Mazda Motor Co has been named as Manufacturer of the year from Automotive Management Magazine

• Automotive Management Magazine has named Mazda Manufacturer of the Year.
• Mazda took the title at AM’s annual award ceremony in London last week.
• 2017 sees the launch of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF and the all-new Mazda CX-5.

Mazda has lifted the title of Manufacturer of the Year at the 2017 Automotive Management Awards.

Following the fourth-generation MX-5's unprecedented clean sweep of victories last year – taking the 2016 World Car of the Year, 2016 World Car Design of the Year and 2016 UK Car of the Year awards - it's clear that Mazda's driver-focused approach to its current model range is finding favour with judging panels and the general public alike.

In 2016 Mazda recorded 2.4 per cent year-on-year sales growth with retail sales increasing by 10 per cent in a UK market where total retail sales grew by just 2 per cent, while the launch next month of the all-new MX-5 RF Retractable Fastback will bolster the Mazda range to seven models, including the Mazda2, 2017 Mazda3, Mazda6, and both the CX-3 and CX-5 SUVs.

Mazda maintains a highly focused automotive philosophy which links every model in the company's new-generation line-up.  Its standout KODO - Soul of Motion design approach and its unique SKYACTIV Technology deliver entirely human-centred design and engineering ensuring Mazda’s customers benefit from elegant, refined and efficient cars whichprioritisethe Jinba-ittai car-and-driver-as-one driving experience exemplified by the MX-5.

Commenting on the Mazda brand, Automotive Management's panel of judges said: “They're now a brand of great cars, not just the one. Attractive, reliable and great to drive, if you weren't familiar with the brand, or it was hidden from you, you'd think you were driving one of the premium brands”.

Collecting the award Peter Allibon, Sales Director of Mazda UK said, “We are absolutely delighted to have our unique approach to automotive design and engineering recognised through the winning of such a prestigious award.'  And Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director Mazda UK added  “everything we do at Mazda is dedicated to making things better for our customers and our range of stylish, spirited and we are very happy that our great to drive cars continues to win praise from media and our customers alike.”

USA - The books are now open to place orders for the Mazda MX-5 RF, the hard top that stores itself.

Pricing for MX-5 RF Launch Edition MSRP1 to start from $33,850

The wait is over, as pricing for the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition has been announced in advance of the preorder site going live today.

Starting at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT, loyal Mazda customers who were sent an invitation with a personalized code will have a limited window of time to preorder one of the 1,000 MX-5 RF Launch Edition vehicles* on MX5RFPreorder.com. 

Customers will have the opportunity to place a $500 refundable deposit on the Retractable Fastback of their dreams, in addition to selecting the dealer of their choice for completing the transaction.

Pricing for the MX-5 RF Launch Edition will start at an MSRP[2] from $33,850 for the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual and $34,925 for models with the six-speed automatic transmission. Delivery of MX-5 RF Launch Edition vehicles will begin in February 2017, and continue through the spring.

“After a tremendously positive response to our global reveal of the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, we knew we had to do something unique for the MX-5 RF Launch Edition,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, MNAO. “Exclusive access to the presale is a way we can offer something special to our most loyal customers who can’t wait to get behind the wheel of one of the most anticipated vehicles in Mazda history.”

The MX-5 RF Launch Edition is based on the Grand Touring trim level of the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF and features a Machine Gray Metallic paint color and Auburn Nappa leather interior trim with a hand-painted black roof panel. 

Both the Nappa leather and black roof are exclusive to the MX-5 RF Launch Edition for 2017 in the U.S. All MX-5 RF Launch Editions will come with bespoke doorsill plates and Advanced Keyless Entry, the latter of which will be an option on other MX-5 RF models equipped with a manual transmission. MX-5 RF Launch Edition customers will have but one option choice to make — manual or automatic transmission — with each car built to order.

MX-5 RF Launch Edition buyers will also receive a custom-designed, serialized 42mm Tourneau watch to complement his or her purchase.

MX-5 is no stranger to vehicle presale opportunities for Mazda fans and enthusiasts. The 2016 MX-5 Launch Edition was the first example of the fourth-generation model to go on sale in the U.S. in 2015, and the 2015 MX-5 25^th Anniversary Edition sold out in just 10 minutes when it went on sale in 2014.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

mazda announces that the first MX-% RF models will be the Launch Edition, limited to just 1000 units worldwide.

Revolutionary and breathtaking to look at, yet simple and elegant in concept, the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF made its debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show with rousing acclaim. 

MX-5 RF was introduced with a color combination that will be exclusive to MX-5 RF versus the MX-5 soft top: Machine Gray Metallic paint color, Auburn Nappa leather interior trim with a hand-painted black roof panel, based on the Grand Touring trim level.

Now, the show car is set to become the MX-5 RF Launch Edition, limited to 1,000 vehicles in the U.S. and destined for Mazda’s most loyal customers.

Initially, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) will open up the preorders to a select group of customers who will be notified via email and will have a specific window of time to preorder the MX-5 RF Launch Edition before ordering opens to the general public*. 

