FIPA NAMES 2013 MAZDA CX-5 'SUV OF THE YEAR FOR THE AMERICAS'

- Mazda's Compact SUV Impresses International Panel of Automotive Journalists -

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Jan 15, 2013, 07:27 ET

DETROIT, Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) was today presented with the "2013 SUV of the Year for the Americas" award for the 2013 CX-5 by the Federacion Internacional de Periodistas del Automovil (International Federation of Automotive Journalists) (FIPA). As the first Mazda to fully encompass all components of SKYACTIV® [1] TECHNOLOGY, the brand's engineering philosophy that achieving high fuel efficiency does not mean compromising high performance, CX-5 entered the market less than a year ago and boasts class-leading fuel economy, top-ranked safety, stylish design and outstanding dynamics.

"The 2013 CX-5 has been a global success for Mazda and not only with consumers but automotive critics as well," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "To be recognized for the final product of our painstaking attention to detail in engineering and design, particularly on an international level, is something we are not only thankful for but proud to be part of."

Headquartered in Guatemala, the annual FIPA awards are chosen by members of the Interamerican Automotive Journalists Federation (IAJP), which touts members in more than 20 countries. Awards are named in three categories - Car, SUV and Pilot (motorsports driver) - with each category featuring the top 10 contenders in that class. The Car of the Year award is in its twelfth year, the Pilot of the Year award in its eleventh and SUV of the Year is the latest addition with its seventh appearance on the ballot. The 2013 CX-5 bested its nine category competitors with a high score of 132 points, nearly twice that of the last place finisher.

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 and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

[1] SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations