2002 Mazda MPV Receives Highest Crash-Test Rating From National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IRVINE, Calif., June 21 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has awarded the 2002 Mazda MPV a quadruple five-star crash-test rating -- the highest rating possible -- in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Today's announcement makes the Mazda MPV one of NHTSA's top-rated vehicles.

In NHTSA's newly released frontal crash-test ratings, the MPV received five stars for both driver and passenger seating positions. Previously, the MPV achieved five-star ratings for both front and rear occupants in a side crash test. The latest results make the MPV one of the only vehicles to receive five stars in all frontal and side-impact tests. NHTSA tested 126 vehicles in model year 2002 and only gave seven a quadruple five-star rating.

"We have always taken pride in creating exciting products like the MPV that fuel driving exhilaration," said Charlie Hughes, president of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "But delivering vehicles that keep our drivers and passengers safe is also Mazda's primary concern, and this recognition is a testament to the engineering behind a vehicle that delivers on all fronts, especially safety."

While providing one of the safest rides on the streets, the Mazda MPV does it with excitement and exhilaration. By combining a roomy interior, flexible seating arrangements and power sliding doors with a 200-horsepower engine, 17-inch alloy wheels and revised suspension settings, the MPV is certainly a minivan with the soul of a sports car. The 2002 Mazda MPV encourages spirited driving, and while its features resemble the ingredients of a small sports car, the "right-size" MPV has plenty of room for seven people and all their gear. The new MPV is a welcome, fun-to-drive and safe alternative to boring, "bigger-is-better" minivans.

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide and is owned by Mazda Motor Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan.