Mazda Blog
Mazda reportedly adding brake override systems to all future modelsFiled under: Safety, Mazda 
2010 Mazda6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to a recent report, Mazda will be installing brake override systems on all of its models in the near future. Whenever that happens, the brake will automatically get priority over the accelerator in a situation where both of them are simultaneously depressed. Nissan already has such a system installed on most of its cars, and Toyota has already pledged to do so. As far as Japan goes that leaves companies like Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Suzuki in the "Undecided" column.
A Mazda spokesman said the company wasn't aware of any unintended acceleration issues with its vehicles anywhere in the world that would necessitate such a system. This really looks to be a proactive move, since the estimated $50-per-car cost of the brake override will be much less hurtful than having to recall an untold numbers of cars... and you'll be paying for it, anyway. The company doesn't have details yet on the specifics of implementation, but it will eventually apply to every car the company sells.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Mazda reportedly adding brake override systems to all future models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Mazda designer wants to revive RX-7Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda 
Mazda Kabura Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ikuo Maeda, Mazda's design overlord, designed the soon-to-be-Stateside Mazda2. He also penned the Mazda RX-8, following quite literally the path his father laid before him: Maeda's father created the original Mazda RX-7. Now Maeda wants to bring the RX-7 back to life, saying "I do have a strong yearning to revive the RX-7 during my tenure."
Even though many enthusiasts would like nothing more than for Mazda to tap that root, we have heard that other Mazda officials queried on the subject poo-pooed the idea, asking "Why go backwards?" If we were to answer, we'd say "Because things were awesome back then. Except for the warranty claims..." That latter point being another reason the last RX-7 is not exactly a fond memory for the Japanese brand.
For it to have any chance at all, though, Maeda said "... we need the U.S. economy to come back, first and foremost." We hereby give you our permission to begin buying everything.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Report: Mazda designer wants to revive RX-7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Refreshed 2010 Mazda6 shows off its new faceFiled under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Mazda 
2010 Mazda6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
As expected, Mazda rolled out a (very) slightly freshened version of its midsize Mazda6 sedan this week at the Geneva Motor Show. Of course, we pointed our camera lenses in its general direction to snap off this series of live images for your viewing pleasure. Remember that this car is known as the Atenza in its home market of Japan.
Note the reworked fascia that includes a more sharply defined five-point grille opening flanked by larger air intakes that include small round fog lights. Out back, the taillight housings are slightly reshaped. Besides those external changes, there are a couple new wheel choices and piano black trim inside that matches similar finishes in Mazda's other offerings. See all the updates for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: Refreshed 2010 Mazda6 shows off its new face originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition blows out its candles in EuropeFiled under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mazda 
Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition - Click above for high-res gallery
It's hard to imagine that the MX-5 (Miata) has been around for 20 years, but time flies when you're carving up canyon roads in a nimble two-door sports car. Mazda has made quite a hoopla about the car's 20th anniversary, bringing out some of the best concept and specialty versions at the Chicago Auto Show, throwing a huge party for owners in Japan, and creating an anniversary edition for both the Japanese and the Brits. Here at the Geneva Motor Show, Mazda announced yet another 20th anniversary edition MX-5, this time available for all of Europe.
The European MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition can be picked out by its chrome trim, silver-look fog lamps, unique 17-inch wheels and 20th anniversary logos. The only performance upgrade is a strut tower brace in the engine bay, and customers can choose from True Red, Crystal White Pearl or Aurora Blue. Follow the jump for the brief press release from Mazda or browse through our live photos in the gallery below.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition blows out its candles in Europe Geneva 2010: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition blows out its candles in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsHot Cross Buns: Mazda recalls 2010 CX-9 due to seat (over)heatersFiled under: Recalls, Crossover, Mazda 
2010 Mazda CX-9 - Click above for high-res image gallery
We here at Autoblog love seat warmers, and we're glad to see that more and more automakers are fitting this lovely amenity as either standard or optional equipment across their full range of vehicles. However, like all electrical gadgets, occasional glitches are known to pop up every so often, and Mazda is now recalling many of its 2010 model year CX-9 crossovers due to faulty seat heater units.
According to NHTSA, the front seat heater units in the CX-9 can overheat in extremely cold conditions due to insufficient electrical grounding, which can cause the seat cushions to burn or even catch fire. (Yikes!) To fix this potential hazard, dealers will install additional ground harnesses to the heater control system, and may even replace the seat heater control unit, if necessary.
