Mazda Starts Production of the All-New Mazda CX-7 Crossover SUV for the North American Market.

Tokyo, Japan, Feb 20, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation today held a ceremony to mark the start of production of the all-new Mazda CX-7 for the North American market at the Ujina Plant No. 2 (U2) located near Mazda's global headquarters in Hiroshima. Mazda's President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) President and CEO Jim O'Sullivan, along with approximately 700 Mazda staff, comprised of several senior executives, union representatives and employees attended this event. The Mazda CX-7 was designed and engineered with the North American market in mind and will be arriving in North American dealerships in spring 2006.

"I am very pleased to be here today and celebrate the production start of the Mazda CX-7, the first of a series of important vehicles for the North American market," said Hisakazu Imaki. "Jim O'Sullivan from Mazda North American Operations has been eagerly waiting for this moment and is here to personally witness the production start of Mazda CX-7, a key model in our North American plans. As we look to the future, Mazda is working hard to make high quality vehicles that embody the essence of Zoom-Zoom to satisfy our customers. To do so, we will continue working closely with our North American team, keeping in mind the company motto, "One Mazda", to make sure the launch of this vehicle is a great success."

The Mazda CX-7 is a clean break from the fleet of traditional SUVs currently offered. Bringing together performance and design like never before, the Mazda CX-7--like every Mazda--was engineered with the Soul of a Sportscar. The result is inviting to look at, entertaining to drive, and fun to use. The Mazda CX-7 premiered at the Greater Los Angeles and the North American International Auto Shows earlier on this year. The vehicle concept and stylish design have been well accepted globally.

About Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda Motor Corporation (TSE: 7261) started manufacturing tools in 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. In the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines. Still headquartered in Hiroshima in western Japan, Mazda today ranks as one of Japan's leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. Overseas sales account for more than half of total turnover. Mazda has two main production sites in Japan and 19 overseas facilities. Overseas sites include joint ventures based in the United States, and in Thailand with Ford Motor Company, Mazda's largest shareholder.

Source: Mazda Motor Corporation

Contact:

Mazda Motor Corporation
Ms. Mayumi Handa
[e-mail]
[phone]

Copyright [c] 2006 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network K.K.