Despite the strict quality control that the Hiroshima-base automaker is employing on the production of its vehicles still there are defects or flaws that seem to slip undetected and unfortunately it is only when customers start complaining that such defects are discovered.

And just recently Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it will be recalling more than 280,000 cars in Japan due to defects. This is currently the biggest vehicle recall of the automaker on record in Japan.

Mazda will recall 287,987 Demio and Verisa compact models produced between June 2003 and July 2006. The defects were found to affect the clutch systems and coil springs in the suspensions according to Mazda spokeswoman Aya Takahashi. She also added that so far there were no injuries or damage that have been reported but of course the automaker will not wait until for their customers to get hurt so they are announcing a recall.

The automaker will conduct the repairs for free however it did not specify the total cost of the current recalls.

Mazda spokeswoman Takahashi further stated that there are some 25,559 Demios much popularly known as Mazda2 overseas that were exported during that time. These cars are not included in the domestic recall but Mazda assured that it will handle the defects of exported models inline with local regulations.

Out of the 25,559 exported Demios, 20,850 were shipped to Australia, 1,166 vehicles were taken to New Zealand, 1,147 to Singapore, and 262 units to Hong Kong. The present 280,000 recall is the largest recall in Japan ever since the Mazda has began taking recall data in 1994 explained Takahashi. She said that the company’s previously recorded recall was for 162,405 vehicles which were in March of 2004.

One of the causes of the present recall is related to the coil springs with coatings that can be removed easily attributed to the inappropriate installation of the parts said Takahashi. The danger of this is that the coil will rust but the worst scenario is that it will break and might cause accident.

Another problem pertains to the material used to cap the hydraulic oil used in the clutch system since it could leak causing the clutch not to function properly.

Mazda Is not the only Japanese automaker that is experiencing an increasing number of recall this is because once defective products are found in a certain model it usually affects other models since usually this same parts like for example Mazda headlights are often used for multiple models among automakers.

Last March, Honda Motor Co. has also announced a recall of more than 290,000 vehicles from its 13 models. The reason for the recall was to repair a manufacturing defect that could stop the cars’ engines.

About Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda Motor Corporation has started manufacturing tools since the year 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. Then in the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines.

Mazda’s headquarter is located in Hiroshima in western Japan and today the automaker ranks as one of Japan’s leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. Mazda’s overseas sales account for more than half of its total turnover. Mazda has two main production sites in Japan and 19 overseas facilities. The Overseas sites include joint ventures based in the United States, and also in Thailand. Ford Motor Company is Mazda’s largest shareholder.



By: Kraig Johanssen

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Mazda is a Japanese automobile maker that produces about 1.25 million cars per year. Its models are widely distributed globally with sales coming in among Japan, Europe, Australia and North America, followed by Latin America.

Based in Hiroshima, Mazda Motor Corporation has had quite an interesting history. The company actually started out manufacturing tools for machinery. During the second world war, perhaps due to obligation, Mazda then began producing weapons for the Japanese military. That all changed in 1931 with the introduction of Mitsubishi’s Mazda-Go, a three-wheeled open truck that resembled a motorcycle with an open wagon or truck bed. Mazda took its name to a different level and began manufacturing top of the line automobiles. It was in 1960 when Mazda became an official automaker. During this decade, Mazda saw a significant progression coming from 16 horsepower (12 kW) passenger cars to the Mazda Cosmo, a sports car that has a Wankel engine. Today, the Japanese corporation enjoys international recognition for speed and innovation. Mazda is currently listed on Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars 2007″ list.

Although Mazda underwent numerous transformation and development, there is one constant factor that has never changed ever since the debut of its first car. This is the engineering of highly efficient parts and accessories that significantly supplement automotive performance. The Mazda grille, for example, is a testament to Japanese ingenuity. Typically mounted in the front area of a vehicle, the Mazda grille adds an extra layer of framing between the front of the vehicle and whatever may come towards it. That framing includes heavy-duty steel uprights with tough rubber push pads and tubular crossbars.

Mazda continues to produce Mazda grilles that prove to be essential for most consumers to have. After all, having a Mazda grille installed gives a sense of ease knowing that their precious automobiles are being protected. As for the history of Mazda, it is safe to say that it is still not done, there are a lot more cutting-edge technology and innovations to come along the way.



