Mazda Blog
Rumormill: Mazda working on CX-5?Filed under: Crossover, Mazda, Rumormill 
Mazda Kazamai Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Mazda spoke of expanding its line with a small crossover as far back as 2008, with such talk led by the appearance of the Kazamai Concept. According to Autocar, Mazda is preparing to have said "new small SUV" prepped for sale at the end of 2011. When it was mentioned two years ago, the idea was that the vehicle would help position Mazda as an aspirational brand; now it sounds like it could be extravagant design meeting frugal economy.
For Mazda, a CX-5 would provide an option in a segment it knows consumers are moving toward, and the vehicle being discussed could be a gas mileage champ. Mazda is reportedly boasting of a 100kg weight savings vs. the competitors (that's a not-insubstantial 220 pounds), as well as power from the company's already frugal Sky engines. Some whispers about three- and five-door versions have been recorded, but remember, for the moment these are all still whispered rumors, not facts.
[Source: Autocar]Rumormill: Mazda working on CX-5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsShocking Rumor! Mazda considers RX-7 revivalFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill 
Rumors about a true successor to the FD RX-7 have been kicking around automotive circles since... oh, just about exactly when the car left the world for good way back in 2002. While it could be argued that the Mazda RX-8 is a spiritual progeny of the Zoom-Zoom kingdom's white night, the four-door sports car doesn't quite stack up to its curvaceous predecessor. It would seem that Autocar is doing its best to keep the flame alive for the return of the RX-7, this time with - gasp - a new set of leaked details from an insider close to the project. Consider us stunned.
According to Autocar, the project could yield a car much closer to the original RX-7 recipe by as early as 2013. Supposedly - and stop us if you've heard this one before - the company is working on a new rotary mill to be used with an electric turbo for a little extra grunt. With the RX-8 on its way out the door and no word of a replacement on the horizon, it would seem only fitting for Mazda to be working on something rear-wheel drive with a Wankel at its heart, but given the lack of hard sources and solid details, we're going to have to take this one with a jumbo-sized side of skepticism.
[Source: Autocar]Shocking Rumor! Mazda considers RX-7 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Ford reassigns 900 from Mustang/Mazda6 plant in Flat RockFiled under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Mazda 
Even though sales of its Mustang have been solid and even improving as of late, the powers that be have reportedly decided to eliminate the second shift at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) factory that assembles the Blue Oval's pony as well as the slow-selling Mazda6. The factory in Flat Rock, MI which is jointly owned by Ford and Mazda had originally planned to lay off 900 employees, but Ford has now opted to reassign the workers to other facilities.
According to the Detroit Free Press, excess capacity and low sales volumes were causing a lot of downtime at the plant with two shifts operating. AAI will now run a single shift with an increased line rate to meet production requirements. According to Ford, 1,766 employees remain at the plant.
[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Ford]Report: Ford reassigns 900 from Mustang/Mazda6 plant in Flat Rock originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMazda launches certified pre-owned programFiled under: Car Buying, Mazda 
Quite a few automakers have had success with certified pre-owned used car programs, and now Mazda is jumping on board by offering a CPO plan of its own. After all, used vehicles that have passed a rigorous inspection are more attractive to potential buyers, even though certified cars commonly carry a heavier price tag than their non-inspected lot mates.
Mazda is offering its CPO program on all 2006 to 2010 model year vehicles with less than 60,000 miles. Depending on the auto's age, certified used cars will offer the remaining balance of Mazda's warranty, or will be sold with an additional 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty, as well as additional seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. What's more, Mazda offers roadside assistance on its CPO vehicles.
Expect the certified pre-owned program to make its way across the vast majority of Mazda dealers in the United States in the coming months. For the full details, hit the jump to read the release.
[Source: Mazda]Continue reading Mazda launches certified pre-owned program Mazda launches certified pre-owned program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: BMW Z4 and Mazda3 face NHTSA scrutiny over power steering failuresFiled under: Recalls, Safety, BMW, Mazda 
2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i - Click above for high-res image gallery
Following all the criticism federal regulators received earlier this year for letting Toyota safety defects go unaddressed, everyone is taking a closer look customer complaints. The 2007-9 Mazda3 and the 2003-5 BMW Z4 are both being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration following consumer complaints about a loss of power steering assist. Three Mazda crashes and one BMW accident are being blamed on the steering issue.