Owners can contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500 for more information. The official safety recall will begin around March 9, 2010. Follow the jump to read the full details in NHTSA's press release.
[Source: NHTSA]Continue reading Hot Cross Buns: Mazda recalls 2010 CX-9 due to seat (over)heaters Hot Cross Buns: Mazda recalls 2010 CX-9 due to seat (over)heaters originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: 2011 Mazda5 gets swoopy in SwitzerlandFiled under: Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Mazda 
2011 Mazda5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Mazda's Nagare design theme has infiltrated nearly every model in its lineup, with only a few lone hold-outs. Here in Geneva, one of the last unmolested models has finally gone under the knife and the result is the 2011 Mazda 5.
In addition to the new smiling fascia, five-point grille, deeper chin spoiler and flared front fenders, the new 5 gets a trio of dramatic, wave-live character lines sweeping from the front door and terminating into the deeply drawn rear tailamps. The combination ditches the somewhat anonymous profile of the previous model, it's just a shame the rear looks disproportionately top heavy.
The interior gets a quick once over, with thicker, wider seats, power sliding doors and a reworked center stack, with the standard seven seats carrying over and the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the new Mazda3 finding its way underhood when it hits the States later this year.
Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: 2011 Mazda5 gets swoopy in Switzerland Geneva 2010: 2011 Mazda5 gets swoopy in Switzerland originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLexus and Hummer top 2010 J.D. Power Customer Service Index StudyFiled under: Etc., Buick, Cadillac, Hummer, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, Saturn, Suzuki 
2010 J.D. Power CSI Study - Click above for charts
Lexus and Hummer took top honors in their respective categories in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Consumer Service Index (CSI) Study. Released this time each year, the CSI rankings (based on a 1,000-point scale) measure satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a brand service department for maintenance or repair work during the first three years of ownership - that wonderful honeymoon phase when factory warranties are still in full effect. The study is designed to focus on five measurements: service quality, service initiation, service advisor, service facility and vehicle pick-up. The results are tabulated, and then presented as a score on a 1,000-point scale. Unlike previous years, where all brands were lumped into one single category and only three made it to the podium, JDPA broke things into two segments: luxury brands and mass market brands.
Lexus, with a score of 837, was at the top of the luxury brands, again - the automaker won last year as well. It was followed by Cadillac (827), who showed a big improvement over the previous year, and Jaguar (822). If you recall, Jaguar was at the top of the list in 2008 and finished second in 2009 (this is more indicative of a bar that continues to be raised rather than a decrease in service). Hummer (815) was top dog among mass market brands, followed by the now-discontinued brand of Saturn (808) and Buick (805). General Motors holds six of the top seven spots on the mass market category. At the bottom of the list are Suzuki (693), Mazda (717) and Jeep (720).
Overall, the industry is showing improvement as customers have expressed satisfaction with the ease of driving in and out of dealership facilities, parking convenience, thoroughness of work performed, the speed of repairs and flexibility of accommodating schedules. While that sounds like great news, experts say it most of those improvements may be attributed to the lower volumes of service bay traffic as sales slump in the new car showroom. Full release after the jump.
[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]Continue reading Lexus and Hummer top 2010 J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study Lexus and Hummer top 2010 J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsConsumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversityFiled under: Budget, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Luxury, Off-Road 
2010 Consumer Reports Top Pick Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery
Each year, the automotive editors of Consumer Reports select their Top Pick Cars, representing vehicles that are the best in their individual segments. These cars are deemed to have "average or better" predicted reliability and have scored high marks in government safety testing. In past years, automakers like Honda and Toyota have dominated this list, but since more and more manufacturers are ramping up their quality within each competitive segment, the 2010 list proves to be the most diverse CR Top Picks group in over a decade.
So, which cars garner the most praise from CR? The Nissan Altima has officially dethroned the Honda Accord from the top family sedan spot, the Volkswagen GTI takes honors as the best sporty car, the trusty Subaru Forester takes the cake in the small SUV category, the quirky Mazda5 wins for best family hauler, and both the Chevrolet Traverse and Silverado stand tall as the best family SUV and pickup truck. These six newcomers join the Hyundai Elantra SE, Infiniti G37, Toyota Prius and Lexus LS460L to round out the entire list of Top Pick Cars.
Unlike most automotive media outlets (Autoblog included), Consumer Reports actually buys its own test cars before putting them through rigirous evaluations of handling, braking, comfort, safety and more, and each test car is roughly 6,000 miles older by the time all of the tests have been completed. Follow the jump to read the official press release from CR, and scroll through our attached gallery to see high-res shots of all the 2010 Top Pick Cars.
