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Mazda Debuts First-Ever Factory-Installed MP3 Player

2 November 2000

Mazda Debuts First-Ever Factory-Installed MP3 Player

        - Breakthrough Audio System Delivers Up to 10 Hours of Music -

    LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1 Mazda North American Operations today
treated guests and media to the world debut of the world's first factory-
installed in-dash MP3-capable audio system at the Specialty Equipment Market
Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.  The system capitalizes on the rapid
growth of MP3 music files for personal use and makes it possible for consumers
to play up to 10 hours of MP3 recordings on a single disc.
   "The market has demanded CD players and now every Mazda vehicle is equipped
with an AM/FM/CD audio system," said Steve Odell, vice president of marketing
and sales for MNAO.  "MP3 is the fastest-growing music format and our younger,
tech-savvy consumers are demanding state-of-the-art audio systems and we are
meeting that demand as well."
    The system, a joint effort between Mazda and Kenwood, includes a powered
sub-woofer, premium speakers and Kenwood's new eXcelon Z919 MP3/CD/AM/FM in-
dash receiver/player.  Kenwood becomes the first mobile electronics
manufacturer to have an in-dash MP3 player installed as an original equipment
audio system.
    The Kenwood Z919 plays conventional music CDs as well CD-R discs with MP3
music files.   MP3 compression allows music to be downloaded quickly over the
Internet and stored in small, manageable files.  This allows up to 10 hours of
music to be recorded onto a CD-R disc that would only contain about an hour of
music recorded in a standard CD format.
    In addition to the Kenwood Z919, the Protege MPS will include two 6x9
three-way speakers (KFCX-696) for the car's rear deck, a 5x7 two-way speaker
(KFCX-576C) for each of the front doors, and a 100-watt, trunk-mounted 10-inch
powered subwoofer (KSC-WA100).
    The introduction of the Mazda Protege at SEMA is also unique.  The MPS is
a youthful, performance-oriented package targeted at the growing sport compact
sedan market in North America, with possible applications for the European and
Japanese markets.  Mazda R&D developed the Protege MPS concept vehicle in
concert with young, opinion-leading target buyers in the sport compact market,
driving enthusiasts and aftermarket manufactures.
    "Mazda's objective in building the Protege MPS was to quickly deliver more
excitement and performance to the brand while targeting a group of buyers who
want image and performance at an affordable price," said Steve Odell.  "This
relationship with Kenwood will have high value among customers, especially
young car buyers.  This unique program will distinguish Mazda and Kenwood from
every other OEM program in the industry."
    Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and
marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United
States.  Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has over 750 dealerships
nationwide.