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The 2016 Mazda6 has been named one of "Ward's 10 Best Interiors," taking honors among a competitive set of 42 all-new interiors that includes cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers at all price points. "When it launched two years ago as a '14 model, we said the all-new Mazda6 was arguably the best-looking midsize sedan on the planet, inside and out," said Tom Murphy, executive editor, WardsAuto World magazine. "Today, that statement remains true as a refreshed Mazda6 arrives with interior upgrades that put this sedan farther ahead of its rivals. The center console and instrument panel have been expertly redesigned to incorporate a new display screen and human-machine interface that works wonderfully. Overall, the new Mazda6 interior looks and feels state-of-the-art." In addition to its fresh interior design, the 2016 Mazda6 also has re-engineered front and rear seats for greater comfort and improved sound deadening. Mazda6 Sport models equipped with an available six-speed automatic transmission, as well as manual- and automatic-equipped Touring models and the Grand Touring trim, come with the MAZDA CONNECT™ suite of infotainment technologies that are displayed through a seven-inch color touchscreen display. MAZDA CONNECT™ also has a commander control knob for users who prefer using a scroll wheel for Mazda6's connectivity functions. Features include Bluetooth® phone pairing and audio streaming, Pandora®/AhaTM/StitcherTM radio and available navigation, SiriusXM® radio and a Bose® audio system. If that weren't enough, Mazda6 Grand Touring has an available head-up display when optioned with the Technology Package. "Mazda's global design team set the bar high in the 2016 Mazda6 with our efforts to create an environment that spoils its driver and passengers and provides a rewarding experience for the driver," said Derek Jenkins, director of design, Mazda North American Operations. "We're proud of our work and honored that it paid off with winning a 'Ward's 10 Best Interiors' award." Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. 1 Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). MSRP does not include $820 destination charge (Alaska $865), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

Mazda Motor Corporation today began production of the all-new Mazda MX-5 two-seater lightweight sports car (known as Mazda Roadster in Japan) at Ujina Plant No.1 in Hiroshima. The first models produced are destined for the Japanese market. Sales of the all-new MX-5 will begin in Japan around June this year and interested buyers can make an appointment for pre-sale discussions through a dedicated website from noon on Friday, March 20. Following sales start in Japan, the MX-5 will be progressively rolled out to overseas markets. The MX-5 is an iconic model representing Mazda's vehicle engineering philosophy: the pursuit of driving pleasure. With production exceeding 950,000 units as of the end of January 2015, the MX-5 continues to hold the Guinness World Record for the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car. In order to respond to ever increasing demands for safety features and environmental performance while maintaining the element of fun that has always defined the model, development of the fourth generation MX-5 was carried out under the motto “innovate in order to preserve”. In addition to incorporating SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO—Soul of Motion design, development focused on enhancing the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars. Moving forward, Mazda will continue to enrich the lives of its customers through a variety of touch points including the production of high-quality vehicles, and become a brand that maintains a special bond with its customers.

On January 12, 2015, Edmunds.com named its “2015 Most Popular” award winners which included Mazda3 (Compact Car), Mazda CX-5 (Compact Crossover SUV) and Mazda CX-9 (Large Crossover SUV). According to Edmunds.com, the three models in each vehicle segment that attract the most car-shopper consideration from January 1, 2014 through October 31, 2014 are presented with the award. Additional information about the awards can be viewed at http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/most-popular-2015.html. The 2015 Mazda CX-5 and the 2015 Mazda3, are equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY which allows them to achieve among the highest fuel economy and exhilarating driving dynamics in their respective class. Additionally, components of i-ACTIVSENSE help to assist drivers in detecting potential collision situations and aids in the avoidance of these dangers. Mazda CX-9 is Mazda’s seven-passenger SUV delivering a refined interior while serving a perfect platter of power and agile handling.

WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2014) –  In addition to the actions announced on December 4, 2014, as discussed in a separate document, Mazda today announced the following steps in the Takata recall: Mazda will institute a nationwide Safety Improvement Campaign of 2004-2008 model-year Mazda6 and RX-8 models equipped with certain Takata airbag inflators. The nationwide Safety Improvement Campaign will cover the driver’s-side airbag inflator, as Mazda has not made a safety defect determination at this time.  This action will support us to gather additional parts for examination and to promote customer satisfaction and safety. There are approximately 330,000 vehicles included in this Safety Improvement Campaign in the United States So far, Takata has tested a large number of inflators removed from Mazda vehicles, and NONE have been found to be non-compliant at this time One vehicle – a 2005 Mazda6 located in Florida – has been identified as having experienced an abnormal driver’s-side airbag deployment.  Mazda has worked closely with NHTSA on this situation Mazda will participate in the independent, industry-wide joint testing program for Takata airbag inflators For history, on December 4, 2014, Mazda announced: It would expand the area of the high-temperature, high-humidity region recall to include the Gulf Coast states.  This campaign included both driver’s- and passenger-side airbag inflators The following states and territories comprise the High Absolute Humidity Region - Florida; Puerto Rico; Hawaii; Saipan; Guam; American Samoa; US Virgin Islands; Georgia; Alabama; Louisiana; Mississippi; Texas. As of December 4 th, the estimated vehicles in all Mazda-Takata campaigns is 86,773. (Pending Polk Data confirmation). Mazda is working closely with Takata to move forward the supply timing for replacement airbags. We continue to encourage customers to respond to our campaigns, and are making direct-to-customer phone calls and re-sending notification letters. With safety as our first priority, we are cooperating with Takata to work toward finding a solution to this problem as early as possible. This situation is fluid, and updates will be provided regularly. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 17, 2014 / PRNewswire / -- The 2015 Mazda3 today received a Residual Value Award for the Compact Car Segment by ALG, making it the second straight year Mazda3 has won the award and third since 2010. ALG, the analytics division of TrueCar, Inc., is the industry benchmark for projecting future vehicle values and depreciation data. The annual ALG Residual Value Awards honor the vehicles and brands that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. "We are honored that Mazda3 has been recognized by ALG for the second year in a row," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "It is a true testament of the quality, dependability, reliability and value of the Mazda3, which has only made this segment leader stronger and customers have spoken by making it the best-selling Mazda vehicle." ALG recognizes 26 vehicles with segment awards, along with two brands presenting the Mainstream and Premium sectors of the industry. This year's awards are based on 2015 year vehicles. "Mazda kept the 2015 pricing flat on the Mazda3, allowing it to remain one of the best values in the Compact segment, and earn its second straight Residual Value Award," said Larry Dominique, President of ALG. "Not only that, but the Mazda3 is one of the best all-around vehicles in the Compact segment." Previous ALG Residual Value Awards winners for Mazda were the 2014 Mazda3 (Compact Car), 2012 Mazdaspeed3 (Sporty Car), 2011 CX-9 (Mid-Size Utility) and 2010 Mazda3 (Compact Car). Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG's residual value forecasts. Starting at $16,945, the 2015 Mazda3 includes an array of new standard features and package content such as the manual transmission option for the more powerful SKYACTIV-G 2.5L. Touting exceptional styling and an impressive 41 mpg highway, the 2015 Mazda3 is also incredibly fun to drive. Similar to its new-generation SKYACTIV ® Technology and KODO "Soul of Motion"-designed brethren such as the CX-5 compact SUV and Mazda6 mid-size sedan, Mazda's compact car has earned itself critical acclaim by topping "Best Car" lists and receiving "Car of the Year" nods. Mazda3 also saw the introduction of another game-changing Mazda-developed technology known as MAZDA CONNECT™. A next-generation in-vehicle connectivity system, MAZDA CONNECT's seven-inch full-color touchscreen hub will make its way into the rest of the brand's full lineup. Based on the heads-up cockpit concept, this new Human Machine Interface (HMI) system aims to aid drivers in maintaining a proper driving posture, keep a concentrated focus on the road ahead and promoting safer habits while behind the wheel. For more information, visit www.mazdausamedia.com. About Mazda North American Operations Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. About ALG Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, with an office in Toronto, Ontario, ALG is an authority on automotive residual value projections in North America. By analyzing nearly 2,500 vehicle trims each year to assess residual value – which is mainly driven by used car inventory, brand strength, macroeconomic conditions, incentive spending