MAZDA:Backnumber | News Releases

September 20, 2002

Over 300 Million Possible Customizations for Mazda Roadster

- Renewal of internet sales site 'Web Tune Factory' -

Mazda Motor Corporation has renewed its "Web Tune Factory" (http://www.w-tune.com) site, which allows customers to order their own original built-to-order car via the Internet. Sales of the web-tuned@Roadster will recommence from today.

The renewal of the site responds to customers' needs and expectations by greatly increasing the equipment available. With over three hundred million possible combinations from which to choose, the process of ordering a customized car has never been more enjoyable. In order to assist users in making their selections from such a wide-range of options, several new functions have been added. For example, it is possible to select a grade from the catalog cars and use that as a base for partial customization. In addition, the site has been improved in a more user-friendly way, giving customers more flexibility to select equipment in any order.

"Web Tune Factory" was the first website in Japan to offer a built-to-order service on the Internet, when it was launched in February 2001. Since then, total sales of the two cars available on the site, Web-Tuned Roadster and Web-Tuned S-WAGON, have reached 370 units. Using Web Tune Factory enables customers to select their own specifications, receive an estimate, get credit approval, arrange trade-in inspection, and even schedule an appointment with a sales representative. The site has been praised as a method of new car sales. In order to offer a site and products that more accurately reflect customers' preferences, sales were temporarily put on hold from April this year, while Mazda worked on redesigning the site based on suggestions received from customers.

Major improvements to the site are as follows:
(1) Increased variety of equipment and options available to customers

The previously limited number of possible combinations of options available to customers on the previous site (approx. 4,000 combinations) has now been increased to as many as 300 million (not including exterior color or dealer options) just counting equipment assembled on the manufacturing line. Customers are free to choose equipment and options, such as engine, transmission, interior and more, which match their personnel preferences. For customers, the process of creating a special car to match their own needs and preferences is now even more enjoyable.

The more flexible production necessary for the increased combination of options was made possible by major improvements in the process and system from order to production.

(2) More convenient product selection

The large increase in the number of available options comes close to full customization. Therefore, in order that such an array of choices does not lead to confusion among users, the process of product selection has been made even easier. For example, by selecting the grade of a catalog car, users can then begin customization from the model closest to that grade. Furthermore, several 'recommended grades,' such as fashionable sports, casual etc., have been established according to customer type, and it is now possible for customers to select options based on these grades.

(3) Site made easier to use

-	Previously it was only possible to select equipment and options in a set order, but the new site enables users to start from any stage.
-	Addition of a new function that allows users to temporarily save their option choices and take notes.

(4) Continuation of popular functions

Popular Web Tune Factory services, such as receiving an estimate, arranging trade-in inspection, getting credit approval, scheduling an appointment with a sales representative, and information on shipping dates after completion of the purchase contract, will remain on the renewed site. As before, customers should visit a Mazda dealer to complete the paperwork required for purchase, as well as for delivery and after-sale services.