Mazda gathers information globally from its distributors, dealerships, call centers and R&D sites. We also discuss what our customer needs are in each market with our regional offices. This information is centrally gathered at Mazda's headquarters and used as a reference for the future development of our cars and for further improving customer satisfaction. We also survey various customers in Japan and develop vehicles for people with special needs and other customized vehicles.
Taking customer requests from all over the world into account in our products
Mazda promotes measures to reflect customer requirements from its global customer base in its products. Accordingly, we design and develop new models attuned to the needs of local markets.
During the fiscal year 2007, we launched the CX-9 seven-passenger SUV, mainly targeting the North American market, and the Mazda2 sedan (Demio) that is unique to the Chinese market. Furthermore, the North American Mazda6, launched in summer 2008, has an expanded body size and a 3.7-liter V6 engine to meet local needs.
The Mazda2 sedan for the Chinese market
The North American Mazda6
In pursuit of cars that are easy for all to use
Based on the four fundamental principles, Mazda is developing cars that are comfortable and can easily be used by anyone. The four principles include; ease of posture and movement, simple and easy controls, physical and functional design, and safety.
Mazda is aggressively pursuing basic research necessary for the development of such vehicles. During FY2007, we promoted research into "digital human technologies" using computer simulations of the size, movement and other characteristics of drivers and passengers.
Examples of Mazda's pursuit of ease of use
New Mazda2 (launched 2007)
- Based on assessments by a panel of female employees, representing typical Mazda2 drivers, we included a feature to enhance peripheral visibility.
- We adjusted the positions of the shift lever and parking lever for optimal operability
New Mazda6 (launched 2008)
- Wider, adjustable driving positions are adopted by extending adjustment range.
- The steering was improved for greater operability to reduce fatigue from long journeys.
- The shift lever is positioned to minimize physical movement during operation.
Enhancing ease of loading using Mazda's "Karakuri" tonneau board
The tonneau board installed in the new model Mazda6 wagon launched during FY2007 is synchronized to automatically open and shut with the rear liftgate. This "Karakuri" tonneau board facilitates loading and unloading without the repeated removal of a tonneau cover.
This greatly simplifies the loading process, such as for parents carrying children.
Developing Vehicles for People with Special Needs
MPV with passenger side lift-up seat
MPV with second row lift-up passenger seat
In 1995, Mazda became the first Japanese automaker to launch a car that featured a ramp for wheelchair access. That was based on our Carol micro-mini. Since then, we have developed and promoted the "i-Series" of vehicles for people with special needs, with the aim of making vehicles that offer greater freedom and are kinder to all.
Currently, the i-Series includes the MPV and Premacy models, equipped with a lift-up seat that electronically elevates and rotates, and the AZ-Wagon i, with a ramp to let people in wheelchairs get in and out of the car while remaining in their wheelchairs. 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.
Web Tuning Factory: Customize Your Car
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.
In FY2006, Mazda aligned the display specifications of this website with those of the car lineup pages of its official website, making it easier for our customers to use. Furthermore, we have made improvements to the dealership consultation version of this site, so that after customers have finalized their customizations online, they can access the data at a Mazda dealership and discuss their vehicle in person. Mazda has added a function to facilitate printouts of cost estimates onsite at our dealerships, allowing consultations to be conducted more smoothly and faster than before.
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. Such endeavors are boosting the number of customers benefiting from the Mazda Web Tuning Factory services. As of May 31, 2008, models under development numbered 20, including special editions and compact cars.
Satisfying the most demanding needs of our customers
At Mazda Engineering & Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary, we make extra efforts to satisfy the needs of a wide variety of customers, because we believe that fulfilling the needs of even a few people will enrich the automotive environment.
Hence, we are operating in a variety of sectors, including Special Needs Customization, where we develop vehicles for people with special needs; Pleasure Customization, in response to demand for cars that express individuality or are suited to particular interests; and Business Customization, which handles remodeled vehicles, such as refrigerated trucks.
Typical examples of Mazda's commercial vehicles include Bongo, Titan Dash and Titan.
Vehicle featuring a ramp for wheel-chair access
Bongo refrigerated truck
