MAZDASPEED3 Named Best-in-Class in 2012 ALG Residual Value Awards

- Takes Home Top Honors in the Sportscar Category -

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Nov 16, 2011, 03:06 ET

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2012 MAZDASPEED3 was today named the vehicle that retains the highest residual value in its class, according to ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data. The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in producing new vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. Awards are given in 19 vehicle categories and also for the two brands with the highest overall predicted residual values among all mainstream and all luxury vehicles.

The MAZDASPEED3 won the award in the Sportscar category, dethroning the Mini Cooper, a six-time winner. Previously, the Mazda3 won an ALG Residual Value Award in 2010 followed by the CX-9 in 2011.

Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, pricing and marketing strategies remain the key factors that affect ALG's residual value forecasts.

"This award speaks not just to the quality of an individual vehicle, but to the overall strength of the Mazda brand," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "We are pleased to be recognized by ALG for the MAZDASPEED3 being not only fun to drive, but also having the highest resale value of any vehicle in its class as well."

The MAZDASPEED3 continues to use Mazda's award-winning MZR 2.3-liter DISI Turbo powerplant. Even before it was introduced, driving enthusiasts had pegged the MAZDASPEED3 to be a leader in the front-drive performance car category. In addition to living up to that expectation, the MAZDASPEED3 has come to be regarded as one of the best bargains on the road and the finest marriage of performance and practicality on four wheels. A sporty and aggressive exterior design complements an avant-garde interior.

"With its 263-horsepower turbo engine, aggressive styling and a feature-packed interior, the MAZDASPEED3 offers one of the best performance values on the market, helping it land on the top of the Sportscar segment," said Raj Sundaram for ALG.

About Mazda

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The News Market at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.

About ALG (www.alg.com)

Based in Santa Barbara, California, ALG is a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. ALG publishes the "Automotive Lease Guide" – the standard for Residual Value projections in North America, and has been forecasting automotive residual values for over 45 years in both the U.S. and Canadian markets. ALG is a subsidiary of TrueCar, Inc.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations