Blog

Used car sales are available from several automotive brands this December. The best used car deals feature low interest rate financing on certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. Used car prices depend on things like vehicle condition and mileage, as well as supply and demand. To find the best used car deals, check out these offers before you buy. Volkswagen is promoting an interest rate of 1.79 percent for up to five years on all its CPO vehicles, and 0.9 percent on 2013 CPO models. Subaru is offering a low interest rate deal on all 2008 to 2014 certified pre-owned models, with financing as low as 0.99 percent. Used Toyota vehicles are generally in demand, and some certified pre-owned Toyota models are available with 1.9 percent financing for up to five years in many areas. Mazda is offering 0.9 percent financing for three years on 2011 to 2014 CPO cars and SUVs right now. Some luxury automakers have used car deals with low interest rates that will help save you money this December. Mercedes-Benz is offering 1.99 percent financing on select certified pre-owned models from the 2010 to 2012 model years. Land Rover has interest rates as low as 0.9 percent for 24 months on many models. BMW is offering up to $1,000 holiday payment credit on select 2011 CPO vehicles, as well as 0.9 percent financing. Looking to buy a used car? Check out our Used Car Rankings, where you can compare used cars by class, model year and budget. Then search our Used Car Listings, where you can browse used vehicles for sale in your area. While we work to keep used car deals up-to-date and accurate, the best source of current discounts and incentives on a used or certified pre-owned car is your local dealer. The Best Used Car Sales and Deals for December 2013: Mercedes-Benz 2011 Mercedes C-Class ClearBook Price: $22,641* Model: Select 2010-2012 certified pre-owned models Deal: 1.99% financing for up to 36, 48, 66 or 72 months Summary: There really is nothing quite like driving a Mercedes-Benz. The automaker is offering 1.99 percent financing on the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and GLK-Class. A two-month payment credit is also available on CPO C-Class, E-Class and S-Class models. Expires: 1/2/2014 Toyota 2009 Toyota Camry ClearBook Price: $10,203* Model: Some certified pre-owned models Deal: 1.9% financing for up to 60 months Summary: Toyota cars, trucks and SUVs are known for their great reliability ratings, which makes them sought-after used cars. You can get some certified used Toyotas with 1.9 percent financing for up to 60 months in many areas. Expires: 1/6/2014 BMW 2011 BMW X3 ClearBook Price: $29,710* Model: Select 2011 certified pre-owned models Deal: Up to $1,000 holiday payment credit and 0.9% financing on select 2011 CPO models Summary: Now is a great time to get up to a $1,000 holiday payment credit on select 2011 CPO BMWs, as well as 0.9 percent financing. Expires: 1/2/2014 Volkswagen 2010 Volkswagen Golf ClearBook Price: $10,492* Model: All certified pre-owned models Deal: 0.9% financing for up to 60 months on 2013 CPO models or 1.79% on all other CPO models Summary: Volkswagen is known for its high-quality interiors and fuel-efficient diesel models. Volkswagen is offering 0.9 percent financing for up to 60 months on all 2013 model year certified pre-owned models, and 1.79 percent on all other CPO models. Expires: 1/3/2014 Subaru 2009 Subaru Outback ClearBook Price: $12,852* Model: All 2008-2014 certified pre-owned models Deal: 0.99% financing Summary: Most Subaru vehicles have standard all-wheel drive, which is good if you plan to take trips off the beaten path. Subaru is offering financing as low as 0.99 percent on all of its certified pre-owned models. Expires: 1/6/2014 Land Rover 2009 Land Rover LR2 ClearBook Price: $17,129* Model: Most 2008-2013 certified pre-owned models Deal: 0.9% for 24 months, 2.9% for 36 to 60 months Summary: Excellent off-road capability makes a used Land Rover a good choice for venturing beyond the pavement. Land Rover is offering 0.9 or 2.9 percent financing on certified pre-owned models, including the LR2, LR3, LR4, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover SUVs. Expires: 1/2/2014 Mazda 2011 Mazda3 ClearBook Price: $10,214* Model: Selelct 2011-2014 certified pre-owned models Deal: 0.9% financing for 36 months Summary: With good dependability ratings and fun driving dynamics, a used Mazda lets you save money without sacrificing driving pleasure. Mazda is offering 0.9 percent financing for up to 36 months on select certified pre-owned models. Expires: See dealer for details. *ClearBook prices are for used vehicles in excellent condition with an average of 12,000 miles per year.

This year was a big one for the 2014 Mazda3 and the 2014 Mazda6! Winning a combined 16 awards, these accolades are just a testament to Mazda’s commitment to improving their vehicles more and more throughout the years. Ranging from 2014 Car of the Year to awards regarding affordability to 2014 Green Car of the Year, the Mazda3 and Mazda6 continue to offer drivers the very best across the board. Thanks to the ingenuity of Mazda’s design and engineering teams, every publication that bestowed these awards recognized the design, driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and value. The SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and i-ACTIVSENSE, i-ELOOP and MAZDA CONNECT have all been advances that Mazda has made. At Cavalier Mazda, we look forward to upcoming innovations from Mazda and are proud to offer these award winning models!

IRVINE, Calif. (October 17, 2013) – The 2014 Mazda3 today was named a finalist for the 2014 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal. Finalists for the Green Car of the Year are selected for their achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance. The all-new 2014 Mazda3 is built from the ground up with the award-winning SKYACTIV®1 TECHNOLOGY, Mazda’s engineering approach toward increasing overall vehicle efficiency, performance and fuel economy, while reducing CO2 emissions. In 2013, Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology earned the 2013 Green Car Technology Award from Green Car Journal. “Mazda continues to push the boundaries with its SKYACTIV technology in order to offer consumers world-class vehicle efficiency and it is an honor to have the 2014 Mazda3 named a finalist for the Green Car of the Year,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). With the full complement of SKYACTIV® technologies combined with the handsome styling of the KODO design and the segment exclusive i-ELOOP capacitor-based regenerative engine braking system, the 2014 Mazda3 touts best-in-class fuel economy with 41 highway mpg. The 2014 Mazda3, available in four-door and five-door models, is offered in four trim levels – SV (sedan only), Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. On sale now, pricing starts at less than $17,0002 MSRP for sedans and less than $19,000 MSRP for five-door configurations. “The all-new 2014 Mazda3 is a stand-out that clearly benefits from Mazda’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. “The artful combination of high efficiency, appealing style, infotainment, and driving enjoyment result in an affordable model that’s right at home as a Green Car of the Year nominee.” _________________ 1 SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC). 2 Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary. Since the inaugural Green Car of the Year award was announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2005, Green Car Journal has been honoring the most important “green” vehicles every year. Green Car of the Year jurors include auto enthusiast and Tonight Show host Jay Leno, plus leaders of the nation’s major environmental organizations including Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club; and Matt Petersen, board member of Global Green USA. Green Car Journal editors round out the 2014 Green Car of the Year® jury. 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. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and b-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

IRVINE, Calif. (September 13, 2013) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced totals for its fundraising efforts with United Way, and they have more than tripled initial projections. Mazda’s fundraising campaign, Drive United, raised $172,042.43 throughout the summer months. Initial goal for the national campaign was $45,000.00. “Mazda and United Way have been long-time partners and this is an annual fundraising effort we have continued to support,” said Robert Davis, senior vice president of U.S. operations, MNAO. “Not only are we raising money for a good cause, but we are doing it through team work, the Mazda way. I am so proud of this company, our dealers and vendor partners, for what we were able to do throughout this year’s campaign efforts.” Drive United is a company-wide initiative driven by employee contributions, vendor and partner contributions and dealer donations. Employee contributions are largely the result of online donations through Mazda’s e-way donation website and various activities held throughout the summer. Such activities included an employee barbeque with Mazda executives cooking, an executive dunk tank, rubber duck races, an employee chili cook-off, and much more. Nationwide, the regional Mazda employees get involved through t-shirt purchases, online donations and fundraising activities through various regional events. Dealers, vendors, and partners get involved through monetary and itemized donations. President and CEO of Orange County United Way, Max Gardner said, “We are happy to partner with caring companies like Mazda to help our neighbors in need find success in the areas of Education, Income, Health, and Housing. Mazda’s tremendous support and Campaign effort helps strengthen Orange County so that our next generation can reach its full potential, local families can become healthy and self-sufficient, and our community can look forward to a brighter tomorrow.” As a result of the great response thus far, fundraising efforts are expected to continue throughout the rest of the year. MNAO is now looking toward a revised fundraising goal of $200,000 for the 2013 calendar year. ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY Orange County United Way is a nonprofit organization that works to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Orange County to strengthen our community. To do this, we focus on the Building Blocks for a self-sufficient life: Education, Income, Health, and Housing, by investing in Orange County children, families, and individuals, helping them meet their most basic human needs—food, shelter, and medical care—while creating pathways to self-sufficient futures through education and training. In short, we help people help themselves. To learn more, or to join our movement, visit www.unitedwayoc.org. 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.

