Mazda Appoints Colianni SVP of Sales & Marketing

IRVINE, Calif., May 2, 2005 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that Brian Colianni has been named to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Formerly MNAO's vice president, Customer Service and Parts Operations (CSP), Colianni will be responsible for all aspects of the company's marketing, advertising and national sales operations.

Replacing Colianni as Vice President, Customer Service and Parts Operations is Shusuke (Kory) Koreeda, who previously was MNAO's vice president, Product Marketing. In his new role, Koreeda will oversee Mazda's customer ownership experience; vehicle technical services; accessory marketing and sales; parts purchasing, logistics, distribution, marketing and sales; warranty administration; and dealership fixed operations performance.

"These senior executive changes represent another significant step in the strengthening of our North American team," said Jim O'Sullivan, MNAO president and CEO. "With numerous all-new and refreshed products coming in the next 18 months, I'm counting on Brian's 25 years of auto industry experience and management skills to help build even greater awareness and familiarity for Mazda and our vehicles."

Prior to joining MNAO in February 2004, Colianni was global business strategy and planning manager for Ford Motor Company's Customer Service Division.

Koreeda joined Mazda Motor Corporation in 1980 and has been with MNAO since 1986, when he joined the U.S.-based company's Detroit operations. He joined MNAO's Irvine office in 1990 and was appointed assistant manager of International Business Development Department in 1993. In his most recent assignment as vice president of Product Marketing, Koreeda had responsibility for MNAO's research and development, product marketing plans and accessory development planning groups.

Both Colianni and Koreeda report to Jim O'Sullivan.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, consumer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.