Thomas F. McDonald Appointed Mazda's Midwest Communications Representative

IRVINE, Calif., May 23, 2007 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that automotive industry PR-veteran Thomas McDonald will represent MNAO, handling public and media relations for the company's nine Midwestern states. In addition, McDonald will serve as a strategic communications counselor.

Based in Rochester Hills, Mich., McDonald's career in automotive public relations has spanned more than 40 years, 20-plus of those with Volkswagen of America, handling the Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen brands. From 1990 until 1998, he was with Hill & Knowlton, MNAO's PR agency of record, as a senior vice president and general manager of the firm's Detroit office where he was in charge of the national Mazda account. From 1998 until November of last year when he retired, McDonald was Executive Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for ThyssenKrupp USA, Inc. in Troy, Mich.

"It's great to have Tom back in the Mazda family," commented Jay Amestoy, Vice President, Public and Government Affairs for MNAO. "Tom brings with him a wealth of experience, myriad media contacts and skills honed by many years in the business. He will be a valued addition to our team."

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.