HIROSHIMA, Japan —Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it will construct an engine machining factory at its new vehicle production facility in Mexico, Mazda Motor Manufacturing de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (MMMdM). MMMdM is a joint venture between Mazda and Sumitomo Corporation. The new factory will make SKYACTIV engines for vehicles produced at MMMdM such as the Mazda3 (Axela in Japan) and Mazda2 (Demio). It will produce approximately 230,000 engines per year with operations expected to begin in October 2014. MMMdM will invest 120 million U.S. dollars (approximately 12 billion yen) in the new factory and employ approximately 100 extra people to operate it. At MMMdM, construction of the buildings which will house the vehicle and engine assembly lines is complete and preparations are being made for the start of operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal year ending March 2014. The establishment of the new engine machining factory will further strengthen Mazda's production system for SKYACTIV technologies. Also, by localizing production and increasing the number parts procured locally, Mazda will enhance its ability to withstand exchange rate fluctuations. MMMdM's President and CEO, Keishi Egawa, commented, "MMMdM will play a key role, supplying vehicles to North, Central and South America. We are very happy to be able to strengthen its foundation as a vehicle supply base and enhance our engine production framework in Mexico. Moving forward, we remain committed to contributing to the development of both the local community and the entire Mexican automotive industry." Mazda is targeting global sales of 1.7 million units by fiscal year ending March 2016 and anticipates 80 percent of those models will feature SKYACTIV Technology. For this reason, Mazda is enhancing its production framework for SKYACTIV technology. In addition to MMMdM, SKYACTIV engines are currently produced at the Hiroshima Plant in Japan and Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co., Ltd. in China. Mazda's Activities in Mexico Dec 2004: Established Mazda Motor de Mexico and entered Mexican market Jun 2011: Announced plans to produce Mazda vehicles in Mexico Sep 2011: Established MMMdM joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation Oct 2011: Held groundbreaking Ceremony for MMMdM Jun 2012: Began training in Japan for MMMdM employees Sep 2012: Seita Kanai, then Mazda's Representative Director and Executive Vice President made Honorary Consul of the United Mexican States in Hiroshima Nov 2012: Agreed to produce Toyota vehicles at MMMdM Jan 2013: Announced MMMdM production capacity increase to 230,000 units annually Apr 2013: Takashi Yamanouchi, then Mazda's Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, awarded the Order of the Aztec Eagle

July 1, 2013 (IRVINE, Calif.) The scales have tipped. After seven races, the SpeedSource Mazda team has now delivered four-straight race wins. Mazda is now just one point behind Porsche for the 2013 Grand-Am GX Manufacturers Championship with five races remaining. The Sunday race win was the longest distance race win to date for the all-new Mazda6, taking the GX class win at the Sahlen’s Six Hours at Watkins Glen. Scoring the win was the #00 VISIT FLORIDA Racing Mazda6, driven by Joel Miller, Tristan Nunez, and Yojiro Terada. The all-new SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel engine in the all-new Mazda6 is a true production based engine. The engine is 51% stock by parts count, and 63% stock by weight. Mazda chose this path as it is the most honest way to demonstrate the quality, durability, and reliability of Mazda cars. Meanwhile in the Continental Tire Challenge….. The day before the Sahlen’s Six Hour Grand-Am race, the Continental Tire Challenge held round seven of their 11-race championship. The first six races have been a battle between Mazda, BMW, Honda, Nissan, Porsche, and VW in the ST class. Thanks to a great win by Steven McAleer and Marc Miller in a CJ Wilson Racing Modspace Mazda MX-5, the Mazda win count stands at three, and Mazda has taken over the points lead for the 2013 ST Manufacturers Championship. Quotes: John M. Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations: “When we rewind the clock six months and look how far the Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel program has come, we are certainly proud. From the challenges we faced - and were able to overcome – in the early weeks of the season, to now be celebrating our fourth victory in a row is really special for all of us at Mazda, the entire SpeedSource organization, and our partners at VISIT FLORIDA, Castrol, and ModSpace. A first place trophy from the Sahlen’s Six-Hour at the Glen is one we have wanted in our trophy case for a long time and we have had victory here on our minds since Daytona. Victory in the second longest race of the season allowed us to, once again, prove our new technology and our new car. We will continue to focus on refining the package and turn our full attention to the manufacturer, team, and driver championships. Taking the Continental Tires ST Manufacturers points lead, thanks to the CJ Wilson Racing team win on Saturday made a great weekend even better.” Joel Miller, co-driver, #00 VISIT FLORIDA RACING Mazda6 – now second in the Driver’s Championship:: "The SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel technology worked very well in today's six hour race. Everything was great – the Mazda6 was fantastic, the SpeedSource crew was great during the pit stops, and my teammates did their parts. The last hour was long, knowing we had the lead. I would not have changed anything during that hour as it is always a pleasure bringing the car home for the win! So thankful to everyone, VISIT FLORIDA, our SpeedSource crew, and all the Mazda executives that came this weekend. Win number four in a row!” Tristan Nunez, co-driver, #00 VISIT FLORIDA RACING Mazda6 – the 17-year-old racer who had to be legally emancipated to race in New York:: "It was a long process to get the chance to race at Watkins Glen with all the emancipation court dates and papers to sign but it was all worth it in the long run. The track is one of a kind. Very fast and has a nice flow to it. But it does have a bit if a danger factor to it, the track and very little run off and is surrounded by guard rails. With all of that aside Joel Miller, Yujiro Terada, and myself came out with a win in the visit Florida SKYACTIV-D Mazda 6. Every race weekend we are proving more and more that our new clean diesel Mazda 6 can not only go the distance but also has the speed to win races.” About Mazda, Mazda Motorsports, and MAZDASPEED Mazda is the number-one brand for road-racers across North America among both club racers and professionals. Thousands of Mazda powered grassroots racers compete in various classes with the SCCA and NASA highlighted by Spec Miata, the world’s largest spec class with over 2,500 cars built. In 2006 Mazda Motorsports established the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Ladder to assist racers in moving up through the ranks. In 2010 this was expanded to include the Mazda Road to Indy. Key to Mazda’s success is strategic partnerships with the Skip Barber Racing School and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. MAZDASPEED Motorsports is managed by Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). MNAO 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. Consumer information can be found at www.mazdausa.com, with press information at www.mazdausamedia.com. Racers and fans can follow the action on facebook (Mazdaspeed Motorsports). # # # For further information: Dean Case Communications Officer MAZDASPEED Motorsports (310) 318-4582

IRVINE, Calif., July 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has announced updated pricing of its all-new 2014 Mazda6 midsize sedan, now featuring the ground-breaking regenerative engine braking system known as i-ELOOP. When coupled with SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, the brand's fuel-efficient and performance-oriented engineering philosophy, the Mazda6 will achieve best-in-class fuel economy amongst competing gasoline-powered vehicles with an EPA-rated 28 city/40 highway/32 combined mpg. When not i-ELOOP-equipped, the 2014 Mazda6 still achieves class-leading highway fuel economy at 38 mpg. "Mazda is again changing the game of automotive engineering, this time making fuel efficiency not seem as a compromise but a true complementary feature as part of the complete vehicle package," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "With the addition of i-ELOOP, the 2014 Mazda6 will achieve the best mileage for a non-hybrid midsize sedan. But fuel economy isn't the sole focus of our engineering and design teams, as being a leader in dynamics, design and safety create a win-win for the company and consumers." With its name derived from "Intelligent Energy Loop," i-ELOOP is a capacitor-based regenerative engine braking system that converts a vehicle's kinetic energy into electricity as the car decelerates. The electricity captured is then stored for later use to power all the vehicle's electrical components, such as headlights, climate control and audio systems. This reduces the need for the engine to burn extra fuel in order to generate electricity and, therefore, improves fuel economy without sacrificing driving performance. In order to efficiently recapture the kinetic energy and convert it into electricity, i-ELOOP utilizes a 12- to 25-volt variable voltage alternator, a DC/DC converter and a low-resistance, high-capacity electric double layer capacitor (EDLC). Conventional alternators are constantly charging the battery in an effort to keep up with a vehicle's electrical loads, which means using engine power to operate the alternator, which, in turn, consumes fuel. With the i-ELOOP system in operation, the alternator is free-wheeling, creating almost no parasitic drag on the engine, which reduces the amount of fuel used. Upon vehicle deceleration, the engine and alternator continue to spin as the vehicle slows down, working off of the vehicle's inertia. To take advantage of this free energy, i-ELOOP's special variable-voltage alternator kicks in and generates short bursts of electricity that is stored within the capacitor. The capacitor then meters power out into a smooth, continuous flow to satisfy energy loads. While the increased engine braking caused by the hard-charging alternator is too small for drivers to feel, the smooth power delivery coming from the capacitor means the electrical systems do not operate differently with i-ELOOP. Exact fuel savings will vary based on electrical load and individual driving habits. On sale now, the 2014 Mazda6 starts at $20,990 MSRP and is available in three trim levels – Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Featuring a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine as standard equipment, Mazda6 vehicles offer 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. Sport ($22,695 MSRP) and Touring ($23,645 MSRP) models are available with either a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency when paired with the manual transmission for non-i-ELOOP cars is rated by the EPA at 25 city/37 highway/29 combined mpg and increases to 26 city/38 highway/30 combined mpg with the automatic. A mid-year add-on, the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission is now available on the Touring trim. The SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission adds $1,050 to $24,695 MSRP, but equipment and features remain the same for all Touring models, including offering new vehicle features such as a Commander Switch for the 5.8-inch display screen and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The all-new Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will continue to be available as part of the Touring Technology Package ($2,000 MSRP). Available on Grand Touring models ($29,695 MSRP), i-ELOOP will be part of the new GT Technology Package ($2,080 MSRP) which features additional vehicle equipment such as a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), High Beam Control (HBC), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), a Sport mode button and active grille shutters. The stand-alone MRCC/FOW Package, which includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), is still available for Grand Touring models but will be phased out in the coming months. Earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), standard safety features for all 2014 Mazda6 models include six airbags (front, side and full side-curtain), whiplash-reducing front headrests, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), hill launch assist, a fold-away brake pedal assembly, a trunk entrapment release system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). Touring models feature a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as standard equipment with the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system available as part of an optional package. Grand Touring models feature BSM, RCTA, SCBS and an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) as standard equipment. Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and High Beam Control (HBC) are available as part of an optional package. For more information on fuel economy and how estimates are determined, visit www.fueleconomy.gov, a joint website venture between the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 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. SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC). Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary. SOURCE Mazda North American Operations For further information: Beverly Braga, Mazda North American Operations, +1-949-727-6751, or Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, +1-949-727-6144

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Last evening, the all-new 2014 Mazda6 was presented with the prestigious Gene Ritvo Award for Design and Elegance from the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) in conjunction with Boston's Museum of Fine Arts and the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. The Ritvo Award honors the best in design in the automotive world, whether it's a concept car, production vehicle, a marketing campaign or a particular element of a vehicle that defines elegance in design. "The 2014 Mazda6 is a stunning example of the real-world application of the 'Soul of Motion' design language," said NEMPA President Keith Griffin. "It was beautiful on the TAKERI concept and now is a stunning sedan that is turning heads around the world. Gene Ritvo would be proud to have his name associated with the Mazda6." "The subtle but distinctive styling of the Mazda6 caught my eye when reviewing entries for the Ritvo Award," said Meghan Melvin of the Museum of Fine Arts. "After reading the accompanying description, I was struck by the fact that the KODO design language was clearly reflected in this particular model." An evolution of the TAKERI Concept, Mazda6 features the brand's KODO "Soul of Motion" design language, which is inspired by the movement of animals in the wild—their ability to showcase power in its purest form combined with agile finesse. KODO's prominent personality, inside and out, easily distinguishes the Mazda6 from competitive people movers, whose personalities seem to have been relegated to match their prudish exteriors. With pronounced sheet metal strokes, the vehicle evokes a controlled intensity, seemingly moving yet standing still. Not meant to be ignored, the stunning Mazda6 presents an uncommon but welcome appeal of emotion to the mid-size segment. On sale now, the 2014 Mazda6 starts at $20,880 MSRP and is the second vehicle in the Mazda lineup to fully incorporate SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, the brand's breakthrough engineering approach toward increasing overall vehicle efficiency. Offering both powerful performance and improved fuel economy, the 2014 Mazda6 features best-in-class highway fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon (MPG). Available with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine, a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine will be offered on 2014 Mazda6 vehicles during the second half of the year. Also taking home an award was the MX-5 Miata. Miata is as uncomplicated and pure as a sports car can get. Since the two-seater entered the marketplace more than 20 years ago, the MX-5 has defied the convention that sports cars, particularly convertibles, were pricey, unattainable flights of fancy reserved for those with deep pockets. But enthusiasts come in all shapes, all ages, and with a variety of pocket sizes so it's no wonder that with more than 900,000 units sold, the MX-5 is by far still the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world, and with the Guinness World Records to prove it. 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. Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary. SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC). SOURCE Mazda North American Operations For further information: Tamara Mlynarczyk, Mazda North American Operations, 202-467-5092, or Octavio Navarro, Mazda North American Operations, 949-545-3264

HIROSHIMA, Japan—(April 10, 2013) Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Takashi Yamanouchi has been awarded the Order of the Aztec Eagle. The order is the highest decoration bestowed upon foreign citizens by the government of the United Mexican States. Mexican President, His Excellency Enrique Peña Nieto, presented the award at a ceremony held today at the Embassy of Mexico in Tokyo. Takashi Yamanouchi said at the ceremony, "It is a great honor to receive the prestigious Order of the Aztec Eagle award. Mazda's new plant in Mexico is due to start operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal year ending March 2014 and construction is progressing smoothly. Our hope is that the people who will work at the plant will come to understand Mazda's approach to making cars and work for the company with pride. Furthermore, Mazda is fully committed to becoming a good corporate citizen in Mexico and creating opportunities to interact with people in the local community. Moving forward, we will continue our efforts to contribute to the economic growth of both Mexico and Japan and further strengthen the amicable relationship between the two countries." Mazda entered the Mexican market in 2005 and sold 25,454 vehicles in the country in 2012, giving it a market share of 2.6 percent. Total sales of Mazda vehicles in Mexico had reached approximately 150,000 units as of February 2013. The plant currently under construction in Mexico will be one of Mazda's major production facilities and will produce the Mazda2 (Mazda Demio in Japan), Mazda3 (Mazda Axela) among other models. At the start of operations production capacity will be 140,000 units per year. This will be increased to 230,000 units annually in the fiscal year ending March 2016. Additional photos can be seen here. 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.

