Mazda Continues Upward Climb In 2012 J.D. Power And Associates Initial Quality Study

Brand Ranks 10th Overall and 3rd Non-Premium; MX-5 Miata Receives Segment Award

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Jun 22, 2012, 01:20 ET

IRVINE, Calif., June 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) ranks third among non-premium automotive brands, according to the recently announced J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS). At 97 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), MNAO improved three PP100 in the annual study and ranked 10th overall. The industry average was 102 PP100 for the 34 brands included in the study.

"To build a great vehicle, you must focus on more than one aspect of the car," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "Everything requires absolute attention – every bolt, every wire, every stitch. And when all the pieces come together, the final product performs on-point every day for the customer, just as it did the first day the vehicle was driven off the dealership lot."

The iconic MX-5 Miata, the world's best-selling two-seat roadster, was rated highest among Compact Sporty Cars for the sixth time in seven years. The Mazda3 improved 9 PP100 to a score of 89 PP100, fourth overall (out of 21) in the Compact Car segment. The 2012 Mazda3 is the first Mazda vehicle to showcase SKYACTIV®(1) TECHNOLOGY, the brand's engineering-focused philosophy of achieving high fuel economy while increasing performance. Mazda2 saw a huge improvement of 45 PP100 to a score 94 PP100, which was good for third overall (out of 12) in the Sub-Compact Car segment.

The 2012 U.S. IQS is based on responses from more than 74,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2012 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. For more information on J.D. Power and Associates as well as the results of this study, please visit www.jdpower.com.

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 more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

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

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

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations