Detroit Auto Show: Mazda Unveils Six Seat Washu Concept

    DETROIT, Jan. 7, 2003; Mazda Motor Corporation and Mazda North
American Operations (MNAO) today unveiled the Washu at the North American
International Auto Show (NAIAS).  The concept vehicle showcases the company's
commitment to questioning the expected in design and packaging.  Japanese for
Eagle's Wing, the Washu six-seat touring vehicle was developed as a calculated
experiment to determine how customers interact with a vehicle's interior
space.

    Like all Mazda products, central to the Washu's development was a
commitment to make every moment in a car exciting, whether traveling from
place to place or just driving for fun.  Low, sleek and well proportioned, the
Washu works to tear down the barriers that traditionally separate sports cars
and family cars.

    The Washu, which hints at Mazda's next-generation design direction,
combines functionality and refined passenger comfort with well-proportioned,
modern styling that presents a level of visual excitement previously not found
in multi-seat vehicles.

    In addition to the debut of the Washu, Mazda unveiled its new 2004 RX-8,
which is scheduled to begin arriving in Mazda dealerships this summer.  Mazda
also announced that pricing of the RX-8 will start at $25,180 equipped with a
four-speed automatic transmission.  Base MSRP of the 2004 RX-8 with six-speed
manual transmission is $26,680.  A fully loaded RX-8 with either transmission
and every available option, including leather seats, Bose(R) audio, 18-inch
tires, moonroof and fog lamps will run approximately $30,000.