Believe it or not, some midsize sedan buyers view these four- doors as exciting signs of hope, evidence that the fun isn’t over just because kids and jobs now consume 23 hours of the day. Despite their prevalence—at least that of the Accord and Camry, which sold more than 300,000 and 400,000 units in 2012, respectively—the three family sedans here are injected with a shot of sport aimed at enlivening the daily doldrums of commuting, errand running, and passenger hauling. If you can zip from light to light a little quicker or take the freeway on-ramp a bit more aggressively—anything to brighten your day—why not, right? With that in mind, we gathered the all-new Mazda6 and Honda Accord Sport, as well as the best-selling veteran, the Toyota Camry SE, to see which one delivered the most effective spoonful of sport medicine. Each boasts a stout four-cylinder, a seamless automatic, an athletic body kit, and a sport-tuned chassis, designed to collectively stimulate the senses and soothe the soul. We tried to get a Fusion SE, but Ford claimed it couldn’t source one. And the top-dog VW Passat? With the new EA888 turbo I-4 poised for 2014 duty and a dedicated sport trim still a distinct possibility (see the Passat Performance Concept from this year’s Detroit auto show), the Chattanooga champ was relegated to Round 2 and a face-off with this test’s winner. But let’s focus on Round 1… Toyota Camry SE The SE accounts for about 40 percent of Camry sales, which equates to around 160,000 units annually. That’s nearly five times as many 6s as Mazda sold last year. SE drivers are treated to the same 2.5-liter, 178-hp, 170-lb-ft I-4 that powers most Camrys not wearing V-6 or Hybrid badging, but the six-speed automatic (the only tranny offered) comes with paddle shifters and an S mode that delivers quicker shifts and downshift throttle blips. Nice. The chassis receives firmer springs and dampers, stiffer lower front-control arms, strut tower and trunk-mounted braces, and 17-inch alloys wearing 215/55 rubber. Outside, there are SE-specific side skirts, mesh upper grille, black headlamp bezels, and rear spoiler. Inside, a three-spoke steering wheel and thicker bolstered sport seats round out the package. Problem is, the aesthetic parts are more appealing than the finished product. Styling, inside and out, was deemed dated, with the slab-sided exterior and ’80s-esque interior drawing criticism. And this Camry is only two years old. At the track, the SE put down the slowest acceleration numbers of the group, despite being the lightest car at 3207 pounds. Zero to 60 mph came in 8.1 seconds, with another 8.1 required to reach the quarter mile (16.2 at 87.0 mph). At 0.81 g, lateral acceleration, was acceptable, certainly in light of the modest rubber, and the figure-eight run of 27.6 at 0.61 g was back of the pack, but solid nonetheless. The one objective performance test in which the Camry didn’t play the caboose was 60-to-0 braking—it stopped 1 foot shorter than the Mazda. Over our evaluation loop in Tehachapi, California, the Camry revealed more faults than strengths, notably a stiff ride, numb steering, and a confidence-detracting chassis. Says associate editor Rory Jurnecka, “From the first dip coming out of the parking lot, the Camry makes its stiff ride known. Unfortunately, it’s all for naught—a stiff ride alone does not a sporty car make. It’s amazing that the Mazda rides better on 19s.” Associate editor Scott Evans: “The body rolls much more than the other two, and the suspension doesn’t handle the inertia well. Even a moderately quick steering input gets you thrown around in your seat. Steering is a little too slow to be fun on the back roads and has little feel in it whatsoever.” On the plus side, the Toyota offers a big back seat, an attractive price tag, excellent visibility, and the best observed fuel economy during our 270-mile trip by 0.1 mpg. The Camry SE has a lot going for it, no doubt, but sporty, engaging, and fun aren’t three of its attributes. Honda Accord Sport Now, I could just tell you the Accord Sport is a furlong ahead of the Camry and a nose behind the Mazda, but what fun is that? With a 2.4-liter “Earth Dreams” I-4 (Take that, Mazda “Skyactiv”) and the group’s only CVT automatic, the Honda entered the arena as the most powerful (189 hp), but also the heaviest (3324 pounds), the widest (72.8 inches), and the most cavernous (103.6 cubic feet of passenger volume and 15.8 cubic feet of cargo volume). Inside and out, the Accord is a sizable sedan, though it’s still a smidge shorter in length and height than the Mazda and Toyota, respectively. That’s surprising, given that the Honda feels the biggest. But that’s only when it’s standing still. Floor the throttle, and the CVT quickly pushes the revs into the VTEC sweet spot, propelling the Sport from 0 to 60 in 7.6 seconds and through the quarter mile in 15.9 at 89.8 mph. Unlike the Camry, which always feels its size, the Accord shrinks when the rolling gets brisk, a sense that holds especially true on a winding road, where the Honda’s 0.87 g of lateral grip and 117-foot 60-0 stopping power give it the at-the-limit edge. Evans: “Body is well-controlled, with no abrupt movements. Good grip and good control on rebound; keeps the movements in check.” Further, the electric power steering, while a tad artificial compared with the Mazda’s, serves up a linear helm, and the CVT’s S mode and standard paddle shifters make optimum use of the 2.4’s lively corral. And with an EPA combined rating of 29 mpg, the Accord trails the tops-in-test ’6 by 1 mpg. Nits? Navigation and satellite radio aren’t on the Sport model’s options list. In D mode, the CVT can feel lethargic under moderate throttle. Wind and tire noise still aren’t as hushed as we’d like, though this is easily the quietest Accord to date. And the cabin could be a little snazzier. “The seat material looks cheap, and the layout is bland,” says Jurnecka. More than that, the Honda trails the Mazda’s class-leading virtues­—the ride, steering, and handling all fall subjectively short. That said, if space is a priority— and for many families, it’s number one—the Accord and its “limo back seat,” per Evans, is tough to beat, as is its $24,980 as-tested price, which includes 18-inch alloys, rear decklid spoiler, Bluetooth, Pandora radio, backup camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10-way power driver seat. Then there’s the Accord’s Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, a badge of honor for passing the ominous small-offset test. (BTW, the ’6 also received “+” status. The Camry did not.) Evans said it best: “The Accord is really good, but the Mazda’s just a little better.” Mazda6 OK, let’s address the elephant in the room: the Mazda6 GT's hefty $31,190 as-tested price. Had we had our druthers, we would have gotten a $25,290 Touring fitted with a $350 rear lip spoiler. Truth is, none of the GT’s exclusives—leather, bi-xenon headlamps, paddle shifters, et al.—gave it an advantage on the scorecard. And since the Touring and GT are dynamically identical, we were willing to overlook the GT’s hefty price tag. The Mazda’s performance stats, however, were completely relevant. Outpacing the Accord’s acceleration numbers by a couple tenths (0-60 in 7.4, quarter mile in 15.7 at 88.6) and splitting the others’ handling figures (0.84 g lat accel, 27.1 at 0.63 figure eight), the Mazda’s objective results placed at or near the top. Subjectively? It quickly earned reserved parking on the pinnacle. Evans: “Engine’s got plenty of zip. Never had to floor it, and it never felt weak or made the car feel heavy. Everything about this car is smooth and fluid. The way the steering comes off center, the way the suspension eases the chassis into corners, the way the throttle picks up, the way the brakes engage, the way it handles transitions. It’s perfect.” Jurnecka: “The steering is sublime, especially for this class. Weighting is just spot-on, and there’s a great amount of feel and precision. ‘Little’ things like this really make a huge difference in how a car feels.” The Mazda imparts a sense of gracefulness and driver-connectedness that is deficient in the others. Some of that uncanny sense can be attributed to the intimate feel from behind the wheel. The ’6 proved the most comfortable and ergonomically sound, providing the preferred command center whether sitting still and fiddling with the controls or weaving aggressively through a twisty road. The Mazda fits you, not vice versa. The dash layout and interior materials are straightforward and understated, and the 5.8-inch nav screen (standard on GT, optional on Touring) is small by modern standards, but it’s cleanly presented and easy to operate. The back seat, too, was judged tops in comfort and support, though there’s no denying it trails the Camry and Accord in overall roominess. Nevertheless, the made-in-Japan Mazda6 is the best driver’s car here. To us, there’s no better dose of sport medicine.