Although the specific circumstances vary for each of the vehicles, in either case the loss of assist results in significantly increased effort to turn the steering wheel. The Mazda uses an electro-hydraulic assist system and Mazda issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) in 2009 related to this issue. Contamination in the pump can cause it slow down reducing the available assist. A TSB is sent out to dealers to correct an issue if a car comes in for service or a customer complains but fall short of a full recall. The Z4 has an electric power steering system that seems to have issues at higher speeds and temperatures.
Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: BusinessWeek]Report: BMW Z4 and Mazda3 face NHTSA scrutiny over power steering failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMazda to create life-size Scalextric track at Goodwood Festival of SpeedFiled under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Mazda, UK 
Mazda is pulling out all the stops for this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. While the company will show off a number of its more exciting models from the past, including the ever wicked 787B edition MX-5 and the more recent MX-5 Superlight Concept, the biggest news is that the display will feature a life-size Scalextric track. Yep. Mazda will build an automated track with real-life cars in an interpretation of every hoon's favorite childhood toy. Mazda has chosen a handful of cars to celebrate the 20-year history of the MX-5, including a 1990 Miata, a 2000 10th anniversary edition and a California Special Edition.
If that's not enough to get your eyebrows up, visitors will be able to drive the actual hill climb course in a new MX-5 or ride shotgun in a special-built racer. Not that we needed any more of a reason to want to be in West Sussex this weekend, but these Mazda goodies sound like a good time. The event kicks off on the first of July and runs through the fourth. Hit the jump for the full press release.
[Source: Mazda]Continue reading Mazda to create life-size Scalextric track at Goodwood Festival of Speed Mazda to create life-size Scalextric track at Goodwood Festival of Speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMazda whips the sheets off of MX-5 Miata Miyako for UK marketFiled under: Convertible, Coupe, Mazda, UK 
UK-edition Mazda MX-5 Miyako - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has been electromagnetic when it comes to special editions, nearly as powerful at attracting check-this-option-box versions as the Ford Mustang. The next one to be rung up is the MX-5 Miyako for those roadster-loving Brits. Part of the year-long celebration of 20 years of Miata production, the "summer special edition" Miyako gets the requisite leather interior upgrade with highlighted stitching and badging, unique colors and 17-inch wheels.
It is the first special edition that you can have in both ragtop and folding tin-top forms, with 500 each available to the consuming public. It goes on sale July 1, priced from £18,385 ($27,722 U.S.) on-the-road. Have a read on all the specs after the jump, and check the fun you're meant to have in it in the gallery of high-res photos below.
[Source: Mazda]Continue reading Mazda whips the sheets off of MX-5 Miata Miyako for UK market Mazda whips the sheets off of MX-5 Miata Miyako for UK market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsPoll: Mazda2 versus Ford FiestaFiled under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Mazda 
In case you missed it, we just published our First Drive of the brand-new Mazda2 today. If your attention spans is anything like ours, allow us to remind you that we've also driven the Ford Fiesta once or twice. Since both cars are built atop the same platform and will be competing for your hard-earned bucks in short order, the natural question is: Which one would you choose?
If you don't have time to read both of our drives, here's a quick glance at some of the more salient details:
| |
2011 Ford Fiesta |
2011 Mazda2 |
| Base Price |
$13,995 (four-door sedan), $15,795 (hatchback) |
$13,980 (hatchback) |
| Engine |
120 horsepower, 112 pound-feet of torque |
100 horsepower, 98 pound-feet of torque |
| Transmission |
Five-speed manual, Six-speed dual-clutch auto |
Five-speed manual, Four-speed auto |
| Base Weight |
2,537 pounds |
2,309 pounds |
| Efficiency |
29/40 (auto), 28/37 (manual) |
27/33 (auto), 29/35 (manual) |
Naturally, there's more to the equation than the tale of the tape. For instance, if you're in the market for an automatic transmission, the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox in the Fiesta seems to be a much more attractive option than the old-school four-speed automatic in the Mazda. Also, the Fiesta can store more cargo and has more comfortable seats.
It would seem that the scales are tipping in the Blue Oval's favor. Consider too that the Fiesta is available as both a sedan and a hatchback while the Mazda2 is a hatchback only. Add in an available navigation system, leather interior, SYNC infotainment system and heated seats - none of which are available on the Mazda - and we've got a slam-dunk win for the Ford. Right?
Perhaps not. Our man Steven Ewing, the only member of the team to have driven both U.S.-spec models, tells us that the Mazda2 is notably more fun to drive than the Fiesta. Plus, he claims the 2 looks better in its specific shade of green, if that kind of thing is important to you. So, is the promise of an added dose of driving enjoyment worth the significant loss in comfort, convenience and economy? That's up to you to decide.