[Source: Consumer Reports - sub. req.]Continue reading Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsNeat Trick: Ford nixing 900 jobs in Flat Rock while expanding production of Mustang, Mazda6Filed under: Coupe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Ford, Mazda 
The desire to make more of the Ford Mustang and Mazda6, while improving efficiency and quality, is leading Ford to cut, not add jobs at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant. The plant's 2,280-strong workforce is expected to decrease by 900, with Ford reducing the number of shifts from two to one and increasing the line speed by 35 percent.
Moving to just a single shift will help stabilize assembly at the plant, which produced 109,000 vehicles last year but experienced a lot of downtime when new vehicle sales cratered. In turn, the workers who remain to work the single shift should appreciate less idle time away from the job and stay sharper as a result, thereby increasing quality as well.
Those workers who have been cut will be moved to the Chicago assembly plant to help build the new Ford Explorer later this year, while others will be transferred to Michigan Assembly to build the new Ford Focus. Those not given new positions will be offered contract buyouts.
[Source: The Detroit News]Neat Trick: Ford nixing 900 jobs in Flat Rock while expanding production of Mustang, Mazda6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsUpgraded North American Mazda2 interior revealed in Toronto, car to launch late summerFiled under: Budget, Hatchback, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows, Canada 
2011 Mazda2 North American interior - click above for high-res gallery
The biggest event in the automotive world this week may be the Chicago Auto Show, but that isn't stopping Mazda from once again going north to reveal product at the Canadian International Auto Show. The Japanese automaker has a significantly larger portion of the Canadian market pie than it does in the U.S., so it makes sense that it would show off an upgraded Mazda2 interior in Toronto instead of in The Windy City.
The 2011 Mazda2, which is earmarked to go on sale in North America beginning in late Summer, will benefit from higher quality seat fabric (with piping) along with a better audio system and more robust HVAC controls, among other changes. It is not immediately clear if the changes for the NA car will matriculate back into European market models, but the alterations should help give the Mazda2 a fighting chance against competitors like its platform-mate, the Ford Fiesta, as well as the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo and models already on sale like the Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa and Honda Fit. Check out both the interior and exterior in our high-res galleries below.
[Source: Mazda]
Continue reading Upgraded North American Mazda2 interior revealed in Toronto, car to launch late summer Upgraded North American Mazda2 interior revealed in Toronto, car to launch late summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsBlimey! UK gets its own 20th Anniversary Mazda MiataFiled under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Japan, Mazda 
Mazda MX5 20th Anniversary Edition (UK) - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you'll allow us to channel Kyle's mother for a moment, "What!? What!? What?!?!" That's right folks, not only has Mazda decided that them good bread and cheese eaters over in Europia get a 20th Anniversary edition Miata, but the redcoat wearing, Simon Cowell spawning, Union Jacking Queen-lovers over in Britain are fit to get their own special special edition 20th Anniversary Miata. Us Yanks? Bupkis.
Of course, when you scrape your way down to the nitty and/or gritty of the matter, you learn that just like the Europe-only MX-5 Miata, the Brit version also gets a 1.8-liter motor, not the more powerful 2.0-liter found in U.S.-spec Miatas. Meaning that only a very few crazy die hards would shell out good money for a detuned special edition Miata even if the 1.8-liter model "echoes true spirit of 1990 original." And of course, as we all know (ahem) the 1990 original Miata came with a 1.6-liter power plant and the 1.8-liter motor didn't show up until 1996 1994.
The truth of the matter is there doesn't seem to be any difference between the British 20th Anniversary cars and the European ones aside from the fancy paint job (the 20th Anniversary car is largely an appearance package detailed here). It's just that Britain is such a huge Miata market the island nation secured 33 percent of the production run. After all, the Miata is essentially a British roadster minus all the never absent rust, fatal electrical gremlins and routine catastrophic purging of essential fluids. Still feeling bad that we're not getting a 20th Anniversary Miata? It takes 9.9 seconds for that 1.8-liter to 60 miles per hour... Press release after the jump.