With a current crop of luxury models that are quiet, comfortable, fuel efficient, and among the most reliable, Lexus has earned the best overall score in Consumer Reports 2013 Car Brand Report Cards. The Lexus overall score of 79 was earned on a foundation of plush and very reliable vehicles. A further distinction: Consumer Reports currently Recommends 100 percent of the Lexus vehicles it has tested. For 2013, Consumer Reports took a different approach than in previous years for its annual Report Cards. We graded each automaker's individual brands rather than calculating a single score for all the brands under one corporation umbrella. For example, Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models were scored separately this year instead of being calculated into a single score for Toyota. The same was true for Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan and other large manufacturers that market several brands. Just off the pace from Lexus are Subaru and Mazda. Subaru held the top spot last year. Both brands build solid cars with good handling, fuel economy, and versatility at relatively affordable prices. And each touts an overall score of 76. Overall, eight of the top 10 scores were earned by Japanese brands. Honda and Toyota's scores have been buoyed by the significant strides the automakers made with their Accord and Camry redesigns. Both handle better than their predecessors and get impressive fuel economy. European brands ended up scattered across the middle of the spectrum, distinguished from each other more by reliability than test score. For American manufacturers, General Motors is revamping its lineup and building several promising models, but some of its brands still fall toward the bottom of the list. Ford's and Lincoln's overall scores have been dragged down their MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch control interfaces, and unrefined dual-clutch automated manual transmissions and EcoBoost turbocharged engines that don't deliver the performance and fuel economy of competing models. Chrysler's brands didn't fare well—many models are old and not competitive. In fact, Dodge anchored the bottom of the list with an overall score of 46. Consumer Reports calculates each brand's overall score using an equally weighted composite of the road-test and reliability scores for each of its tested models. Reliability scores are based on information that subscribers provided in our Annual Auto Survey. For a brand to be included, Consumer Reports must have test results and reliability data for at least three models. That's why the 2013 rankings do not include Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Ram, or Smart.

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that it has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com as having the most affordable five-year cost of ownership among any other automotive manufacturer. As a result, Mazda is the recipient of the "2013 5-Year Cost to Own Award" while the Mazda5 received the "2013 5-Year Cost to Own Award" in the Minivan/Van class from Kelley Blue Book. "This award celebrates everything Mazda has been working toward over the past few years so we are honored to receive this recognition from KBB.com," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "As we move forward with our new sixth-generation of products that showcase improved quality, fuel efficiency and driving dynamics, owning a Mazda will continue to be an enjoyable experience that doesn't have to break the bank to maintain." "­­New-car shoppers often are most concerned with the upfront cost of a vehicle; however, consumers would be wise to consider their purchase from a more holistic standpoint by examining the total cost to own a vehicle over the initial five-year ownership period," said Dan Ingle, vice president of vehicle valuations for Kelley Blue Book. "Kelley Blue Book's 5-Year Cost to Own winners provide the top options in multiple categories and at the brand level." KBB.com cites Mazda's ability to offer consumers low maintenance costs and, thanks to SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, excellent fuel economy in combination with consumer confidence in Mazda's low depreciation. Thanks to these factors, Mazda is able to offer consumers an ownership experience that is both enjoyable and affordable, two things that don't always accompany each other. Best of all, the 2013 KBB.com 5-Year Cost to Own Award for Mazda means that this experience can be had across all carlines in the Mazda brand, including Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5 and CX-5. The 5-Year Cost to Own Awards honors the vehicles and brands (luxury and non-luxury) with the lowest projected ownership costs, based on Kelley Blue Book's 5-Year Cost to Own data for new cars for the initial five-year ownership period. While depreciation (or loss of value) and fuel costs may be the greatest expense incurred in owning a vehicle, there are other factors that can have a significant impact on a consumer's pocketbook. Available on Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, 5-Year Cost to Own information takes into consideration depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees for new models. Kelley Blue Book's 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, like all new- and used-car information provided by KBB.com, exist to help shoppers make more informed new-car buying decisions by breaking down typical ownership cost details and naming the brands and models with the lowest projected five-year total. For more information about the 2013 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/5-year-cost-to-own-awards-2013/. Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Suggested Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. KBB.com provides consumer pricing and information on cars for sale, minivans, pickup trucks, sedan, hybrids, electric cars, and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader Group. 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. SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC). SOURCE Mazda North American Operations For further information: Nick Beard, Mazda North American Operations, +1-949-727-6567, or Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, +1-949-727-6144