Jeremy Barnes Promoted to Director, Product and Corporate Communications for Mazda North American Operations

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 15, 2007 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the promotion of Jeremy Barnes to Director, Product and Corporate Communications. In his new role, Barnes will continue to oversee product communications as before, but now has added responsibility for corporate communications, including dealer support activities and national shows and events. He will continue to report to Jay Amestoy, Vice President, Public and Government Affairs.

In making the announcement, Amestoy said, "With 13 years of auto industry public relations experience, Jeremy has amassed a background of business knowledge and familiarity that has readied him for this challenging role. His media relations skills and life-long passion for automobiles continue to single him out as a 'car-guy' of the highest order, and the perfect fit for this position."

Barnes joined MNAO in 2003 as Manager, Product Communications. He was later named Group Manager, Product Communications. Prior to Mazda, Barnes held positions at Jaguar North America, the combined Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover group and Lincoln-Mercury. Before that, he held a number of positions in corporate and product communications at Toyota Motor Sales, USA.

Barnes continues to be based at MNAO's headquarters in Irvine, Calif., and resides close to the office with his wife.

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.