| 29 Sep 2009 | Mazda Global Premiere of Eco-Friendly and Powerful Next Generation 'SKY-G' and 'SKY-D' Engines at Tokyo Motor Show 2009
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of its next-generation engine lineup and automatic transmissions at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, to be held from Saturday, October 24 through Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Mazda will exhibit the ‘Mazda SKY-G’ direct injection gasoline engine, the ‘Mazda SKY-D’ clean diesel engine and the ‘Mazda SKY Drive’ high-efficiency automatic transmission. The Tokyo Motor Show, to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, will also mark the Japan debut of the Kiyora concept car as an exhibit of Mazda’s next-generation environmental and safety technologies.
Mazda’s theme for the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is “The Mazda SKY concept—Providing driving pleasure and environmental and safety features for all customers!” Under the headings of “Today,” “Tomorrow” and “The Future,” Mazda will display advanced technologies designed to improve the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold globally 30 percent by 2015 compared to 2008 levels. This is one of the goals of Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom.
Mazda is committed to significantly improving the core aspects of its vehicles that affect performance – engines, transmissions, and lighter vehicle weight – in order to achieve elevated driving pleasure together with outstanding environmental and safety features. The Mazda SKY concept defines Mazda’s approach to developing next-generation powertrains that will significantly improve the eco-friendliness and dynamic performance of all Mazda vehicles. The SKY concept embodies Mazda’s desire to ensure an “everlasting blue sky” under which drivers will always be able to enjoy the fun-to-drive pleasure afforded by owning a Mazda. The concept also reflects the “sky’s the limit” aspirations of Mazda’s engineers as they employ unconventional thinking to achieve optimal performance in every vehicle that bears the Mazda nameplate.
Based on the SKY concept, Mazda’s “Technologies for Tomorrow” display at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show will include the next-generation direct injection gasoline Mazda SKY-G engine and the Mazda SKY-D clean diesel engine. Both offer improved eco-friendliness and torque thanks to optimized combustion efficiency. Mazda will also reveal the first next-generation automatic transmission, the Mazda SKY-Drive, which offers first-rate fuel economy and a direct driving performance feel.
The Mazda Kiyora, a next-generation compact concept car imbued with Mazda’s fun-to-drive character, will make its Japanese debut at the Tokyo show. Featuring the next-generation Mazda SKY concept powertrain technologies and comprehensive advancements in weight reduction, the Kiyora achieves outstanding fuel economy of 32 kilometers per liter (under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle).
Alongside the SKY concept exhibits, Mazda will also feature a “Today’s Technologies” exhibit that includes i-stop, a unique idling stop system that was introduced with the all-new Mazda Axela (known as the Mazda3 overseas). “Future Technologies” will showcase the advanced Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, with its hydrogen-powered rotary engine, and various vehicle technologies under development as part of Mazda’s drive to realize an accident-free and safe motorized society.
The 41st Tokyo Motor Show press days will be October 21-22, with a special invitation day on October 23. The show will be open to the public from Saturday, October 24 through Wednesday, November 4. Mazda will hold its press conference at 12:30 p.m. (JST) on Wednesday, October 21, 2009.
Summary of major exhibits
Mazda Kiyora
The Mazda Kiyora is a compact concept car that is both extremely eco-friendly and fun-to-drive due to the combination of Mazda’s next-generation direct injection Mazda SKY-G 1.3 engine and new compact and lightweight six-speed Mazda SKY-Drive automatic transmission. The Kiyora achieves excellent fuel economy figures of 32 kilometers per liter (under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle) aided by Mazda’s unique i-stop idling stop system, regenerative braking, and advanced aerodynamics around a compact body that is 100 kilograms lighter than Mazda’s current mass production model in the same segment.
Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid
In March 2009, Mazda began leasing the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to Japanese government authorities and energy-related organizations. It features a unique series hybrid system, consisting of a hydrogen rotary engine connected to a generator that powers an electric motor. This advanced powertrain enables the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to achieve a hydrogen-fueled driving range of 200 kilometers. The vehicle also employs Mazda’s plant-derived Biotechmaterials*, reflecting initiatives to realize use of non-petroleum-based resources and reduce CO2 emissions.