and pricing – ALG provides auto industry and financial services clients with resale insights, forecasts and consulting services about the future vehicle marketplace. ALG, owned by TrueCar, Inc., the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform, has been publishing residual values for all cars, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. for 50 years and in Canada since 1981. For more information, visit www.alg.com. About TrueCar TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE) is the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform. TrueCar enables a negotiation-free car buying experience by giving buyers transparent insight into what others actually paid (price confidence), upfront pricing information (price discovery), and access to a network of trusted TrueCar Certified Dealers who provide guaranteed savings certificates and seamlessly complete the car purchase. The reality is that buying a car is painful and buyers fear they are going to overpay or be surprised with hidden fees. TrueCar's transparent upfront pricing information makes the car buying process simple so there are no surprises and buyers never overpay. TrueCar's mission is to make car buying simple, fair and fun. Its national network of more than 9,000 TrueCar Certified Dealers, including both new car franchise dealers and non-franchise dealers, is committed to providing negotiation-free savings off MSRP and upfront pricing information for all car-buyers, including members of some of the country's largest membership and service organizations such as AARP, American Express, AAA, and USAA. Note: Not all program features are available in all states. Go to www.truecar.com for program details. TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., with offices in Santa Barbara, Calif., San Francisco, Calif., and Austin, Texas. SOURCE Mazda North American Operations For further information: Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, +1-949-727-6144 or David Gordon, Mazda Information Bureau, +1-714-913-9943

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 28, 2014 / PRNewswire / -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the second-annual Mazda Drive for Good ™ winter event and partnership with NBCUniversal. The 2014 Mazda Drive for Good event will increase opportunities for charitable donations, will include a larger local outreach through additional charities, and of course include the donation of thousands of charitable service hours from Mazda and Mazda dealer employees. Mazda has partnered with NBCUniversal to help expand the reach of the Mazda Drive for Good campaign across the company's portfolio and ultimately serve one lucky community in need of charitable assistance. "Mazda Drive for Good started as an idea, a way to bring together the good things Mazda, its employees, its dealers and its business partners were doing in their local community," explained Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "From there it grew into a way for Mazda to reach new heights in charitable giving, whether monetarily or through volunteer service. Mazda is honored to expand our efforts further by partnering with NBCUniversal and helping a community that needs an extra hand to achieve its goal." "We are excited to team up with Mazda around their 'Mazda Drive for Good' campaign and inspire philanthropic activities in communities across the country," said Alison Tarrant, Executive Vice President, Client Solutions Group, NBCUniversal. "Through the unmatched scale of our portfolio, NBCUniversal has partnered with Mazda for a unique and custom program that empowers our passionate audiences during the most charitable time of the year." Together, Mazda and NBCUniversal aim to help communities, across the country, that have a non-profit project in need of resources. The partnership will span across NBCUniversal's broadcast, cable and digital networks with calls for nominations featuring actress, Academy Award® nominee and philanthropist, Minnie Driver. Viewers will be encouraged to nominate themselves through an online contest where they can tell their story and why their community needs assistance. Submissions will be received starting October 27 th and end November 12 th. Consumers can submit their story via NBC.com/MazdaDrive4Good. The selected community representative will be surprised by Driver and attend NBC's annual Rockefeller Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center on December 3 rd. Custom creative spots, produced by NBCUniversal's Content Innovation Agency, featuring Driver, and their community will highlight their story. Mazda commits to helping this community through monetary donation and volunteer service. "The differentiating factor for the Mazda Drive for Good event is the pledged volunteer hours," added O'Sullivan. "It helps bring the program to a local level by providing charities much need hands-on support." The Mazda Drive for Good winter event is in its second year of fundraising and Mazda has announced that it will increase its monetary donation from $100 to $150 per new Mazda sold or leased between November 21, 2014 and January 2, 2015. Mazda stands to again differentiate itself again by pledging one hour of charitable service for every test drive of a new Mazda throughout this same time period. Mazda will again work through four national charities and 42 local charities, all of which will be announced at a later date. The 2013 Mazda Drive for Good winter event was the first time this charitable event was held. Results were astounding as Mazda donated more than $2.7 million to charity and pledged more than 56,000 service hours. Mazda partnered with four national charities including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ®, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and Mazda Foundation, and reached locally through its dealers and 32 local charities. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7dhKGFtlGc Follow the social conversation on Twitter at #MazdaDrive4Good. About Mazda North American Operations Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers.  Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.  For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. About NBCUniversal NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131205/MM28870LOGO SOURCE Mazda North American Operations For further information: Nick Beard, Mazda North American Operations, 949-727-6567 or Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, 949-727-6144

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 9, 2014 / PRNewswire / -- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s most recent Light Duty Fuel Economy Trends report,  Mazda Motor Corporation is the most fuel-efficient auto manufacturer in the U.S for the second consecutive year.  With the highest fleet-wide adjusted fuel economy performance of 28.1 miles per gallon (MPG), and the lowest adjusted CO 2 emissions of 316, Mazda led the chart for model year (MY) 2013, as they did for the previous year. Mazda was able to maintain the highest fuel efficiency of all automotive manufacturers for the second year in a row through the use of the company's unique and proprietary SKYACTIV® 1 TECHNOLOGY. SKYACTIV is a suite of component and engineering technologies that incorporate ultra-high compression ratio gasoline engines, super-efficient manual and automatic transmissions, lightweight chassis and body components, reduced rolling resistance and low-drag body styling. Furthermore, Mazda has achieved this fuel economy rating by working to improve existing technologies, making outstanding fuel economy affordable for everyone. Mazda's goal is to offer the most dynamic and engaging mainstream vehicles across its entire line, while providing fuel economy that is second to none, literally. "Mazda has never been one to rest on its laurels, continuing to work hard, innovate and engineer vehicles that offer class-leading fuel economy in nearly every segment it competes in," commented Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "Because the internal combustion engine is still used in more than 90 percent of the cars and SUVs sold in North America today, we chose to focus on perfecting both the operation and performance of the engine, as well as all the other systems and components that affect efficiency. Offering this technology – at an affordable price – to every consumer will help to improve our overall environmental impact." Mazda's SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY brought the company to the forefront of fuel efficiency through its inclusion in such vehicles as the all-new 2015 Mazda3, the 2015 Mazda6, and the 2015 CX-5. Mazda3 reaches near best-in-class EPA estimated fuel economy with 41 highway MPG when equipped with the i-ELOOP energy regeneration system. Mazda6 equipped with i-ELOOP achieves class-leading EPA estimated fuel economy with 40 highway MPG. At an EPA estimated 35 MPG, CX-5 still retains the title of the highest highway MPG of any SUV in North America, including hybrids. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers.  Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.  For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. 1SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC) SOURCE Mazda North American Operations For further information: Nick Beard, Mazda North American Operations, (949) 727-6567; or Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, (949) 727-6144

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2014 / PRNewswire / -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported September U.S. sales of 23,980 vehicles, representing an increase of 6.7 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through September are up 9.3 percent versus last year, with 240,953 vehicles sold. "The past two years have seen a September sales month without the Labor Day holiday, which can present a challenge for our dealers, yet we still reported a year-over-year increase," said Ron Stettner, vice president of sales, MNAO. "Sales growth continues to be the product of strong dealer support and SKYACTIV Technology, specifically the quality, fuel efficiency, technology and value found in Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5." Key September sales notes: Mazda sold 23,980 vehicles in the month of September, 2014, a 6.7 percent increase year-over-year (YOY). After the best August in nine years, Mazda6 also recorded its best September in nine years (2005) with 4,263 vehicles sold, an increase of 34.6 percent YOY. Coming off best-ever August sales, Mazda CX-5 saw best-ever September sales with 8,097 vehicles sold, an increase of 28.9 percent YOY. SKYACTIV ® Technology proves to be the key between performance and fuel efficiency as customers demand a no compromise solution. More than 84.0 percent of Mazdas sold in September were equipped with SKYACTIV Technology. Mazda reported Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) September sales of 3,513 vehicles, up 17.0 percent YOY. Year-to-date CPO sales are up 16 percent versus last year, with 32,217 vehicles sold. Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported best-ever September sales of 3,383 vehicles, up 22.0 percent versus September of last year and the 20 th consecutive month of YOY growth. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers.  Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. SOURCE Mazda North American Operations For further information: Nick Beard, Mazda North American Operations, 949-727-6567, or Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, 949-727-6144

HIROSHIMA, Japan— Mazda Motor Corporation today celebrated the unveiling of the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 (known as Roadster in Japan) together with fans at events held simultaneously in Japan, USA and Spain. The all-new MX-5, which adopts both SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and Mazda’s KODO—Soul of Motion design language, will be rolled out to global markets starting in 2015. The MX-5 is an iconic model representing Mazda’s vehicle-engineering philosophy—the pursuit of driving pleasure. “Innovate in order to preserve” was the motto for the fourth generation, as the development team searched for innovations that go beyond simple evolution. Environmental and safety demands are much more stringent than they were when the first generation MX-5 was introduced 25 years ago, but the fourth generation stays true to the model’s original aim of offering the pure driving fun that only a lightweight sports car can. It achieves this through the adoption of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and refinement of its appeal to the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars. The design of the all-new MX-5 reveals another layer to Mazda’s KODO design language. The exquisite proportions make the driver and passenger stand out, and both the interior and exterior evoke the exhilaration of open-top driving. It is the most compact of any generation MX-5 so far and is more than 100 kilograms lighter than the model it replaces, promising a dramatic leap in Jinba-ittai driving fun. As of July 2014, total production volume of the Mazda MX-5 exceeded 940,000 units and it continues to hold the Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seater sports car. This highly-celebrated model has received over 200 awards from around the globe including Japan Car of the Year 2005-2006. Moving forward, Mazda will continue to develop products which offer all customers driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

HIROSHIMA, Japan— Mazda Motor Corporation today unveiled the all-new Mazda2 (known as Mazda Demio in Japan). Production of the model, which has been fully redesigned for the first time in seven years, has begun at Mazda's Hofu Plant No. 1 in Yamaguchi, Japan. Following the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 (Atenza in Japan) and Mazda3 (Axela), the all-new Mazda2 is the fourth in Mazda's line-up of next-generation models which adopt the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO-Soul of Motion design. The all-new Mazda2 will be rolled out in global markets starting from Japan this autumn. The all-new Mazda2 brings a level of functionality and added-values exceeding the expectations for a car of this class by evolving the concepts and technologies cultivated through the development of earlier next-generation products, and condensing them in a compact body. KODO design gives the car the look of a living creature, and imparts a presence unrivaled in the class. Developed based on the same engineering concepts as those in larger next-generation models, new SKYACTIV engines, transmissions, body, and chassis, allow the all-new Mazda2 to provide both outstanding safety and eco-performance, and the brand's trademark driving pleasure. The model also features a wide range of cutting-edge technologies such as the Mazda Connect * next-generation car connectivity system, and a wide range of i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety features that aid the driver in recognizing and responding to hazards. The all-new Mazda2 is available with the SKYACTIV-D 1.5, a new small-displacement clean diesel engine that offers excellent fuel economy and eco-performance while delivering torque comparable to a 2.5-liter gasoline engine. Along with next-generation high-efficiency direct injection gasoline engines, the SKYACTIV-G 1.5 and SKYACTIV-G 1.3, the clean diesel engine will allow Mazda to offer an engine line-up tailored to the needs of each market. The Japanese market will get the SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter diesel and SKYACTIV-G 1.3-liter gasoline engines. With total sales of over 2.4 million units, the Mazda2 is one of Mazda's core products. Starting with the launch of the original in 1996, the Mazda2 has brought new value to the subcompact segment every time it has been fully redesigned. With this fourth generation Mazda2, Mazda again offers customers around the world a new interpretation of the subcompact car.