[Source: Mazda]Continue reading Blimey! UK gets its own 20th Anniversary Mazda Miata Blimey! UK gets its own 20th Anniversary Mazda Miata originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsChicago 2010: Internet Car and Truck of the Year awards handed out, Neff FTWFiled under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Truck, Etc., Crossover, Chevrolet, Mazda 
For the first time, the Internet Car and Truck of the year organization presented Mazda and Chevrolet with a number of well-earned awards at the Chicago Auto Show. Mazda won with its freshly updated 2010 Mazda3 in the car category, beating out such worthy candidates as the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Shelby GT500.
However, the big winner was Chevrolet, with the Equinox taking home prizes for two separate categories - Internet Truck of the Year and Consumer Internet Truck of the Year - while the Camaro snagged the Consumer Internet Car of the Year. Our particular favorite award, though, was for the Internet Automotive Journalist of the Year.
Why? Well, it was won by none other than our very own and highly esteemed Editor-in-Chief, John Neff. For those keeping track, Neff has won the award every single year that it's been presented. Nicely done, John.
[Source: Internet Car and Truck of the Year]Chicago 2010: Internet Car and Truck of the Year awards handed out, Neff FTW originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMazda to launch special 20th Anniversary MX-5 Miata in GenevaFiled under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Japan, Mazda 
Twenty years of motoring goodness - click above for high-res image
Twenty years. Can you believe it's been two decades since we first heard the Japanese phrase Jinba ittai (meaning "rider and the horse are one")? To catch you up, way back in 1976, some Mazda engineers asked American auto journalist Bob Hall what they should build next. Mr Hall, who later wound up working for Mazda, mentioned the bugs-in-the-teeth British roadsters that every gearhead both loved and loathed. Their reputation as great driver's cars was only preceded by their rep for breaking down and stranding you on the side of the road.
If Mazda could engineer a tight, compact, great-handling roadster that didn't dump all its fluids every other Wednesday, they'd surely have a hit. Back at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the world met the MX-5, much, much better known as the Miata. Since then, nearly 1,000,000 Miatas have been built, with just under 400,000 of them getting snatched up by American consumers. In other words, the Miata gambit worked.
To commemorate twenty years of building such great sports cars, Mazda will be introducing a 20th Anniversary Limited Edition MX-5 Miata at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Pay special attention to the "Limited" part of the name, as only 2,000 anniversary cars will be built, and they'll only be available in Europe. One reason for the latter might be that the 20th Anniversary cars are based on the smaller displacement 1.8-liter car, a version of the Miata not sold in the States, or it could be that we may get our own commemorative edition to be announced at a later date.
Like most anniversary packages (see the big four-oh Nissan Z), nothing too exciting is happening to this Miata. There is, of course, the requisite numbered plaque. There's a chrome grille surround, chrome door-handles and chrome headlight surrounds. You also get "silver-look" fog light surrounds, plus special 17-inch wheels with "20th Anniversary" logos. The 20th Anniversary cars are available only in red, white or a new Aurora Blue, which we find rather sharp looking. And lest you think Mazda's not tossing a bone to performance enthusiasts, the car comes with a strut-tower brace.
[Source: Mazda]
Mazda to launch special 20th Anniversary MX-5 Miata in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReview: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is sitting on the bubbleFiled under: Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Mazda, Reviews 
2010 Mazdaspeed3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Last summer, our man Damon Lavrinc drove the then-brand-new 2010 Mazdaspeed3 around California's legendary Laguna Seca Raceway and then Caramel Valley's world-class back roads. And he loved it. I mention this because we're sure that under similar, near-ideal conditions, I would have been nearly as smitten. But reality has a funny way of tossing monkey wrenches at even the most lovely picnics. To wit: I had the Speed3 in Los Angeles during the recent torrential downpour/tornado warnings, then drove to Phoenix through a monsoon the same day/night that Russo and Steele got their tents blown across a freeway. Ideal? Hardly. Informative? Keep reading and decide for yourself.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is sitting on the bubble Review: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is sitting on the bubble originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRefreshed 2011 Mazda Atenza/Mazda6 debuts with new direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder in JapanFiled under: Sedan, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Japan, Mazda 
2011 Mazda Atenza/Mazda6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2011 Mazda Atenza (Mazda6) is due to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and in addition to a slight nip and tuck, the JDM version of Mazda's mid-size sedan is packing an all-new 2.0-liter inline-four with direct injection.
Although the styling tweaks are subtle, the new front fascia benefits from a mildly reworked grille, bumper and enlarged side air intakes, along with new 17- and 18-inch wheels and taillight housings. The interior remains largely the same, save new piano black trim on the center console, shift knob and door handles, and surrounding the audio and climate controls.