By: Anthony Fontanelle

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In an effort to redefine the compact car category, Mazda created the Mazda 3 series, which offers performance, sophistication, safety, and reliability—all qualities that one would probably expect from a much more expensive European sport sedan. Hence, Mazda 3 delivers a driving experience far beyond the benefits projected by its price.

Mazda 3, known domestically in Japan as Axela, traces its roots to the year 2004 when Mazda Motor Corporation introduced the model, replacing the 323 (Familia in Japan). It received a rousing reception from virtually all markets. It was judged the “People’s Choice” car in a number of countries. In fact, Mazda 3 was Canada’s second best-selling car in 2006. In 2005, almost 340,000 exportable units of Mazda 3 were produced by the two largest Mazda facilities in Japan, one in Hiroshima and one in Hofu. An excellent set of Mazda 3 parts brings the Axela to the pedestal of the automotive industry. Included in the long list are the Mazda 3 performance parts, led by the top-of-the-range 2.0-liter petrol engine, controlled by Mazda’s Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT), a six-speed manual transmission and an electronic throttle – all of which provide superb acceleration, excellent fuel economy and minimal engine noise. Another Mazda 3 part that is important in ensuring that drivers and passengers get to enjoy a comfortable ride is the Cruise Controller which minimizes driver fatigue and discomfort on long journeys (standard on Sport).

Mazda 3 comes with a range of active safety features to help motorists cope with the unexpected. This includes the Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) (standard on TS2 and Sport models). MAIDAS is designed to efficiently disperse impact energy in the event of a collision. The entire range of features helps protect all occupants from possible accidents on the road. Built around a unique triple H structure, it disperses impact energy across high rigidity body and resists deformation in all conceivable collision areas. Other Mazda 3 parts that make the Japanese compact car an instant looker are the clear-lens halogen headlamps, the newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels, angular fog lamps, redesigned wrap-around skirts, eye-catching front and rear bumpers, chrome front mesh grille, wide tail lamps, and the seatbelt reminder. Aside from these Mazda 3 parts, the car packs along ergonomic features found throughout the passenger cabin, with carefully selected materials that strike out a balance between good texture and form. All things considered, Mazda has, indeed, been able to make its mark in the global automotive scene with its Mazda 3.



By: Anthony Fontanelle

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Mazda was not quite a full fledged automotive company when it began its work in the industry. The company demonstrated greater involvement with the production of machine tools throughout the early years of its operations. Not until the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd finally decided to switch from the production of machine tools to the manufacture of four-wheel rides, would the company finally gain its name, Mazda. It was a great choice name, after the powerful God Ahura Mazda, and quite apt too since Mazda was fated to become one of the giants in the automotive industry. While manufacturing machine tools was a good business, being in the car industry opened up more opportunities for Mazda in terms of profit and development. Witnessing the phenomenal growth that the company has achieved in the automotive market, management officials of the company finally decided to change its name to Mazda Motor Corporation. This allowed Mazda to be truly identified with automobiles since then.

Together with other famous names, brands, and models in the automotive industry, Mazda pioneered a number of new car technologies that left their marks in the history of revolutionary automotive developments. But Mazda didn’t earn its solid reputation the easy way. Employing exacting standards for each and every single auto part produced, Mazda was able to build a reputation solely on the excellence of its cars and car parts. This, however, didn’t stop the company from improving on the quality of their cars and car parts even more.

Over the years, sales of OEM Mazda parts began a steady climb. Market conditions were favorable and contributed a great deal to the surge in consumer demands for OEM Mazda parts. Basically companies that purchase manufactured products from another company in order to resell them, OEM for Mazda grew in number as well, with many OEM companies emerging from the woordwork to provide consumers with exceptional Mazda OEM Parts. All these companies offering Mazda OEM Parts have one goal in mind – to HELP Mazda owners look for suitable replacements to take the place of old and worn Mazda parts. These OEM companies also offer a run of choices for those thinking to add on a few accessories to their beloved vehicles. So, whether it is to secure Mazda part replacements or simply to locate performance parts that would improve the car’s operations, car owners wouldn’t have much trouble in finding what they want since there are lots of Mazda OEM Parts available in the market these days. Caution should still be practiced, however so consumers must take care to get their parts from trusted and reliable Mazda OEM Parts around.



By: Anthony Fontanelle

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Mazda Motor Corporation the producer of top-of-the-line OEM Mazda parts has announced recently that they will employ changes that will affect the organization and the personnel. The changes will take effect on June 26, 2007.

Here are the some of the changes that are to be implemented by Mazda Motors Corporation (source: www.mazda.com):



Organizational Changes

Changes in the area of corporate affairs

Goals

- Mazda will effect organizational changes to enrich and enhance the company’s management, based on social responsibility as the foundation for our business activities under our long-term vision. The changes will consolidate various corporate social responsibility (CSR) related activities into a single organization, such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental protection, corporate compliance, human rights enhancement, and social contribution activities—which have been conducted separately until now—and ensure their consistency.

- By separating the internal control promotion and auditing functions within the Internal Auditing Division, we will further improve the efficiency of control activities and ensure a more independent and objective auditing process.

- The Corporate Affairs Div. has been renamed the Corporate Services Div.

- The CSR Promotion Dept. has been newly established within the Corporate Services Div. Partial functions of the Personnel and Labor Affairs Dept., General Affairs Dept., Office of Legal Affairs and Internal Auditing Div. have been transferred and consolidated within it.

- The Internal Auditing Div. has been reorganized and renamed the Global Auditing Dept.

- In line with the organizational changes stated above, the Internal Auditing Div. has been eliminated.

Personnel Changes

The List of Directors, Officers, Auditors



Representative Director Hisakazu Imaki and Chairman of the Board

Representative Director Robert J. Graziano

Representative Director Takashi Yamanouchi

Representative Director David E. Friedman

Director Daniel T. Morris Director Ryoichi Hasegawa

Director Kiyoshi Ozaki

Director Seita Kanai

Director Masaharu Yamaki

Corporate Auditor (Full time) Junichi Yamamoto

Corporate Auditor (Full time) Shigeki Wakamatsu

Corporate Auditor Kenichi Komatsu

Corporate Auditor Ichiro Sakai

Corporate Auditor Isao Akaoka

* President and CEO Hisakazu Imaki

* Executive Vice President Robert J. Graziano Assistant to President;

In charge of China Business, R&D, Marketing, Sales, IT Solution, Quality Assurance and Environment

* Executive Vice President Takashi Yamanouchi Assistant to President;

In charge of Corporate Liaison, Purchasing, Administration, Secretariat, Human Resources and Internal Auditing

* Senior Managing Executive Officer David E. Friedman In charge of Corporate Planning and CFO

* Senior Managing Executive Officer Daniel T. Morris In charge of Marketing, Sales and Customer Service

* Senior Managing Executive Officer Ryoichi Hasegawa In charge of Corporate Communications & Liaison and IT Solution; Assistant to the CFO

* Senior Managing Executive Officer Kiyoshi Ozaki In charge of China Business

* Senior Managing Executive Officer Seita Kanai In charge of R&D; President, Mazda Engineering &Technology Co., Ltd.

* Senior Managing Executive Officer Masaharu Yamaki In charge of Production and Business Logistics

Managing Executive Officer Masazumi Wakayama In charge of Domestic Business

Managing Executive Officer Nobuhiro Hayama In charge of R&D Quality and Powertrain Development

Managing Executive Officer James J. O’Sullivan President and CEO, Mazda Motor of America, Inc. (Mazda North American Operations)

Managing Executive Officer Akira Marumoto In charge of Product Planning and Program Management;

General Manager, Product Planning & Business Strategy Div.

Managing Executive Officer Keishi Egawa In charge of Corporate Planning and Financial Services

Managing Executive Officer Toru Oka In charge of Purchasing

Managing Executive Officer Malcolm D. Gough In charge of Overseas Sales and Customer Service

Managing Executive Officer James M. Muir President and CEO, Mazda Motor Europe GmbH

Managing Executive Officer Nobuhide Inamoto In charge of Quality Assurance and Environment

Managing Executive Officer Yasuto Tatsuta General Manager, Production Engineering Div. and President, Toyo Advanced Technologies Co., Ltd.

