The 2010 Mazda 3 is no stranger to the automotive press with dozens of spy shots popping up over the past few months and speculative renderings coming from all around the world. Because the Mazda 3 is Mazda’s top selling vehicle in the U.S. it’s not hard to see why it is drawing in so much excitement surrounding its unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The redesign couldn’t come up at a better time for Mazda when, even in the midst of a languishing economy, the Mazda 3 continues to be a hot seller among the ultra competitive compact car segment against the likes of the newly revised Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

Although nothing is set in stone (read: confirmed by Mazda) yet we have created a list of what to expect when the Mazda 3 is officially unveiled by Mazda:

First, the current 2.3 liter motor will be swapped out in favor of Mazda’s 2.5 liter currently in the 2009 Mazda6. This will bring power up to around 170 hp, from the current 150-156 hp of the Mazda 3 s-line and will offer both a six speed manual transmission and a five speed sport automatic transmission. The Mazda 3 i-line is expected to carryover its 2.0 liter engine and transmission options.

When it comes to design the 2010 Mazda 3 can best be described as evolutionary with a similar overall body profile and a few changes around the front and back. From the spy shots we can see styling cues borrowed from the new Mazda6 and up front, with flared wheel arches and an upwardly sculpted front bumper reminiscent of the recent Mazdaspeed RX-8 concept car.

Following the Mazda6’s march towards luxury car dominance, the upcoming Mazda 3 has been spotted with previously unseen luxury amenities in the compact car segment like integrated mirror turn signals, Mazda’s advanced keyless entry system with push button start, mp3 hard drive, and numerous steering wheel based controls.

These new features are in addition to the current Mazda 3’s options including HID headlights, auto rain sensing wipers, auto on/off headlights, Bose sound system with aux input, lighted vanities, auto down driver’s window, one-touch moonroof and power seat controls.

None of the new features listed above are set in stone (they were observed on what appeared to be a near final prototype model during testing) it is very likely that the features will remain and be available on the final retail product. The stage is set and Mazda will officially reveal the 2010 Mazda 3’s design at the Los Angeles Auto Show which runs between November 17th and 26th.



By: Joshua Ferris

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Mazda Motor Corporation in July 16 reached 40 million units of cumulative production in Japan during a tribute ceremony at its Ujina Plant No. 2, which is situated near Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima. Mazda’s Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, along with executive officers and union representatives, mien as the 40 millionth Mazda — an all-new MAZDA2 — entered the production line. This milestone was accomplished 75 years and nine months from the date when Mazda started the production of its three-wheeled trucks in October 1931.

Imaki said that the company was able to accomplish 40 million units of cumulative production because of the huge support of their customers and the loyal efforts of the many employees and people related to Mazda. He explained that what pushes them to develop new technologies and create new value is Mazda’s hunger for welcoming challenges and a lively corporate culture. The President and CEO assured that they will continue to provide their customers with vehicles that are inviting and fun to drive and make them want to drive those cars again, to maintain the car maker’s track record of success going forward.

Initially, Mazda established itself in 1931 as a manufacturer of light trucks, beginning with three-wheeled trucks. When it started its production of the R360 Coupe minicar, Mazda took a brave step into the passenger car segment in 1960.

Since then, Mazda has developed into a true and competitive global corporation by producing and selling (internationally) of sports cars such as the first dual-rotor rotary engine car in the world, the Cosmo Sport and the legendary RX-7, alongside with durable models such as the Mazda Protege, Mazda 323 and Mazda 626. Mazda began to introduce a new generation of products in 2002 that vividly packed the new Zoom-Zoom brand promise. Since the start of the release of the MAZDA6 and MAZDA3, the new Zoom-Zoom vehicles have earned recognition thought out the world.

Mazda has long been dedicated to adopting innovative manufacturing styles for efficient production; and production for them means “both people and environmentally friendly”. And just recently, the wider use of initiatives such as Mazda’s Three Layer Wet Paint and Integrated Scheduled Production systems has enabled a uniquely flexible and high quality synchronized production line. Mazda aims to achieve further growth in the future by raising its brand value and improving business efficiency in accordance with the Mazda Advancement Plan. Mazda also assured that it will strive to provide excellent products and services that meet their customers’ high expectations, with product quality, safety and environmental performance, which are atop their priority.

Japan is Mazda’s home and the home of six out of top 10 largest vehicle manufacturers in the world. It is home to other multinational companies such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Suzuki. We are definitely sure fans of Honda fuel tank are waiting for Honda’s announcement of its cumulative production in Japan, as it ranks second to Toyota in terms of vehicle sales.



By: Ally Wahlberg

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