Mazda works hard to refl ect the needs of the global customer base in its products. When designing and developing new models, we carefully adjust them to the needs of local markets.
The North American version of the Mazda6, launched in summer 2008, has an expanded body size and a 3.7-liter V6 engine to meet local needs. Similarly, in Thailand, we launched a version of the Mazda3 (known as the Axela in Japan) that accepts E20 ethanol fuel, which is attracting attention as an alternative fuel source to help prevent global warming and respond to the depletion of fossil fuels.
At its R&D centers in Japan, North America, Europe and China, Mazda gathers information about markets and customers around the globe. Through local testing, we develop products and fine-tune services to suit our customers' wide-ranging needs. In addition, we actively promote the testing of product features by women, to ensure ease of use and convenience for both sexes.
Mazda prides itself on developing cars that are comfortable and easy for anyone to use, based on four fundamental principles: comfortable posture and movement, simple and easy controls, ergonomically and functionally comfortable design, and safety. Regardless of driving position, physical strength or stature, everyone should find Mazda cars easy and fun to drive.
To improve the safety of its vehicles, Mazda focused on improving driver field of vision and visibility. We installed rear cameras to provide a wide field of vision for the hard-to-see rear view during parking. A number of systems were developed to warn the driver about blind spots during lane-changing and other such maneuvers. In the most recent all-new Mazda Axela (known overseas as Mazda3), a multi-information display (MID) enables the driver to view an array of vital information with minimal eye movement away from the road.
The Mazda Web Tuning Factory, which went live in February 2001, was the first website in the automotive industry to allow customers to specify whatever combination of options they may desire for a car and purchase it online. The site also allows customers to examine cost estimates and make appointments for consultations at Mazda dealerships. During FY2007, we revised the cost estimate function to keep pace with customer needs, simplifying it to create an estimate at the time of purchase. As of July 9, 2009, models under development numbered 22, including special editions and compact cars.
In 1995, Mazda became the first Japanese automaker to launch a car that featured a ramp for wheelchair access (based on our Carol micro-mini). Following the release of this vehicle, Mazda' s began its development and promotion of a series of vehicles for people with special needs, called the i-Series, with the aim of making vehicles that offer greater freedom and enhanced user-friendliness.
Currently, the i-Series includes the MPV and Premacy (known overseas as the Mazda5) models, equipped with a powered lift-up seat that elevates and rotates, and the AZ-Wagon i, with a ramp that enables people in wheelchairs toget in and out of the car while remaining in their wheelchairs. The series also includes "auto-step" versions of the MPV and Biante, enabling easy entry and exit from the rear. We are tailoring this lineup with consideration for the aging population, larger body sizes, increasing nursing care for the elderly and other trends.
Mazda will continue to develop such vehicles based on the concept of ease of use on the part of caregivers and comfort for the passengers in their charge.
Mazda Engineering & Technology Co., Ltd. (Mazda E&T), a Mazda Group company, specializes in the development of vehicles serving people with special needs. Whether in assistive vehicles, passenger vehicles or commercial vehicles, Mazda E&T delivers vehicles that enable everyone to participate in our automotive society.
In assistive vehicles, top priority was placed on ease of use for the caregivers of elderly and disabled persons and the comfort of those receiving care. With the development of cars with ramps for wheelchair access, lift-up seats and auto-step loading devices, Mazda E&T' s specialized vehicles bring the joy and freedom of driving to nearly everybody.
Mazda develops the special accessory parts in response to the highly personalized needs of particular customers. These accessories are released at the same time as new models.
In commercial and specially equipped vehicles, Mazda is developing a specially equipped vehicle with enhanced features for logistics and other business purposes. To respond to the diversifying needs of modern businesses, the Mazda E&T is applying the vehicle mass-production technology of Mazda Motor Corporation to its TESMA line of variations in high-quality commercial vehicles. One result of this Group-wide collaboration is a series of easy-to-handle driving instruction vehicles, which instructors can use for hours on end without getting tired.
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Mazda vehicles are a favorite among motor sports enthusiasts the world over, and Mazda is delighted to support motor sporting events according to the tastes of each region. In North America, we offer an assortment of programs aimed at enabling all interested persons to participate, from rank beginners to seasoned professionals.
Mazda provides operating funds for drivers who post outstanding results, encouraging talented drivers to strive for higher-level categories.
Thanks to these and many other broad-based programs in support of talented teams and drivers, it is believed that around half of all motor sports participants in the United States use Mazda vehicles or engines related to Mazda. We also provide similar support in Australia, South Africa and many countries in Europe, to support customer participation in the exciting world of motor sports.
