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Mazda Appoints Fred Aikins as Manager, Product Communications

13 November 2000

Mazda Appoints Fred Aikins as Manager, Product Communications

    IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 13 Mazda North American Operations
today announced the appointment of Fred Aikins to the position of Manager,
Product Communications.
    Prior to coming to MNAO, Aikins was a managing director at Hill and
Knowlton, an international public relations firm, where he was responsible for
the day-to-day operation of the Mazda Information Bureau and a key member of
the firm's automotive group.
    In announcing the appointment, Jay Amestoy, vice president of Public and
Government Affairs at MNAO said, "Fred is an outstanding addition to our team.
He has served Mazda as part of the MIB for more than 13 years and his in-depth
knowledge of Mazda, its products and its heritage is second to none.  Fred's
enthusiasm for the automobile business and his writing, communication and
strategic planning skills will be an asset to Mazda as we move forward with
several key product launches over the next few years."
    In his new position, Aikins will be responsible for all product
communications, product media relations, strategic planning and technical
liaison with Mazda R&D.  In addition, he will work with Heather Croke, Mazda's
new Manager, Corporate Communications, to coordinate the efforts of Mazda's PR
agency, H&K.
    Aikins has served in the automotive industry since he graduated from
college.  Prior to joining H&K, Aikins was technical services manager at
Rubin, Postaer and Associates, serving on the American Honda automotive
advertising account.  Aikins began his automotive career as a product planner
at Subaru's West Coast technical center.
    Aikins graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Agricultural Management from California Polytechnic State University in San
Luis Obispo, Calif.
    Aikins is a member of several automotive media associations.  His
automotive experience includes serving on a race car pit crew and restoring
his own classic automobiles.  Aikins is married with three children.
    Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) 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 more than 750 dealerships
nationwide.