TOKYO, Jan 24, 2008 -- Mazda Motor Corp. said Wednesday that it has developed a safety system that warns drivers who are trying to change lanes of vehicles approaching from behind.

This system will be an option starting with the new Atenza -- sold outside Japan as the Mazda6 -- that will be released at month's end.

It kicks in when the car exceeds 60 kilometres per hour. Using radar equipment below the taillights, the system detects vehicles in the adjacent lanes that are within 50 metres behind.

An LED turns on to alert the driver of vehicles approaching from behind. And if the driver activates the turn signals at that time, the system warns of the possibility of a collision via a sound and flashing LED.

- Improvements include restyled exterior, more advanced driving dynamics and enhanced interior comfort and quality -

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the launch in Japan of the upgraded Mazda MPV minivan. Known for its excellent drivability and sporty dynamic design, the freshened Mazda MPV is available from today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide.

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation employee Ko Hideshima won the gold medal in the sheet metal technology category at the 39th WorldSkills competition, held from November 14 to 21 in central Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture. Hideshima’s win marks the fifth time that Mazda has won a gold medal since the 21st competition was held in 1973. Two Mazda employees represented Japan at this year’s WorldSkills event, one competing in sheet metal technology and the other in the car painting category.

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has developed a world’s first catalyst for cars that uses single-nanotechnology to create a catalyst material structure which substantially reduces the amount of precious metals that are used, such as platinum and palladium.

The new development enables Mazda to reduce the amount of platinum and palladium used in automotive catalysts by 70 to 90 percent. It does not result in any changes in the performance of purifying gas emissions and maintains the high durability of conventional catalysts. Single-nanotechnology is a technology that can control even smaller particles than nanotechnology.

Collaborations with watchmakers is normally the purview of exotic car manufacturers, but Mazda has partnered with German watch maker Sinn Spezialuhren to create a limited edition chronograph that's slated to go on sale in Europe this August.

Apparently, this is the third time that Mazda has joined forces with Sinn, as they've released two other timepieces, drawing influence from the MX-5 and RX-8.

Their newest venture was also inspired by the automaker's iconic convertible, which supposedly steals cues from the taillights, door handles and air intake, along with a band that shares the same tire design as the Mazda Hakaze concept.

- Mazda's new AZ-Wagon series combines bold exterior design with a high quality interior styled in black -

HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the addition of the new Custom Style series to the Mazda AZ-Wagon micro-mini range. Sales commence today at all Mazda Autozam, Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan.

The Custom Style series unites the excellent packaging and functionality of current AZ Wagons with brazen and stylish exterior design and a high quality interior finished with a black motif.

- The New Titan Truck features a brand new interior and exterior, meets the latest environmental and fuel economy standards and offers even more conveniences -

HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation has launched the fully redesigned Mazda Titan, a small truck for the Japanese market. The Titan goes on sale nationwide today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers.

Improvements to the upgraded Titan include a brand new exterior and an interior redesigned to maximize functionality and comfort. Additionally, a high-power and energy efficient turbo diesel engine, Mazda's Idling Stop & Start System and lighter body parts all contribute to better environmental performance and fuel economy, ensuring the Titan meets the latest environmental regulations for commercial vehicles. The new lineup offers a variety of body types and specifications that can all be driven with a new standard license under upcoming revisions to Japanese driver's license regulations^*1.

- The second set in the Stylish Tone Series feature exclusive body colors and special interior designs -

HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of special edition models of the Mazda Atenza, Mazda MPV and Mazda Verisa for the Japanese domestic market. All models come with an exclusive body color and interior design and go on sale nationwide at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers from today. The MPV and Verisa models are also available at all Mazda Autozam dealers. The Mazda Atenza includes a choice of three body types: Sedan, Sport and Sport Wagon.

- New model equipped with remote-controlled colored door mirrors and tinted glass -

HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the addition of the "G II" model to the charming and fun Mazda Carol micro-mini range. The Carol series has earned a warm reception especially among women, as an outstanding everyday runabout. Sales begin today at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealers throughout Japan.

The G II comes equipped with exclusive beige upholstery, together with remote-controlled door mirrors that are colored to match the body, and tinted glass, which is available on the rear side and rear windows. The stylish design aims at appealing to feminine sensibilities.

- After one month of sales, orders received are nearly double the monthly sales target -


HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation today reported strong demand for the all-new Mazda MPV that went on sale February 2, 2006, as orders received were nearly double the monthly sales target. For the period February 2 through March 5, 2006, there were 5,500 orders received. The all-new MPV's sales target is 3,000 units per month and is only on sale in the Japanese market.