Mazda in Tokyo Exec Speech

Speaker: Hisakazu Imaki, President and CEO Mazda Motor Corporation

Good morning everyone, I am Imaki. (President of Mazda Motor Corporation.) Thank you very much for coming to our Mazda stand at such an early time.

What is your impression of this vehicle? You are the first global group in the World to see the all-new Mazda MPV.

The all-new Mazda MPV is a car that fully embodies strong points of Mini -vans, namely space utility, distinctive design and Zoom-Zoom - the core essence of Mazda’s brand personality. Also, enhanced quality and excitement substantially differentiate the all-new MPV from conventional Mini-vans. I’m very pleased that Mazda is launching another “Zoom-Zoom” product onto the market.

When we go back and look in the past, we announced “Zoom-Zoom” as Mazda’s brand message at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, and expressed our commitment to vehicle design and development.

Over the last four years, Mazda has been offering Zoom-Zoom products to ensure our customers have a “fun to drive” experience.

Starting with Atenza, Axela, Demio and Verisa, followed by the RX-8, a pure sports car, the all-new Mazda MX-5, and then the Mazda5 mini van, we have developed each product with passion and the Mazda spirit.

The all-new Mazda MPV unveiled today, completes Mazda’s new generation model line up. Zoom-Zoom products are now available at every Mazda dealer showroom in the Japanese market.

All Mazda employees working in Product Development, Production, Marketing and Sales and Customer Service, etc., have been making a strong, committed effort to providing our customers with Zoom-Zoom products.

The cumulative efforts of each employee have become an immense power that is reaching across the world; we are pleased and proud of the highly positive reputation they are creating.

From now on, we will be putting a higher priority on the unique needs of each key market and we will continue to provide a strong Zoom-Zoom message. For example, the new MPV focuses on the Japanese market and the new Mazda CX-7 will focus on the North American market, although it will also be considered for other global markets, such as Japan, Australia and Europe. In addition to this, we will also launch a new medium crossover SUV in the North American market.

Now, one of the most important issues we are proactively working on is to protect and maintain the environment and improve safety in order to ensure we are socially responsible. For example, over 70% of passenger cars sold in Japan meet the SU-LEV emission standards and over 90% meet the U-LEV emission level.

To achieve a balance between environmental protection and a Zoom-Zoom driving experience, we are investigating unique Mazda solutions. I would like to make the following three points about where we are currently making a special effort.

First, pursuing the development of direct engine technology of in-line four cylinder engines, Mazda will promote the direct injection engine aggressively as Mazda’s primary engine. We believe direct injection is the best choice to achieve the highest balance between environmental protection and a Zoom-Zoom driving performance.

The first model is the Mazdaspeed Atenza with a turbo that complies with the SU-LEV standard. Furthermore, a “Smart idling stop system”, which combines direct injection technology and high-level engine control technology without re-starting the engine with a motor, is targeted for mass production in three years.

Second, a steady progress in hybrid development. Leveraging synergies with Ford, we are making steady progress towards the introduction of a hybrid vehicle. As a first step, we will soon commence pilot testing a number of Tribute hybrids in North America. In the near future, we promise to introduce further hybrid mass production vehicles.

Lastly, we are making good progress towards developing a hydrogen rotary engine for a mass production vehicle. As promised last year, we will start leasing RX-8 RE hydrogen cars from next spring, a half year earlier than planned.

Also, please have a look at our Premacy RE hybrid concept vehicle. This concept could be expanded into other models and we intend to offer it as a mass production vehicle within three years.

Mazda’s brand message is “Zoom-Zoom” and it will not change in the future. Mazda will continue providing fun to drive performance while paying greater attention to protecting the environment. And safety.

You can look forward to seeing further innovative Mazda products, production and new technology in the future.

Now, I would like to introduce two executives who will play a strong leadership role in the future development of Mazda.

First, here is Dan Morris. He is a Senior Executive Officer in charge of Marketing and Sales. He was successful in assisting us grow the Mazda brand in both North America and Europe, which has contributed to our success there. He is a great guy and I believe he will make a significant contribution in growing the Mazda brand globally.

Secondly, this is Seita Kanai. He is a Managing Executive Officer in charge of R&D. He was a program manager of Mazda6, the first new generation product. His keen eyes will check to ensure each product is really a “Zoom-Zoom” product, and that we have 100% confidence in all aspects- such as quality, cost, environment and safety. I believe he will ensure we continuously provide “Zoom-Zoom” like products in the future.

Thank you for waiting. Finally, let’s have a look at our new concept car “SENKU”, This is a next generation vehicle from Mazda.