly been on display at the Mazda Museum in Hiroshima, Japan. In preparation for the demonstration at Le Mans, Mazda has carefully restored the winning 787B racecar back to driving condition for the first time since its post-race overhaul in 1991. The work was carried out by current Mazda employees who participated in the company's original Le Mans Challenge Project, along with engineers from Mazda's subsidiary engineering company Mazda E&T. The restored 787B has been tested by one of Mazda's in-house top gun drivers, and its performance has been confirmed by former Mazda factory drivers Yoshimi Katayama, Takashi Yorino and Yojiro Terada at Mazda's Mine Proving Ground in western Japan.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, various members of the 1991 Mazda team will also return to Le Mans. The winning driver Johnny Herbert (England) will be joined by 1991 Mazda drivers David Kennedy (Ireland), Pierre Dieudonné (Belgium) and other team members.