Hydrogen Rotary Engine Vehicle Development

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

In August 2006, Mazda introduced its RX-8 Hydrogen RE at the Norwegian ONS2006 energy exhibition and conducted the car's first overseas demonstration run. At the opening ceremony of a Norwegian hydrogen fueling station during the exhibition, the memorable scene of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE's first fueling made the front page of local newspapers.

We began commercial leasing of the vehicle in March 2006 and had delivered a total of seven Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE models to energy-related organizations and public agencies by the end of FY2006.

In February 2007, Mazda participated in tests in cooperation with the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau to determine the utility of hydrogen vehicles in cold climates, using the RX-8 Hydrogen RE.

At a symposium on "the environment and transportation using hydrogen energy" held to coincide with the tests, we administered test rides in the RX-8 Hydrogen RE and gave talks for members of the general public.

Hybrid Car Development - Tribute Hybrid

Mazda is working to develop hybrid cars that combine gasoline motors and electric motors.

In 2007, we introduced the Tribute Hybrid - a hybrid version of the reciprocating gasoline engine-based Tribute, created in collaboration with Ford - as a reference exhibit vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in January, and launched the SUV in the United States in the summer.

The Tribute Hybrid features clean exhaust emissions, superior fuel economy and the powerful and smooth acceleration of a 3.0-liter vehicle, thanks the MZR 2.3L engine with integrated hybrid system.

Support for Biomass Fuels and Ethanol Mixtures

Biomass fuels (energy sources using plants and animal matter) are gaining attention as an alternative to gasoline, since they are a nondepletable, sustainable resource. Mazda has been advancing R&D on such fuels and has already released vehicles in Europe that accept B5 fuel - a mixture of 95% diesel and 5% biomass. We have also commenced sales in Europe and the United States of vehicles that run on E10 - a fuel mixture that includes 10% ethanol.

As we continue developing technologies to support alternative fuels, we plan to release a flex-fuel engine capable of using mixtures with ethanol content as high as 85% (known as E85) in Northern Europe in 2009. 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 made from biomass gases emitted from plant and animal matter.