MAZDA'S SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY EARNS '2013 GREEN CAR TECHNOLOGY AWARD' FROM GREEN CAR JOURNAL

- Inaugural Award Recognizes Advanced Vehicle Technologies That Achieve Increased Efficiencies While Lowering Environmental Impact -

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Mazda North American Operations

Jan 31, 2013, 06:26 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today was honored as a recipient of the inaugural "2013 Green Car Technology Award," as presented by Green Car Journal. Announced during a press conference at the Washington (DC) Auto Show, Mazda's SKYACTIV®¹ TECHNOLOGY was selected among a list of 10 top automotive technology finalists. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY is the brand's all-new engineering approach toward increasing overall vehicle efficiency, performance and fuel economy, while reducing CO₂ emissions. Developed within Mazda Motor Corporation's (MC) headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan, SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY consists of advanced engineering and manufacturing processes to produce redesigned lightweight yet stronger components in the form of engine, transmission, body and chassis structures.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130131/LA52500)

"Since SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY was introduced into our model lineup last year, consumers and critics alike have been reporting positive real-world results on fuel economy as well as performance," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "Within the next two years, our goal is to increase our global fleet's fuel economy by 30 percent when compared to our figures from 2008. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY plays a major role in achieving this strategy, and will continue to be successfully implemented in all future Mazda products."

The Green Car Technology Award honors an important enabling technology that is currently available to consumers in the United States. Technologies considered vary to include advanced powerplants and drivetrain components to on-board systems that work toward increasing efficiencies, reducing petroleum use or improving environmental impact. According to the Green Car Journal, advanced technologies are key to the auto industry's challenge of meeting a federally-mandated 54.5 mpg fleet-wide fuel economy by 2025 while decreasing petroleum use and CO₂ emissions.

"The approach that Mazda is taking by incorporating its full suite of efficient SKYACTIV technologies in its all-new models is important," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher, Green Car Journal. "Optimizing the entire vehicle, from engine and transmission to chassis, body structure and all the components large and small that make up a modern vehicle is truly paramount. This holistic philosophy epitomizes the ideal in delivering the enabling technologies so important to creating the efficient, fun-to-drive models required for a more environmentally compatible driving future."

SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY was introduced in North America on the 2012 Mazda3 compact car, which featured a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine as well as the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic to achieve up to 40 highway mpg.

The 2013 CX-5 compact SUV was the first Mazda globally to receive all SKYACTIV elements, which included a SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis, and features the highest highway mpg of any SUV in North America – including hybrids. When equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine (standard on 2013-14 model-year vehicles), CX-5 also boasts the best combined fuel economy amongst its non-electric segment competitors.

The all-new 2014 Mazda6, launched just this month, is the second all-encompassing SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY vehicle. The mid-size sedan also becomes the first Mazda in North America to receive the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine, available during the second half of 2013, making Mazda the only Asian manufacturer to offer a diesel option in this market. While offering one of the more powerful engines in the segment via its SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine, the 2014 Mazda6 also features a best-in-class highway fuel economy of 38 mpg.

The award-winning Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy and environment since its launch in 1992. As part of its mission, the magazine hosts events, produces ride-and-drives of advanced and clean fuel vehicles as well as conducts various outreach efforts to educate consumers on better, more environmentally positive vehicle choices.

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.