---

All-New 1998 1/2 Mazda B-Series `Cab Plus 4' Debuts at North American International Auto Show

7 January 1998

All-New 1998 1/2 Mazda B-Series `Cab Plus 4' Debuts at North American International Auto Show

        Mazda Becomes First Import-Brand Compact Truck with Four Doors

    DETROIT, Jan. 7 -- When it comes to extended-cab pickup
trucks, two doors are good, three doors are better, but four doors are best.
Mazda today announced that it will become the first import-brand manufacturer
to offer a four-door cab in a pickup truck.  The new 1998 1/2 Mazda B-Series
"Cab Plus 4" models will go on sale in late spring in Mazda dealerships
nationwide.
    "Our current line of B-Series trucks already have significant advantages
over the competitive models from Toyota and Nissan," said Richard Beattie,
president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, "and the addition of the
new 'Cab Plus 4' configuration puts us well ahead of the competition.  This is
not your everyday kind of truck, it's one of a kind.  Our research tells us
that while dogs love trucks, their owners aren't too fond of muddy pawprints
on the seats, and we think that the convenience of these new rear doors will
be appreciated by truck buyers and their pets."
    The new "Cab Plus 4" will be available as an option on B-Series trucks
equipped with the SE trim level.  The rear doors may only be opened when the
front doors are open.  There is a handle for the rear door on the door jamb.
Side-facing rear jump seats fold down from the rear wall of the cab.
    The new Mazda B-Series Pickup trucks, which were completely redesigned for
1998, are available in three models -- B2500, B3000 and B4000 -- powered by a
119-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, 3.0-liter V6 or 4.0-liter V6,
respectively.  There are two trim levels (SX and SE) and two cab
configurations (regular and Cab Plus).  In addition, V6 models are available
with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive.

SOURCE  Mazda Information Bureau