View Poll Poll: Mazda2 versus Ford Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFirst Drive: 2011 Mazda2 puts fun before frugalityFiled under: Budget, Hatchback, Mazda, First Drive 
2011 Mazda2 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Mazda says there's a little bit of Miata in everything it does. While it's easy to chalk that up as marketing frippery, when the automaker launched the Little Roadster That Could back in 1989, it proved that great things can come from a machine developed to be simple, reliable and driver-focused. Even now, none of Mazda's wares offer class-leading fuel economy or practicality, but they've proven to be some of the best drivers in their segments. And as enthusiasts, it's easy to exchange a bit of functionality for a larger helping of fun.
Now, Mazda hopes to achieve this same sort of positioning within the B-car segment - a class that's grown substantially in America and is projected to double in size within the next few years. The 2011 Mazda2 comes to town right on the heels of its sister car, the Ford Fiesta, but as we found out after a lengthy drive through the city of Montréal and the countryside of Canada's Québec province, it's a wholly different machine. And while the Fiesta is sure to provide some serious competition for the 2, there are plenty of other well-to-do B cars in the U.S. that are ready to be sized up against the minuscule Mazda.
If you only look at the stats, you wouldn't think Mazda has positioned the 2 to be anything overly special. Not only is it the least powerful car in its segment, but it doesn't offer some of the clever technology or unique packaging to make it stand out from its kin. But Mazda is immensely proud of the new 2, and though we looked on with skeptical faces, the people in charge simply told us that the little hatch's story is best told on the road. So let's get to it.
Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mazda2 puts fun before frugality First Drive: 2011 Mazda2 puts fun before frugality originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsWho's Zoomin' Who? Ad agency behind longtime Mazda campaign reportedly broomedFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Mazda 
Mazda commercials end with the written line, "Zoom Zoom. Forever," and there are few who aren't familiar with that little boy whispering "Zoom Zoom." But while the tagline might be akin to a diamond from De Beers, the 13-year relationship between Mazda and the firm that created it isn't forever at all. Mazda has left the agency for Team Detroit/WPP, perhaps taking the little boy with them.
One of the rare slogans taken all around the world in its untranslated state, the firm's commercials of late have seemed to focus on the blue checkered flag. A Mazda marketing exec once said, "The exhilaration we felt as a child shooting down a hill on our bike, this is what Zoom-Zoom means at its most basic level." That's a hard message to get from a flag - which could be the reason for the agency change in the first place.
[Source: The Detroit Bureau]Who's Zoomin' Who? Ad agency behind longtime Mazda campaign reportedly broomed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFunny Car Commercial of the Day: A good reason for an automaticFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mazda, Humor 
Mazda offers a good reason to choose an automatic - Click above to watch the video after the break
Generally speaking, all of us at Autoblog prefer to drive a manual. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. For instance, driving a supremely sedate luxury car with anything other than a sit-back-and-relax automatic gearbox doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Also, when stuck in gridlock traffic, who wants to deal with a clutch pedal?
And then there's the odd situation presented in our Funny Car Commercial of the Day. We'll set the scene: There's a young man driving an old station wagon with a manual transmission. Add one beautiful Italian blonde with long legs and a short skirt who just happens to need a ride. And she apparently wants some attention.
The moral of the story? Sometimes, having an automatic transmission is a very, very good thing. For what it's worth, the Mazda2 just so happens to offer one. Check out the video after the break and check out veryfunnyads.com for more funny car commercials.
[Source: veryfunnyads.com]Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day: A good reason for an automatic Funny Car Commercial of the Day: A good reason for an automatic originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNagare no more? Mazda to change styling directionFiled under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Mazda, Design/Style 
Mazda Furai Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to Auto Express, Mazda Europe's British design boss Peter Birtwhistle has confirmed that the Japanese automaker will take on a new styling direction. Perhaps the news shouldn't come as a shocker, considering that former Mazda design head Franz von Holhausen, the man responsible for the previous styling direction of concepts like the Nagare and Furai, left Mazda for Tesla Motors back in 2008.
Further, Laurens van den Acker, who styled the latest Mazda5, left the Japanese automaker for Renault. As such, Birtwhistle told AE, "Nagare is done. After the 5, it's highly unlikely that there will be another Nagare car. Mazda has moved on." Apparently, Mazda found it rather difficult to apply the swoopy and flowing conceptual styling direction to production cars, specifically boxier shapes like that of the Mazda5.
We tend to agree with Mazda that the Nagare look is awesome on concepts but tough to translate to production. So, what's next? Apparently, Mazda will attempt to turn itself into a "Japanese Alfa Romeo," with an initial concept based on its new "Thrusting Motion" styling direction. We should see the fruits of this early effort at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.