Mazda remains mum on details about the direct-injected four pot, but don't be surprised to find the refreshed 2011 Mazda6 in dealers later this year, with the exception of the wagon, which remains a Japan-, Europe- and Australia-only affair. Full details in the press release after the jump.
Continue reading Refreshed 2011 Mazda Atenza/Mazda6 debuts with new direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder in Japan Refreshed 2011 Mazda Atenza/Mazda6 debuts with new direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAll-New 2011 Mazda5 coming to GenevaFiled under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Etc., Mazda
2011 Mazda5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Mazda5 has been around since 2006, going about its microvan business in relative obscurity, yet rewarding buyers with a healthy dose of zoom-zoom mixed into their three-row vanlet driving needs. The Mazda5 (Premacy in other markets) received a few tweaks in 2008, but other than new wheels and clear tail lamps, there weren't a lot of changes. Well, Mazda just announced that an all-new Premacy will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, and despite the smile on its face, the changes are more than skin deep.
Cribbing heavily from recent show cars like the Nagare and Furai, the new 5 sports swoopy character lines along its flanks, and adopts the now-familiar and familial smiley face up front. Besides an all-new body, the 2011 Mazda5 will also get the company's "i-stop" start-stop technology for its new direct-injection engine, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent according to Mazda. Mazda says the Nagare-inspired styling actually serves to reduce drag and maintain a good balance of downforce fore and aft, but we're pretty sure people will just think it a bit overstyled.
The new Mazda5 will go on sale in Europe later this year with a choice of 1.8- or 2.0-liter direct-inject gas engines. No word yet on which engines will make it over to these shores, but we're guessing the 2.5-liter in the current Mazda3. Hopefully Mazda has figured out a way to offer the trick karakuri second-row center seat that boosts seating to seven. We'll have more details when they pull the cover off of it in Geneva, but for now, check out the press release after the jump and the gallery of high-res images below.
[Source: Mazda]Continue reading All-New 2011 Mazda5 coming to Geneva All-New 2011 Mazda5 coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsToyota tops in CR brand perception study, Subaru, Ford, Chevy make gainsFiled under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Ford, Hummer, Mazda, Mercury, Saab, Subaru, Toyota 
Consumer Reports 2010 Car Brand Perception Survey results just published
After one of the worst years ever for the auto industry, which automakers do you think came out of 2009 with an unsullied reputation? Consumer Reports just published its 2010 Car Brand Perception Survey and the results are a bit perplexing. Naming the manufacturers that slipped last year would probably be a piece of cake, but try to guess which ones came out ahead of their 2008 rankings.
Before you try to guess, here are the ground rules. According to CR, "The scores reflect how consumers perceive each brand in seven categories: Safety, quality, value, performance, design/style, technology/innovation, and environmentally friendly/green." Further, "The scores reflect consumers' total perception level of a brand across those categories, and not the actual qualities of the brand's individual vehicles."
The overall top brands in the rankings were the usual suspects for the most part. Toyota was tops (guess CR readers haven't heard about that sticky gas pedal thing), followed by America's sole avoider of bankruptcy, Ford, then Honda. Somewhat surprisingly, Chevrolet placed fourth - bankruptcy be damned. Carmakers improving by the largest percentage over last year were an equally mixed bag. Chevy and Ford improved quite a bit, but the company posting the biggest gain was Subaru, which mirrored the success it had on the showroom floor in 2009.
Perhaps even more interesting were the bottom brands. Not surprisingly in these green-leaning times, Hummer scored the lowest as a brand, followed closely by GM problem-child, Saab. The Swedish firm was actually tied, though, with Ford's forgotten brand, Mercury, and shockingly, recent Ford divestiture, Mazda. Dropping the most this year were luxury brands like Porsche, Lexus and Lincoln. How Porsche and Lexus dropped so much is a bit of a mystery, but Cadillac droppng 15 points was a real head-scratcher considering the success of the CTS.
The complete survey is an interesting read, as are the full rankings. The top scorers in each category is particularly revealing. Before you click the source link below, though, try to guess where your favorite brands placed. You might be as surprised as we were.
[Source: Consumer Reports]Toyota tops in CR brand perception study, Subaru, Ford, Chevy make gains originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto salesFiled under: Car Buying, Japan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, South Korea
While it may come as no surprise that Asian car companies are constantly gaining market share in the U.S. market, the actual numbers are quite amazing. Ten years ago, companies like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and the rest accounted for a little more than one-quarter of total light-vehicle sales in the States. By 2005, that figure stood at 36.6 percent. By 2007? 41.9 percent. In 2009, Asian automakers sold a full 47.9 percent of the cars and light trucks we Americans bought.