Next-generation direct injection Mazda SKY-G gasoline engine
Mazda SKY-G is a next-generation direct injection gasoline engine with significantly improved fuel economy and output performance due to enhanced thermal efficiency. The engine block is newly designed to reduce mechanical friction and achieve an optimal air-fuel mix, and a direct fuel injection system is employed due to the wide variety of spray profiles that are possible, enabling the maximum expansion ratio to be achieved. Specifically, fuel economy and torque are improved by approximately 15 percent compared to Mazda’s current 2.0-liter engine. This was achieved by adopting next-generation fuel injectors and a highly functional variable valve timing mechanism. The engine enables fuel economy equivalent to the current Mazda Demio (known as the Mazda2 overseas) to be achieved in a vehicle the size of a Mazda Axela (Mazda3).
Next-generation clean diesel Mazda SKY-D engine
Mazda’s new SKY-D clean diesel engine boasts high fuel economy and output performance as well as low exhaust emissions. The newly designed engine block reduces mechanical friction to the level of a gasoline engine. By optimizing the pressure and temperature in the cylinders, the shape of combustion chambers, and the fuel injection rate, combustion begins at the best timing in terms of thermal efficiency. Specifically, by employing piezo injectors, a two-stage turbocharger and other technologies, fuel economy becomes approximately 20 percent better than the current 2.2-liter diesel engine. Mazda has achieved fuel economy equivalent to the current Mazda Demio (known overseas as the Mazda2) in a vehicle the size of a Mazda Atenza (Mazda6).
Next-generation Mazda SKY-Drive automatic transmission
Mazda’s next-generation SKY-Drive automatic transmission is highly efficient, contributing to substantially improved fuel economy and a more direct feel compared with the current unit. It improves fuel economy by approximately five percent, due to a complete redesign that significantly reduces mechanical friction, a revised torque converter and clutch with minimized slip, and an optimized lock-up mechanism. A rapid clutch action was achieved by identifying the minimum amount of fluid necessary. This also helped to realize a direct feel similar to a dual clutch transmission. |
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| 7 Aug 2009 | New Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept Coming to the Frankfurt Motor Show
The Mazda MX-5 Superlight version, a show car capturing the pure essence of the world’s most popular roadster, will see its world premiere at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from September 15 through 27, 2009.
After 20 years of global success, the Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling two-seat sports car in the world. At Frankfurt, Mazda will present a new take on its affordable roadster with an all-new show car, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight version, designed at Mazda’s studio in Frankfurt, Germany. A pure show car, it takes the lightweight technology that Mazda is famous for to a new level, improving driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. This is combined with a radical exterior design requiring no windshield, and sporty chassis settings for pure roadster driving fun. |
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| 21 Jan 2008 | Renault-Nissan and Project Better Place prepare for first mass marketed electric vehicles
--MOU signed today in Jerusalem for first application on Israeli market--
In a significant move towards reducing CO2 car emissions as well as particles pollution, the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Project Better Place engage in a breakthrough with electric vehicles in Israel.
The solution framework comes in response to the Israeli State's challenge to the auto industry and its supply chain to migrate the country's transportation infrastructure to renewable sources of energy.
For the first time in history, all the conditions necessary for electric vehicles to be successfully mass-marketed will be brought together in a partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Project Better Place in Israel. The Israeli government would provide tax incentives to customers, Renault would supply the electric vehicles, and Project Better Place would construct and operate an Electric Recharge Grid across the entire country. Electric vehicles will be available for customers in 2011.
* 100% electric vehicles: Renault's vehicles will run on pure electricity for all functions. The objective of zero emissions will be achieved, while at the same time offering driving performances similar to a 1.6 liter gasoline engine. Renault's electric vehicles will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries, ensuring greater driving range and longevity.
* Innovative business model: For the first time in the electric vehicle business, ownership of the car is separated from the requirement to own a battery. Consumers will buy and own their car and subscribe to energy, including the use of the battery, on a basis of kilometers driven. This model is similar to the way mobile phones are sold, with an initial purchase and a monthly subscription for the mobility service.
* Competitive cost of ownership: The Israeli government recently extended a tax incentive on the purchase of any zero-emissions vehicle until 2019, making them more affordable. Combined with the lower cost of electricity as opposed to fuel-based energy, and the vehicle's lifetime guarantee, the total cost of ownership for the customer will be significantly lower than that of a fuel-based car over the life cycle of the vehicle.
* Electric Recharge Grid infrastructure: California-based Project Better Place plans to deploy a massive network of battery charging spots. Driving range will no longer be an obstacle, because customers will be able to plug their cars into charging units in any of the 500,000 charging spots in Israel. An on-board computer system will indicate to the driver the remaining power supply and the nearest charging spot. Nissan, through its joint venture with NEC, has created a battery pack that meets the requirements of the electric vehicle and will mass-produce it. Renault is working on development of exchangeable batteries for continuous mobility. The entire framework will go through a series of tests starting this year.
* Perfect first mass market: In Israel, where 90% of car owners drive less than 70 kilometers per day, and all major urban centers are less than 150 kilometers apart, electric vehicles would be the ideal means of transportation and could therefore cover most of the population's transportation needs.
Along with Project Better Place, this is the first illustration of the Alliance's commitment to mass-market zero-emission vehicles all over the world.
Project Better Place
Project Better Place is a venture-backed company that aims to reduce global dependency on oil through the creation of a market-based transportation infrastructure that supports electric vehicles, providing consumers with a cleaner, sustainable, personal transportation alternative. Launched in October 2007, Project Better Place will build its first pilot Electric Recharge Grid in Israel and plans to deploy the infrastructure on a country-by-country basis with initial deployments beginning in 2010.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance
The Renault-Nissan Alliance, created in 1999, is the fourth largest automotive group in the world by sales volume (6,100,000 vehicles sold in 2007).
Moses Carasso & Sons, Ltd. has imported Renault and Nissan cars in Israel since 1948.
Renault Corporate
The Renault Group generated global revenues of €41,528 million in 2006. It designs, engineers, manufactures and sells passenger and light commercial vehicles throughout the world. The Renault Group is present in 118 countries and sells vehicles under its three brands – Renault, Dacia and Samsung. The Renault Group employs 129,000 people worldwide.
Nissan Corporate
The Nissan Motor Company generated global net revenues of 10.468 trillion yen in 2006. Nissan is present in all major global auto markets selling a comprehensive range of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and light commercial vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. Nissan employs over 180,000 people worldwide. |
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| 19 Dec 2007 | Mazda2 Receives Highest Safety Crash Rating from Euro NCAP
Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the new Mazda2 was awarded the five-star maximum rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) adult occupant protection safety test. This is the second five-star score from Euro NCAP awarded to a Mazda vehicle; the first was given to the Mazda5 (known as the Premacy in Japan) in September 2005.
This Euro NCAP five-star rating for adult occupant safety is a validation of the Mazda2’s world-class crash protection in a compact car which also achieves outstanding fuel economy and boasts many user-friendly features.
The new Mazda2 (known as the Demio in Japan) is nearly 100 kilograms lighter than the former model. Obtaining a lower vehicle weight was a key focus of the new model’s development, which aimed at achieving top class fuel economy, dynamic driving performance and superior safety protection—all at the same time. Mazda used high-tensile steel sheets in the Mazda2 and its body shell was engineered using a structure which absorbs and disperses impact energy in the event of a collision and helps prevent cabin deformation. These attributes add up to a high level of safety protection for occupants in a vehicle that meets the world’s most stringent safety standards.
Under its Zoom-Zoom brand promise to customers all over the world, Mazda seeks to keep delivering exciting driving performance, inspiring design, eco-friendliness and safety features in its vehicles so they will ‘look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.’ |
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| 11 Nov 2007 | Paramagnetic Paint
Scientists have developed a new form of auto paint that changes color with the touch of a button. This revolutionary new paramagnetic paint is a technical wonder and is viewed by Nissan and other auto companies as an amazing innovation that would draw huge traffic to dealerships and will make it easier for consumers to get the exact option level they want on a car without the sacrifice of their favorite color.
Research with this new science of special light reflecting coatings has been going on for years and there have been several different approaches used to achieve the effect but recent breakthroughs have taken it out of the laboratory and into a real commercial product for large scale applications.
The process starts out with a standard galvanized piece of automotive sheet metal steel. A special polymer is applied to the steel with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles embedded within it. The nanoscale crystalline particles of magnetite (iron oxide) are controlled using a low grade magnetic field which is used to effect the spacing of the colloidal crystals and thereby controlling their ability to reflect light and change color.
The coatings are perfect for an automotive application because a continuous small magnetic charge is needed to keep the desired color active and the driver also has the ability to turn off the system at which time the vehicle turns back to its default color of white. The coating has the ability to reproduce the full spectrum of colors and can change to a specific color in about a second. The actual materials used in the process are not expensive and are non-toxic. A special hard clearcote is used to seal and protect the surface and testing has shown that the color consistency of the finish is uniform even with the sharp creases and severe bends utilized in the exterior of automotive panels. With progress continuing on current levels paramagnetic paint could make it’s appearance on some models by 2010. |
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