[Source: Auto Express]Nagare no more? Mazda to change styling direction originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsEdmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehiclesFiled under: Car Buying, Etc., Buick, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Suzuki 
Edmunds' Top 10 'Dark-Horse' cars - Click above for high-res image gallery
We all know the typical sales winners of the automotive universe. Come hell or high water, Honda Civics and Toyota Camrys will still float off of the lot. Granted, that's good news for most automakers, but at the same time, there's a wealth of under-appreciated models languishing under the beady eyes of inflatable gorillas across the country. The good people of Edmunds have taken it upon themselves to wrangle up a top 10 list of those long forgotten winners and filed them under the collective banner of "Dark-Horse" candidates. Sexy.
We're absolutely down with cars like the 2010 Buick Lacrosse, 2010 Suzuki Kizashi and the 2010 Hyundai Genesis, but the 2010 Nissan Versa has us scratching our heads. While the car is a perfectly decent little compact, the market is awash with other excellent options. Need proof? Look no further than another Edmunds Dark-Horse selection, the 2011 Ford Fiesta. We suppose that with all the hype surrounding the new Blue Oval hatchback that it can't as easily be considered a forgotten option, at least at this point. Hop the jump for the full press blast and check the gallery below for the top picks.
[Source: Edmunds]Continue reading Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRumormill: 2012 Mazda MX-5 to get rotary engine optionFiled under: Convertible, Hybrid, Mazda, Rumormill 
Mazda Miata - Click above for high-res image gallery
Rumors have surfaced that the next-generation Mazda MX-5 could tip the scales at 2,200 pounds and boast an impressive 50 miles per gallon without losing a lick of horsepower in the process. And while initial reports had the Miata achieving those impressive numbers with the help of Mazda's forthcoming SKY-G engines, Best Car Japan is hearing something different from Mazda HQ.
The Japanese magazine reports that the 2012 Miata will receive a rotary mill with a displacement of 1.2 or 1.3 liters, helping the roadster drop a few pounds in the process. However, the Wankel has proven to be anything but fuel efficient, so to achieve lofty fuel economy numbers the rumored rotary would be of the hybrid variety. That sounds a bit far fetched, but the Wankel/hybrid marriage has already been consummated in the form of a Fiat 500 prototype created by FEV. The little Fiat contains a rotary that acts as a generator for a Lithium-Ion battery pack.
While it's an intriguing idea, our money is on a small, efficient four-pot with turbocharging. After all, one of the most attractive qualities of the Miata is it's diminutive price tag, and hybrids tend to add a lot of cost - not to mention weight - to the bottom line.
Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: 7Tune]Rumormill: 2012 Mazda MX-5 to get rotary engine option originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsIIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVsFiled under: Safety, Crossover, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota 
IIHS rollover tests for midsized SUVs - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has completed a round of rollover testing on 12 mid-sized SUVs (though most are technically CUVs, but whatevs), and the results show that some carmakers are exceeding federal rollover standards. Six of the haulers scored a Good rating, led by the 2010 Jeep Liberty, one scored Acceptable, and the remaining five were Marginal. The Good rating means a tested car has a roof that is twice as strong as the current government safety standard.
Five of the top six - the Chevrolet Equinox, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander and Venza, and Kia Sorento - also scored Good marks for front-, side- and rear-occupant protection, and so earn the coveted classification of being an IIHS Top Safety Pick. If your CUV isn't listed, fear not, as the IIHS is testing them in groups.
Follow the jump for the full release, and you can have a look at the entire batch of tested vehicles in the high-res gallery below.
[Source: IIHS]Continue reading IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFunny Car Commercial of the Day: Mazda silences the kidsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mazda, Humor 
We love kids... other people's kids, that is. Yours truly doesn't have any progeny of his own to look after, so the need for a vehicle that has loads of interior space is mostly lost on me. If you do have some screaming little'uns to look after, though, your vehicular choices suddenly become a bit narrower in focus, and things like folding rear seats, power liftgates and rear-seat entertainment systems begin to look less like unnecessary expenses and more like valuable life- and time-savers.
Regardless of whether or not you have kids of your own, you've surely been trapped inside a moving vehicle full of the little buggers. Assuming that's the case, we'll step a bit further out on the limb and figure that you've had your own thoughts on how best to deal with the, ahem... problem. Mazda has a suggestion - see for yourself by watching the video pasted after the break. Like that one? Click here to see more funny commercials from veryfunnyads.com.
[Source: veryfunnyads.com]Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Mazda silences the kids Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Mazda silences the kids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMazda3 unseats Honda Civic as Canada's best-selling carFiled under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hatchback, Mazda, Canada 
2010 Mazda3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
There's a battle raging over the northern border between the Mazda3 and Honda Civic: the Mazda3's 5,436 units sold in April outdid the Civic by 135, and through the end of last month the Zoom-Zoom ride leads the Honda by just 21 units. The rest of April's Canadian top five is filled out by the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Accent. Compare that to April's American top five of the Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic and Ford Fusion. Mazda (and higher gas prices) really have a hold on the Canucks, it seems - even if they're flogging Mazdas for $20K over list...
[Source: Canadian Driver]Mazda3 unseats Honda Civic as Canada's best-selling car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 May 2010 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 Mazda2 dealer order guide surfaces on the interwebsFiled under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Mazda 
2011 Mazda2 - click above for high-res image gallery
You only have two more months to wait for the Mazda2 to appear in your local showroom, but you can start practicing your mixing and matching right now with the newly freed dealer order guide. The 2011 Mazda2 starts at $13,980 plus a $750 destination charge and goes all the way up to $16,980, including destination charges for the top-flight automatic Touring model. That last figure is actually $945 more than the larger Mazda3, so if you might want to crunch some numbers if you're pondering going high-end, but even if you do, you're still looking pretty sweet against competitors like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent.
On top of the a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that comes with the car, you can play around with options such as fog lights, portable Garmin navigation, a Motorola hands-free device and a kayak carrier. Check out the guide in our gallery below and let the configuration games begin.
[Source: Mazda via Inside Line]2011 Mazda2 dealer order guide surfaces on the interwebs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFollowup: Mazda terminates Canadian dealer that swindled customerFiled under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Mazda, Canada 
The public outcry over an unscrupulous Canadian Mazda dealership that sold a Mazda6 to a woman with a learning disability for over $25,000 Canadian dollars over sticker has been understandably strong. The Mazda6 wasn't even new and it was rolling on steel wheels for crying out loud. It appears that fact wasn't lost on Mazda corporate, as The Star reports that the dealer has been given the pink slip.
The Star quotes Mazda PR director Greg Young as saying, "We informed the dealer this morning that we were terminating the agreement because he had not adhered to the business standards, under the terms of the sales and service agreement." The terminated contract means the Orangeville dealer can no longer sell any new Mazda vehicles or parts to customers or make repairs. The hammer of justice has fallen, and the sound was deafening.
That's quite the punishment, there, but the Canadian government still hasn't taken its turn at the firing squad. Under the Consumer Protection Act the dealer is subject to a fine of up to $250,000, while the employees involved could be hit with a fine of up to $100,000 in addition to potential jail time. The owner of the dealership could also lose his license to sell vehicles. The next likely step in this saga is that Mazda of Orangeville will seek an injunction temporarily blocking Mazda's termination.
We had a feeling that justice would be done, but we didn't know the long arm of the law would be that swift. Thanks to everyone for the tips!
[Source: The Star]Followup: Mazda terminates Canadian dealer that swindled customer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMazda Canada shoulder-checked with class-action lawsuit over bum door locksFiled under: Government/Legal, Hatchback, Mazda, Canada 
Canadian Alisha Koubi leased a 2006 Mazda3, then discovered that a locked driver's door could be opened by giving it a shoulder check. Reports say that at the same time she was reading about Mazda3s being broken into in a way that left dents above the driver's door, she was reading Mazda promotional material touting the safety and quality of the company's products. Her car was never broken into, but she decided to sue Mazda for selling "an unfit product for profit," and the case has just been granted class-action status in British Columbia.
Because the lawsuit isn't based on actual loss but the more nebulous idea of a breach of commercial duty, Koubi and her attorney want damages to be assessed based on Mazda's profits from all the Mazda3s sold and leased from 2004 to 2007. That covers 19,909 cars.
Mazda asserts that the door issue wasn't a defect. The company didn't publicize the issue, claiming it was afraid that would increase break-in rates, but it did add a reinforcement plate for any drivers that requested it on those cars and redesigned the lock on the next generation. No word on when it will go to trial, but similar lawsuits have also been launched in Quebec and Ontario. Thanks for the tip, Edwin!
[Source: CBC News]Mazda Canada shoulder-checked with class-action lawsuit over bum door locks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
Mazda blog
Mazda History
RX7
Dutch tuning and styling
Super Cars
Green Cars, Reviews & Buying tools
Streetcars
Luxury Sports Cars
|