Executive Officer Satoshi Tachikake President and CEO, Mazda Motor (China) Co., Ltd. and General Manager, China Business Div.

Executive Officer Hirotaka Kanazawa In charge of Vehicle Development and Technical Research Center

Executive Officer Masamichi Kogai President, AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Executive Officer Koji Kurosawa In charge of Corporate Services, Risk Management, CSR and Mazda Hospital

Executive Officer Shiro Mikami General Manager, Domestic Business Div.

Executive Officer Kozo Kawakami General Manager, Customer Service Div.

Executive Officer Noriaki Yamada COO, Mazda Motor (China) Co., Ltd.

Executive Officer Toshinori Kusuhashi General Manager, Hiroshima Plant

Executive Officer Yuji Nakamine General Manager, Overseas Sales Div. and President, Mazda South East Asia Ltd.

Executive Officer A. Kumar Galhotra General Manager, Program Management Div.

Executive Officer Hiroshi Yamamoto Sales & Field Operations, Domestic Business Div. and President, Mazda Chuhan Co., Ltd.

Executive Officer Tatsuji Ikeda General Manager, Quality Div.

Executive Officer Minoru Mitsuda General Manager, Human Resources Div.

Executive Officer Masafumi Nakano General Manager, Hofu Plant

Executive Officer Kazuki Imai General Manager, Purchasing Div.







By: Kraig Johanssen

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Auto makers are surely prepping up their collection of vehicles that would go on display on whatever automobile or car show there is. And one international brand, Mazda, is making the Auto China 2006 no exception.

The Mazda Motor Corporation just most recently announced that during the Auto China 2006 which will be held in the Asian city of Beijing, the company would be exhibiting not only some of its top production vehicles but the company would also be showing off a couple of its concept vehicles. There would be two Mazda concept vehicles that would be gracing the show. One is the Mazda SASSOU which the Mazda B20 pickup parts creator claims to be an innovative concept vehicle that comes as a hatchback with three doors. Another concept vehicle from the auto manufacturer would be the sports car concept Mazda SENKU. The Mazda SENKU is claimed to hold a rotary engine and holds four seats. Plus, the company also does say that this one is going to be the kind of vehicle the future will have.

Both these concept vehicles are fairly new. The Mazda SASSOU was actually built and designed in the company’s Europe design center. In fact, this concept vehicle is going to make its Asian debut at the Auto China 2006 event. As per the Mazda SENKU, this one was created in the Japan center and it has already been introduced to the motoring public during last year’s Tokyo Motor Show.

Aside from the mentioned vehicles, this motor show will also be the very event where the company would also be using its new international motor show stand design for a motor show in China. According to Mazda, they would be doing such so as to let everybody else see that the company is focused on showing off their global brand message which is the Zoom-Zoom.

So what other vehicles are going to be part of the Mazda troop?

Aside from the two previously mentioned concept vehicles, another concept vehicle to grace the show would be the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid which would be making its China premiere. Reference vehicles that would be joining the show are the Mazda5, and the Mazda MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top. Technical vehicles that show off the kind of technology the company has are the Hydrogen RE Hybrid Engine cut model, the RENESIS engine cut model, and the Smart Idling Stop System Engine cut model. Vehicles already in the market would be the Mazda3, the Mazda6, and the Mazda RX-8.



By: Margaret Adams

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Auto shows have become channels and avenues for car manufacturers to show off the best of their stuff. These events have also been branded as the stage for new products and new vehicles. Sure, vehicles like the Mazda Protege took off at some auto show and made everybody stare at its Mazda Protege car parts shining underneath all the lights and every flash of the camera.

Now, at the upcoming 2007 North American International Auto Show, or the NAIAS, the Mazda Motor Corporation along with its North American arm would be showing off yet another new vehicle. This time, they would be sending out one of the newest concept vehicles that the company has been able to complete. They call the new concept vehicle the Mazda Ryuga. The vehicle would be shown off alongside yet another new production vehicle which has been dubbed as the Mazda Tribute SUV Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). Together, these two vehicles would brave the press, the eager beavers, other new vehicles, and the lights and cameras of the 2007 NAIAS.

