Mazda Announces Latest Technology Developments

LEVERKUSEN - September 9, 2008: Mazda Motor Corporation recently announced a commitment to reduce the fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold globally by an average of 30 per cent by 2015 as part of its overall Sustainable Zoom-Zoom strategy. As part of this strategic direction Mazda now presents three all-new technological developments near completion in Japan.

Up to 9 Percent improvement in Fuel Consumption – the Mazda Smart Idle Stop System (SISS)
The Mazda SISS automatically stops the engine of the car, then automatically starts it again using direct-injection helped by a starter motor action. In order to achieve this, both the compression-stroke and expansion-stroke pistons are stopped at exactly the correct position to ensure the right balance of air volume in each cylinder. Mazda’s system is unique, and a global first, as it begins indexing the pistons before the engine starts up again, unlike standard systems that do this after an electric motor starts turning over the engine. Because of this innovation, Mazda’s SISS starts about twice as fast as competitor systems, and delivers a smoother restart and fuel savings. The SISS system will be introduced to the EU market in the first half of next year.

Cleaner MZR-CD 2.2-litre Turbo Diesel with more Power and Torque
A central product of the ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’ strategy will be introduced in Europe early next year. With its new-generation 2.2-litre common-rail turbo diesel, Mazda launches a clean, fuel-efficient and powerful engine. 185 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque make it one of segment’s liveliest diesels. To enhance overall fuel efficiency, the engine employs innovative new technologies including ultra high pressure fuel injectors and a lower compression ratio. In addition, the Mazda-developed diesel particulate filter has a catalyst activation mechanism that removes particulate matter from the exhaust gases more efficiently. The ceramic base material in Mazda’s unique catalyst is a world first, and has a molecular structure that increases the rate of particulate matter combustion and enhances the DPF regeneration speed.

Innovative Plastic Moulding Technology – reduces consumption of plastic resins by 20 to 30 percent and also vehicle plastics weight
Mazda’s lightweight strategy is now taken even further with a new plastic moulding technology that reduces the weight of plastic parts in Mazda vehicles without compromising strength or rigidity. The moulding manufacturing technique not only reduces weight, but also cuts the consumption of oil-based resins used as raw materials by approximately 20 to 30 percent, with associated cuts in the volume of CO2 emissions. This plastic moulding technology can potentially be applied to nearly all plastic parts used in vehicles.

This new technology builds on Mazda’s renowned lightweight strategy that has resulted in the new Mazda2 and Mazda6 being lighter and more fuel-efficient than their predecessors in contrast to an industry trend towards ever-larger and heavier cars.