Customers who opt to purchase an MX-5 RF Launch Edition will have but one option available—SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission—with each vehicle being made to order.

“MX-5 has enjoyed 27 years of being the world’s best-selling roadster, being named 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year and receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of other accolades,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, MNAO. 

“Rarely does any automaker have a vehicle that garners the sort of loyalty and enthusiasm MX-5 generates—something we don’t take lightly. 

MX-5 RF is the next chapter of this storied model line, and we can’t think of a better way to give back than to first offer this bespoke Launch Edition to those who have stuck with us, believing in our mission to deliver the best-driving vehicles on the road.”

Outside of the exclusive color combination, MX-5 RF Launch Edition customers will receive a custom-designed, numbered 42mm Tourneau watch to complement their cars.

For those who may miss out on purchasing an MX-5 RF Launch Edition, other retractable fastback models will be available with many of the same colors and interior combinations—just not the Machine Gray Metallic exterior color on the Grand Touring trim level with the black roof, Auburn Nappa leather interior and badging. 

While the 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition is based on the Grand Touring trim level, other MX-5 RF models are expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2017 in either Grand Touring or Club trim levels.

Specific timing for MX-5 RF Launch Edition ordering, as well as pricing, will be announced in the coming weeks.

GOODWOOD - The ultimate motoring event of the year is open, with lots of brand new metal, its the year to go !

The hundreds of exceptional competition cars and motorcycles are positioned in their paddocks, the motor racing stars are arriving, the supercars are being polished and the rally cars are earning their first mud splatters up at the Forest Rally Stage, all ahead of the 24th edition of the sell-out Goodwood Festival of Speed opening its gates at 7 am on Friday 24 June to thousands of excited enthusiasts.

Despite the recent rain, the weather forecast is currently promising a dry and sunny outlook for all three days of the 2016 Festival of Speed, which this weekend will be celebrating the theme of ‘Full Throttle – The Endless Pursuit of Power.’ This 2016 theme offers Goodwood an outstanding opportunity to showcase many of the fastest and most powerful machines ever conceived, illustrating motorsport’s continual quest for power.

As always, this weekend’s Festival of Speed has something for everyone, from a huge roll call of the very top drivers and riders, including current F1 stars, plus Grand Prix cars, seven current Formula 1 teams, rally champions, endurance racing legends, NASCAR, Indy, BTCC, WRC, WTCC, supercars, competition bikes, GAS extreme action sports, off-road buggies, the peace and tranquillity of the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours lawn, and much much more besides.

In addition, Festival of Speed spectators will be able to marvel at the impressive and imposing ‘Central Feature’ installation, celebrating one hundred years since the founding of the important BMW brand this year.

Ahead of all of this though, the Goodwood Moving Motor Show kicks off the annual motoring excitement today (Thursday 23 June), with hundreds of the very latest new passenger car models – many making their UK or world debuts – being driven up the celebrated Goodwood Hill.

All in all, it promises to be an exciting the memorable weekend!

The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF will take centre stage on Mazda’s Festival of Speed stand.

• The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF will take centre stage on Mazda’s Festival of Speed stand.
• Further MX-5 highlights include the MX-5 Spyder and Speedster concept cars.
• The success of this iconic roadster will be celebrated with the display of the one-millionth MX-5.

With the European debut of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF as the focal point, Mazda will celebrate the past, present and future of the MX-5 at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Having made its global debut at the New York Motor Show in March, the RF ‘Retractable Fastback’ will take centre stage on the Mazda UK stand this June, while other MX-5 highlights include the one-millionth production MX-5, plus the MX-5 Spyder and Speedster concept cars. 

Designed to offer a new dimension of open-top driving fun, while at the same time staying true to the rationale of the previous generation MX-5 retractable hardtop, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF’s ‘fastback’ styling gives it a unique appearance roof up or down, broadening the appeal of the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car.

“With the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF we freed ourselves from traditional ways of thinking and took on fresh challenges in order to create something new. Our aim was a convertible sports car with gorgeous fastback lines when the roof is closed and an exhilarating open-air feeling when open”, commented Nobuhiro Yamamoto, Mazda MX-5 Programme Manager.

The MX-5 RF’s retractable hardtop consists of front, middle and rear roof sections, and a rear screen. When the top is lowered the front and middle portions are stowed together, while the rear glass sits behind the seats, leaving the rear roof section in place to create a unique open-topped look, and a cabin feeling that combines a sense of open air freedom with the impression of being securely ensconced within the car.

A 5mm increase in roof height aside, the RF retains the same overall length, width and wheelbase as the convertible, while the fully automated hardtop is one of the fastest available, opening at the touch of a button even when the car is moving at up to 6mph.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed staring MX-5 RF will feature Mazda’s new premium paint colour – Machine Grey. Designed to accentuate the subtle yet dynamic surfaces of Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion exteriors, Machine Grey intensifies the contrasts between light and shadow with its high-density finish, giving the impression that the body was sculpted from a solid block of steel.   

