Mazda Zooms 800,000th MX-5 Miata Off Production Line

The World's Best-Selling, Open-Top, Two-Seat Sportscar Sets a New Record

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 6 -- Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the production of the 800,000th MX-5 Miata. Total global production of the MX-5 Miata reached this significant milestone on January 30, 2007 -- 17 years and nine months after production commenced in April 1989.

"The original MX-5 Miata reinvented the small, open-top sportscar when it hit the market," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "The car business is a marathon, not a sprint, and only those vehicles with timeless styling, outstanding value and the very example of 'fun-to-drive' become icons. MX-5 is one of those."

The MX-5 Miata, also known as the Roadster in Japan, was certified as the world's top-selling lightweight, open-top, two-seat sports car by Guinness World Records when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000. Now that cumulative production has topped 800,000 units, Mazda is reapplying with the Guinness organization to have the record updated.

The current third generation MX-5 was launched in August 2005. As a lightweight, open-top sports car, it features enhanced driving performance through carefully scrutinized savings in body weight, optimal weight distribution and the latest features to meet safety and environmental requirements. In August 2006, Mazda added the Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) model to the MX-5 lineup. The fastest power-operated retractable hard top in the U.S., the MX-5 PRHT features opening and closing cycles that last only 12 seconds and a groundbreaking electric roof system that does not sacrifice trunk space.

To date, the MX-5 has won more than 40 awards, including 2005-2006 Japan Car of The Year, and enjoys worldwide acclaim.

Mazda will continue to evolve the MX-5 and carry forward the "Jinba Ittai" (rider and horse as one) concept of the original, so that even more people will have the chance to experience the fun of a car that responds precisely as the driver intends.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.