Mazda Increases Production of SKYACTIV Engines Two-fold

Increase to 800,000 Units to Meet High Global Demand for Vehicles

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Jul 05, 2012, 05:00 ET

IRVINE, Calif., July 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda Corporation (MC), headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan, has announced that production of SKYACTIV®(1) engines will double in October. Current production is 400,000 units for global distribution; production will increase to 800,000 units. In the United States, the 2012 Mazda3 and 2013 CX-5 feature SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engines. In other markets, the SKYACTIV-D engine is available on Mazda2 and CX-5 vehicles. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY is the brand's proprietary engineering and development of fuel-efficient, performance-oriented vehicles as a result of lightweight and redesigned engines, transmission, chassis and body structures.

With SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY at the forefront of the brand's evolution, by 2015 Mazda plans to increase fuel efficiency by 30 percent (when compared to 2008 figures) for all its vehicles offered globally. This will correspond to a 23 percent reduction in fuel consumption and subsequently lower CO2 output. In the U.S., the refreshed 2012 Mazda3 with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY was launched in the fall of 2011 followed by the all-new 2013 CX-5 in February. The all-new 2014 Mazda6 will be the next vehicle to feature SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and is expected to go on sale early next year.

"The addition of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY into our U.S. lineup has only further bolstered Mazda's sales and reputation within the industry and, most importantly, among consumers," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Mazda3 has always been a stellar performer and when coupled with CX-5, more than 55 percent of sales in June consisted of SKYACTIV vehicles. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY works; it is not an empty marketing promise. The awards on safety, design and engineering are testament to that, and something we all are very proud of."

Available as a compact sedan or hatchback, the 2012 Mazda3, when equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, starts at $18,700(2). With the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic, the Mazda3 sedan offers excellent fuel economy at 40 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway. A similarly equipped hatchback returns 39 MPG on the highway, which is class-leading when compared to compact five-doors. Mazda3 also was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2013 CX-5 compact SUV is the first Mazda to receive the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies and, as one of the lightest vehicles in its segment, boasts best-in-class combined fuel economy at 29 MPG for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 28 MPG for all-wheel-drive (AWD) models. CX-5 also features the highest highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in North America – including hybrids – at 35 MPG. Also an IIHS Top Safety Pick, the CX-5 starts at $20,995.

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).

(2) Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations