Jeff Guyton appointed President and CEO of Mazda Motor Europe GmbH

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - March 10, 2009: Mazda Motor Europe GmbH announced today that Jeffrey H. Guyton, 42, currently Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been appointed President and CEO of the company with immediate effect. Mr. Guyton has also been named a Managing Executive Officer of Mazda Motor Corporation. He replaces James Muir, who has decided to take up a new appointment outside of Mazda.

In September 2000, Mr. Guyton joined Mazda as General Manager of the Cost Planning Division at Mazda’s headquarters in Japan. Since October 2003, he has held the position of Vice President and CFO at Mazda Motor Europe. Before joining Mazda, Mr. Guyton worked globally in a number of finance positions at Ford Motor Company. During the past 6 years he has overseen the strengthening of Mazda Europe’s profitability and business structure, including the launch of more than 10 National Sales Companies.

“Since Jeff joined the company, Mazda has experienced strong growth, sales volume increases and geographic expansion,” said Takashi Yamanouchi, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation. “During this period Jeff has played a pivotal role in Mazda’s European success and I am confident that under his leadership, Mazda will continue to prosper in the current difficult economic climate.

“We appreciate the contribution made by James Muir. Under his leadership, Mazda Motor Europe has reached new heights, and we wish him well for the future,” said Mr. Yamanouchi.