These numbers come from the latest report by Ward's Auto. Perhaps predictably, that same dispatch tells us that American automakers were hurt the most by those Asian gains. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were once part of an American auto industry that accounted for nearly 70 percent of sales in 1999. The Detroit Three had just a 44.8 percent market share a decade later. The European automakers have also gained a bit in the U.S. over the past decade. Still, they only account for 7.3 percent of the market right now.
If the Japanese and Korean manufacturers post gains for 2010 that are similar to the 2009 increases, they will pass the 50 percent mark for the first time in history. Individually, companies like Toyota have fared the best, nearly doubling their slice of the American pie, going from 8.7 to 17 percent since 1999. While Ford shared the biggest gain last year compared to 2008, they were also one of the decade's biggest losers, dropping 8.3 percent. Maybe last year's gain is a sign of recovery for the domestic automakers, but the troubles at GM and Chrysler don't bode well for the group. Check out the full breakdown by clicking the Ward's source link below.
[Source: Ward's Automotive]Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Stop-start tech saves fuel, so why can't we get it in the States? Blame the EPAFiled under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Technology, Mazda 
Are there any among us that wouldn't prefer a meaningful boost in fuel mileage from our current car or truck, all other things being equal? Sure. And the good news is that there are a couple of easy ways to achieve that laudable goal, starting with adding stop/start technology to the car's powerplant.
In case you're not familiar with the fuel-saving tech, we're basically just talking about automatically shutting off the engine when it's not needed, which requires little more than some computer controls along with a slightly more powerful battery and starter motor (though some systems are admittedly more complex). Not exactly rocket science, but at an estimated cost of $500 per vehicle, it does cost a rather substantial amount. Either way, it does sound pretty intriguing, right? So, why don't we see more of these cars in the States?
You can add head Mazda engineer Robert Davis to the list of those who think stop/start should spread throughout the States and according to Automotive News, and he's got a theory as to why it hasn't: the Environmental Protection Agency's fuel economy testing procedures. Naturally, an engine needs a chance to idle for the stop/start-equipped car's computer to switch it off, and the EPA's current test cycle only allows that to happen one single time.
We don't know about you... but our city driving patterns usually include way more than one single stop. By way of comparison, the Japanese city cycle is programmed to allow the engine to idle much more and cars with stop/start technology boast a significant mileage improvement - from seven to nine percent, according to Davis. Besides, most of the start/stop systems we've sampled on foreign-market cars include an override button for those who find the technology objectionable.
So, if there's a problem with the way the technology jibes with the government's testing methodology, what's the solution? The EPA is currently accepting public comment and is seeking input on how to modify its fuel mileage testing procedures. Davis is calling for an "industry wide" agreement on a procedure that would help highlight the benefits of stop/start technology. Is that the right direction to go? Feel free to sound off in the comments.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]REPORT: Stop-start tech saves fuel, so why can't we get it in the States? Blame the EPA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMazda RX-8 to die as RX-7 resurfaces for 2012?Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill  The rumormill just can't stop churning out stories of an impending Mazda RX-7 revival. We've been hearing that we should expect the rotary-powered sports car any day now... for the last few years. It's still yet to show its smiling face. Still, here we are with another report indicating that the next RX-7 is just around the corner, this time as a 2011 or 2012 model.
Inside Line reports that the birth of the two-seat Mazda RX-7 will mean the death of the current four-door, four-seat RX-8 that's been in circulation since 2004. Furthermore, the gang in Santa Monica says that next-gen rotary sportscar may not up the performance ante of either the last twin-turbo RX-7 or even the current RX-8's 1.3-liter 232-horsepower Renesis engine. This, despite earlier rumors that the latest 1.6-liter 16X powerplant was kicking out as much as 350 horses while still achieving superior fuel economy over its forebears.
Mazda could instead return to the ethos of the first RX-7 from 1979, fielding a lightweight two-seater powered by a new version of the Wankel producing somewhere between 200 and 250 horsepower. If true, we can expect the next RX-7 to cost somewhere around $25,000 and be positioned against cars like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the upcoming RWD Toyota/Subaru.
[Source: Inside Line]Mazda RX-8 to die as RX-7 resurfaces for 2012? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:45:00 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
|
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