Spring is budding in Chesapeake, VA, and your Mazda is probably ready for a good spring cleaning. Giving your car a thorough wash job is more than just about looks; it is about the overall health of your vehicle. An important part of the cleaning process is waxing, which helps to protect your automobile's outer shell. Why Is It Important to Keep Your Car Clean As you drive, your car comes into contact with a large amount of dirt and grime. All that debris sticking to your vehicle slowly begins to flake your car's paint. Winter is brutal on an automobile's exterior. Driving on icy roads with salt, sand, and other debris begins to work away at the paint, and many times the salty debris makes its way under the finish – its most damaging residence. Once the debris gets to the metal under the exterior finish, the metal begins to rust. After rusting begins, the problem becomes more difficult to treat. Rust can leave holes on the outside of the vehicle, which can expose sensitive working parts or even the passenger area of the car to the outside elements. An important part of keeping your vehicle clean and protected is regularly waxing it. Wax is your automobile's first line of defense against road dirt, grime, and gravel. It creates an outer protective layer, which keeps debris from loosening and chipping away at the paint. It also protects your paint from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The helpful staff at your Chesapeake Mazda dealership urge you to give your car a good spring cleaning and regular washes, so your Mazda will look and feel its best at all times. A happy car holds happy passengers. Car Washes In or Near Chesapeake, Virginia Freedom Detailing Freedom Detailing has 9 self-service areas, 20 vacuums, carpet shampoos, air machines, fragrance machines, and mega vacuums. Freedom is a one-stop self-service station for preparing your automobile for spring. Majestic Auto Spa Besides the soft-cloth drive-through car wash, Majestic offers paintless dent repair, leather repair, auto detailing, headlight resurfacing, and paint touch-up. Majestic wants to ensure that all of your vehicle's small surface repairs are complete so that your exterior finishes last as long as possible. Auto Bell Car Wash Auto Bell provides its customer with a variety of car wash packages. They also offer extra services such as interior carpet shampooing, undercarriage cleaning, polishing and sealing, rain repellent application, Armor All application, and vinyl top dressing. Auto Bell does not leave much undone if you opt for all of the services available. You will be starting out spring in a vehicle that looks like you just drove it off the lot. Pro Detailing Pro Detailing specializes in cleaning black vehicles. If you take advantage of all of the services available, you won’t see a speck of dirt left. The auto detailing services include hand washing, engine cleaning, wiping down door and trunk jambs, trunk cleaning, carpet shampooing, seat washing and conditioning, scratch removing, buffing and waxing, and much more. Reliable Detailing Reliable's many different detailing packages will give your vehicle will get the deluxe treatment. Some of the deals available are a complete shampoo detail, a wash and wax detail, engine detail, over spray removal, well water and/or acid rain elimination, and the Platinum detail package. Enjoy the Spring Everyone at Cavalier Mazda extends their wish that each of you enjoys the beautiful spring weather. Be sure to give your Mazda a good spring cleaning, so it remains healthy and attractive. Do not forget to stop by and see our inventory of new Mazdas. Or just stop in and say hello! Related articles Preparing Your Car For Spring: Service Tips for your Mazda Vehicle

New cars and trucks sold in the U.S. last year got an average of 23.6 m.p.g. in combined city and highway driving, a record that came mainly through improvements to engines and transmissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Mazda led all automakers with an average of 27.1 m.p.g., followed closely by Honda with 26.6 and Volkswagen at 25.8. Chrysler-Fiat, which relies more on trucks and larger cars for its sales, had the worst mileage at 20.1, followed by Daimler, maker of Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles, at 21.1. General Motors, which also sells a lot of trucks and SUVs, was third from the bottom at 21.7 m.p.g., according to the report. The increase for 2012, the latest year for which full calculations are available, was 1.2 m.p.g. above 2011’s number, the second-largest annual increase in 30 years, the agency said in an annual report released Thursday. The EPA is estimating that the average mileage of 2013 cars will rise another 0.4 m.p.g. to 24. Final figures for 2013 won’t be available until next year. Last year was the first year that automakers fell under more stringent government fuel economy regulations that will require them to sell cars and trucks that get a combined 54.5 m.p.g. by 2025. Carbon dioxide emissions also are at a record low, 376 grams per mile. Christopher Grundler, director of the EPA’s office of Transportation and Air Quality, said many automakers already are meeting gas mileage standards for 2016 because of innovations. Automakers are offering more efficient engines, multiple-speed transmissions that keep engines at peak efficiency, and turbocharging that gives smaller engines more power when needed. They’ve also reduced weight by using lighter materials, powered more pumps off a battery rather than the engine to eliminate drag, and they’ve improved aerodynamics of new cars so they slice through the wind with less resistance. Gasoline prices also were relatively high in 2012, and that helped steer people toward sales of more efficient vehicles, Grundler said. “Manufacturers and suppliers continue to develop great new technology,” he said. “More consumers value fuel economy than in the past. So there was very strong demand.” Gas mileage is up 12% since 2008 and 22% since 2004, according to the report. The government gas mileage requirements get tougher to meet as the years progress toward 2025, but Grundler said he’s confident the auto industry has shown it has the innovation needed to meet the challenge. The cost of cars will rise gradually as automakers spend on new technology to get better mileage, but that will be more than offset by savings in gasoline spending, Grundler said.