“If we consider the convertible model to represent the purist of lightweight sports car appeal, the new Retractable Fastback epitomises a new type of MX-5 that aims to be a compact sports car with a natural charm that everyone will find beautiful”, commented Masashi Nakayama, Mazda MX-5 Chief Designer.   

Building on the all-new Mazda MX-5’s award-winning design, the RF’s roof up style wowed crowds on its debut in New York and will doubtless do the same in Sussex this summer. With gently downward slopping buttresses that tuck in at the sides to create a teardrop shape, the RF’s elegant fastback silhouette accentuates the MX-5’s dynamic and contemporary sports car proportions.

Developed to deliver enhanced cabin comfort and a refined ride, while at the same time maintaining the agility, balance and performance of the convertible, the suspension and electric power steering parameters have been specifically tuned for the Retractable Fastback. In addition, a sound-absorbing headliner used in the front and middle roof panels combines with sound insulation around the rear wheel housings to deliver a significantly quieter cabin when the roof is closed.

On sale in the UK in 2017, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF adds another model to Mazda’s award-winning range and promises to write a new chapter in the MX-5 success story.  Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK said, “we’re delighted that British fans will get to see the RF at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. With over 120,000 sales since its launch in 1990, the UK has played a huge part in the MX-5 success story and the RF offers something new that I’m sure will attract even more people to this amazing sports car when it goes on sale next year.”

Adding, “It’s also great that we have the one-millionth MX-5 with us at Goodwood, as this car is a physical milestone that highlights the continued success of the MX-5. With the current convertible we have a spectacular car that continues to win praise from our customers and the media alike, and having been crowned both World Car of the Year and UK Car of the Year, we’re looking forward to another bumper year of MX-5 convertible sales.”   

Taking place from the 23^rd to 26^th June, the UK’s leading automotive event will see a full celebration of the world’s best- selling two-seater sports car.

NYIAS - Mazda to showcase the new MX-5 Retractable Fastback (Hardtop) at New York.

• Mazda MX-5 RF on display in a world premiere at the New York International Auto Show
• To be available in Machine Grey, a new premium colour designed for KODO exteriors

Mazda revealed the Mazda MX-5 RF (“retractable fastback”) today on the eve of the New York International Auto Show. The latest version of the legendary sports car offers a new dimension of open-top driving fun while at the same time staying true to the purpose of Mazda’s previous retractable hardtop MX-5: Making the roadster experience accessible to a broader range of drivers.

In doing so, Mazda has broken with conventional thinking to create something entirely new. Featuring fastback styling with a smooth roofline that slopes down to the rear, the MX-5 RF’s unique rear roof and retractable back window deliver a distinctive new convertible feeling.

The power roof opens and closes with the press of a button while moving at speeds of up to 10km/h. The roof itself stows away compactly and efficiently: Despite the sleek design, the MX-5 RF offers the same boot space as the soft-top model. 

Also like the soft-top, the new version will be available in Europe with a choice of two revvy petrol engines – the SKYACTIV-G 1.5 and SKYACTIV-G 2.0 – mated either to a delightfully crisp shifting six-speed SKYACTIV-MT gearbox or – exclusively for the MX-5 RF – a six-speed automatic.

Another highlight of the MX-5 RF is the selection of body colours. They include Machine Grey, a new premium colour specially designed to accentuate the subtle yet dynamic surfaces of Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion exteriors. 

Developed in the belief that colour is one of the elements of form, Machine Grey expresses the beauty of a machine’s strength and precision. By intensifying the contrast between light and shadow with a sleek, high-density finish, it gives the impression that the vehicle’s body was sculpted from a solid block of steel.

Paint application is crucial here. Mazda progressed its Takuminuri painting technology originally created for Soul Red, Mazda’s first premium colour, to achieve a precise, high-quality finish that looks as if it were hand-painted by a master craftsman. 

The system uses a three-coat paint structure consisting of colour, reflective and clear coats. The reflective layer, which contains extremely thin, high-brightness aluminium flakes, shrinks during the drying process to about one-quarter the thickness of most reflective layers. 

This causes the flakes to lie flat with regular spacing between each flake for a high-density finish that gives the entire surface a sheen when illuminated and a genuine metallic look. Jet black pigment, meanwhile, is used in both the reflective and colour layers. 

It is visible through the spaces between the aluminium flakes, giving them a black hue and thus heightening the contrast. Machine Grey will be available on a range of Mazda models, including the all-new Mazda CX-9 slated to go on sale in North America this spring.

The MX-5 RF is on display at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public from 25 March to 3 April. Mazda is holding a press conference from 11:20-11:45am on 24 March, the second of two press days.

Mazda’s exhibits at the 2016 New York International Auto Show

Show model	Mazda MX-5 RF (world premiere)
Model to be launched	Mazda CX-9 (North America)
Currently available models	Mazda CX-3, Mazda CX-5, Mazda3, Mazda6, Mazda MX-5,
Technology	SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5 petrol engines, SKYACTIV-G 2.5T direct-injection turbocharged engine