Hydrogen Rotary Engine Vehicle Development

Mazda is working to develop hydrogen rotary vehicles that combine the natural driving feel of internal combustion engines with environmental performance. Such vehicles integrate the hydrogen utilization technologies we have developed into the latest generation RENESIS rotary engine, which features reduced size, improved performance, and enhanced environmental performance.

We began commercial leasing of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE in March 2006 and had delivered a total of 8 models to companies in the energy sector and public agencies by the end of FY2007. From 2008, progressive delivery of 30 RX-8 Hydrogen RE cars is planned to Norway's national HyNor project, which is carrying out development of hydrogen fuel and vehicles.

Mazda is also pushing ahead with the development of the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid that combines a hydrogen rotary engine with a hybrid system. This hybrid was exhibited for the first time at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007. When using hydrogen, this hybrid has increased acceleration and driving range. The hybrid also has increased seating and luggage capacity, and we plan to begin commercial leasing in FY2008.

• RX-8 Hydrogen RE
• Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid
• Feature: Mazda to Participate in Norwegian National Project to Realize a Hydrogen Energy Society

Selling Vehicles that Support Biomass Fuels and Ethanol Mixtures Worldwide

Mazda has commenced sales in Europe and the United States of vehicles that run on B5 fuel, a mixture of 95% diesel and 5% biomass, and E10, a gasoline mixture that includes 10% ethanol. Since FY2007, Mazda has sold a Mazda3 model that supports E20, a gasoline mixture that includes 20% ethanol, in the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia.

In FY2009, we plan to release in Northern Europe and North America vehicles that can run on E85, a gasoline mixture that includes 85% ethanol. In the future, we will also promote the development of alternative-fuel vehicles that employ gas-to-liquid fuel made from natural gas and biomass-to-liquid fuel produced from biomass gases emitted from plant and animal matter.

Development and Sale of Hybrid Vehicles

In FY2007, Mazda launched the Tribute Hybrid, created in collaboration with Ford. This hybrid features clean exhaust emissions, superior fuel economy, and the powerful and smooth acceleration of a 3.0-liter gasoline engine, thanks to the MZR 2.3L engine with integrated hybrid system.

Mazda is pushing forward with development in order to release in 2010 high-efficiency gasoline hybrid vehicles using Ford engineering with Mazda's unique hybrid systems.