So what is the Mazda Ryuga? According to the global design director for Mazda, Laurens van den Acker, “Ryuga is Zoom Zoom defined. It combines vibrance, confidence, fun, and youth all in one ingeniuos package.” Other than that, the Mazda Ryuga has also been said to have been built on the basis of one word – flow. And Ryuga, a Japanese word, actually translates to “gracious flow”. The Mazda Motor Corporation does promise that the Mazda Ryuga would be having a much higher kind of sophistication which can be quite felt and seen at the materials used to create the vehicle. The interior holds rich fabrics and leather. The Mazda auto parts used are of top quality and have been engineered to fit well and work well.

As per the other new Mazda vehicle, the Mazda Tribute HEV, this new vehicle has already been in the industry. However, this time around, the vehicle would be coming in after quick a major revision of its parts, features, and style. It is also considered to be the very first vehicle with advance technology which has the power and capacity to help clean up the air from Mazda.



By: Kimberly Meyer

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Do you remember that very long pick up truck?

The Drifter was first introduced in 1961. But its latest generation is now known as the Mazda BT-50 which is soon to be launched in South Africa’s competitive automotive market.

Doreen Mashinini, the Mazda Marketing Manager, said that their company’s goal in developing the new Mazda pick up was to get the qualities that gained the previous generations of the Mazda B-Series pickup praise and distinctions from around the entire auto industry. He explained that they simultaneously need to adopt the true spirit of Zoom-Zoom by creating a new magnitude of driving standards and pleasure.

The manager added that the BT-50 comes with a complete improvement of the exterior as well as the interior. The company claims that the pick up is redesigned in order to persuade the customers who love adventures, and at the same time in order to offer practicality and other wonderful benefits.

The newly developed MZR-CD 3.0 direct-injection common-rail turbo diesel engine is matched to with the established 2.6-litre petrol and 2.5-litre turbo diesel units. The 3.0-litre power plant yields a claimed 115kW at 3200rpm and offers a maximum torque of 380Nm at 1800rpm. A new five-speed manual transmission has been adopted so that the greater power and torque generated by the MZR-CD unit will be supported.

Some of the features that will be available are the 4W-ABS and EBD systems. Some models will come with dual front airbags plus new side airbags that would protect the head as well as the chest when a crash occurs.

Mashinini concluded that the Mazda BT-50 is set to be the most powerful, comfortable sports activity vehicle Mazda has ever introduced in its entire existence in the industry.

The Mazda BT-50 will be locally and officially launched on July 2007.

About Mazda B-series

The Mazda B-series is also known as the Mazda Drifter. It is a 2-door pick-up truck that was first manufactured in 1961 by Mazda Motor Corporation, owner of Mazda OEM parts. The mark 7 is the current model, which was initially built in 1999 and can be manufactured with one of four body styles and one of two engines.

Mazda has used form first B-Series pickup truck the engine displacement to determine the name. In effect, the B1500 had a 1.5 L engine, and the new B4000 has a 4.0 L V6. Mazda used the ‘Proceed’ name in the Japanese market on the car’s compact pickup trucks. Moreover, another line of larger trucks is available which is called the ‘Mazda Titan’. Other names used for the pick up series include ‘Mazda Bravo’ in Australia, ‘Mazda Bounty’ in New Zealand), ‘Mazda Magnum’ / ‘Thunder’ / ‘Fighter’ in Thailand, and ‘Mazda Drifter’ in South Africa.

Mazda’s 33.4% of controlling interest is controlled by the Ford Motor Company. And as a result, the sharing of the Mazda B-Series and Ford Ranger are basically the same. Since 1970s, the Ford Courier name is also used and the line continues today in both Australia and New Zealand.

Nonetheless, the public should be reminded that the Mazda B-Series and Ford Ranger twins that are marketed in North America are unrelated to the ones sold elsewhere. These vehicles are built by Mazda and the models in North America are developed by Ford.

These are engineered by Mazda, whereas the North American models are developed by Ford.



By: Kraig Johanssen

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