Toward Achieving the 2010 Fuel Efficiency Standards in Japan

To reduce vehicle CO₂ emissions, Mazda has worked to enhance fuel economy to meet the fuel efficiency standards for 2010 for all weight classes of passenger vehicles in Japan in FY2006. We reached this goal for all passenger vehicles except those in the 1.5-ton class.

Introducing Fuel-Efficient Vehicles throughout the World

Mazda intends to promote fuel-efficient vehicles throughout the world, as it has already done in Japan. By employing fuel-efficient technologies on new vehicles and those that undergo minor changes, as well as by introducing highly fuel-efficient diesels, we are working to reduce corporate average CO₂ emissions in Europe and meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations in the United States.

Worldwide Launch of Updated Axela Featuring Enhanced Environmental Performance

In 2006, Mazda launched an updated model of the globally praised Axela (known as the Mazda3 in Europe and the United States) compact sports car in Japan, Europe and North America.

For models with MZR 2.0L gasoline engines with a maximum output of 110kW/150PS, we integrated a new sequential valve timing mechanism. The mechanism raises load packing efficiency and cuts fuel consumption by optimally regulating air intake valve timing in response to driving conditions.

We also added to the lineup the high-performance Mazdaspeed Axela (known as the Mazda3 MPS in Europe and the Mazdaspeed3 in the United States), equipped with a 2.3L DISI turbo engine. This model achieves top-class handling for a front wheel drive vehicle, while delivering excellent environmental performance, meeting the SU-LEV (75% lower than the 2005 exhaust emissions standards) standards in Japan with low fuel consumption.

DISI Engine Boasts High Fuel Economy with Outstanding Environmental Efficiency and Fun-to-Drive Performance

The DISI turbo engine developed by Mazda in 2005 excels in both environmental efficiency and fun-to-drive performance. DISI stands for Direct Injection Spark Ignition, a method of directly injecting gasoline into the cylinders instead of the normal method of mixing gasoline with air prior to intake.

The MPV, CX-7 and Mazdaspeed Axela - launched in 2006 - come equipped with the revolutionary DISI turbo reciprocating engine. By uniting this direct injection system with a turbocharger to deliver air into the combustion chamber, this engine realizes sharp acceleration, high torque at low and medium revs, superb responsiveness, clean exhaust emissions and low fuel consumption.

Of these models, the MPV has been certified as a SU-LEV vehicle (75% lower than the 2005 exhaust emissions standards) and achieved fuel efficiency +10% on fuel standards for 2010. As a result, the model is covered by the Green Tax system.* Furthermore, the MPV received the Eco Product Award Promotion Council Presidential Award (Award for Excellence). The award was presented at the 3rd Eco Product Awards held in FY2006 by the Eco Product Award Promotion Council, consisting of the Global Environmental Forum, the Japan Environmental Management Association for Industry, the EcoMo Foundation and the Japan Organics Recycling Association.

The freshened Premacy (Mazda5) - released in 2007 - comes equipped with the DISI engine. This model also is covered by the Green Tax system, as it attains fuel efficiency +10% against fuel efficiency standards for 2010 and has received SU-LEV certification.

* The Green Tax system reduces automotive tax rates for environmentally friendly new vehicles -limited to the first year after initial registration - and raises taxes on new vehicles having a high environmental impact beginning at a certain point after initial registration.

Naturally-Aspirated MZR 1.3L Miller-Cycle Engine Released

Mazda has developed the naturally-aspirated MZR 1.3L Miller-cycle engine and used it in the all-new Demio, which debuted in Japan in July 2007. Coupled with Mazda's first use of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in a registered vehicle, the engine achieves 23.0 km/liter fuel efficiency in 10-15 mode. This represents an improvement of approximately 20% over the Demio's previous 19.2 km/liter fuel efficiency in 10-15 mode.

The models that integrate the naturally-aspirated MZR 1.3L Miller-cycle engine and the CVT meet fuel efficiency +20% on fuel efficiency standards for 2010. As these models have also received SU-LEV (75% lower than the 2005 exhaust emissions standards) certification, they are eligible for coverage under the Green Tax system.

Development of the Smart Idling Stop System

Mazda is promoting research on a Smart Idling Stop System based on direct fuel injection. An idling-stop system saves fuel by automatically shutting down the engine when the vehicle is stationary (waiting at a traffic light, for example) and restarting it when the driver wishes to pull away.

The Smart Idling Stop System injects fuel directly into the engine cylinders while they are at rest, igniting the fuel and using the resulting energy to depress the pistons and restart the engine. This enables quieter and faster restarts than conventional idle-stop systems, which employ a motor for restarting.

We plan to introduce this proprietary Smart Idling Stop System onto the Japanese market in 2009.