[Takashi Yamanouchi, Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO]

Good afternoon and thank you for joining us at the Mazda stand. I always look forward to coming to Geneva, not only to enjoy the beauty of this city, but also because this motor show is one of the most important ones for the global automotive industry. And for Mazda, it is especially so as we initiate the introduction of new and innovative technologies, designs and vehicles that will drive our Brand to greater heights in the future.

I know you are all familiar with Zoom-Zoom. But let me emphasize to you that this is not merely an advertising tagline. It is the essence of what Mazda is, it is the unique appeal we offer to people who love to drive. In addition, it is the driving force to develop new technologies and designs. Stylish vehicles that are beautiful to look at, insightful use of design and technology, that increases the value to all of our customers, and spirited driving dynamics that ensure every Mazda vehicle is fun to drive; this is what Mazda is all about, what sets us apart from our rivals, and what connects our Brand with customers.

This year in particular is a momentous one for Mazda, as we prepare to introduce new technologies and designs. Let me talk about our new technologies first. Since the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, we have been sharing information on our strategy for new technology development, technologies that will deliver the fun-to-drive characteristics Mazda is so well known for combined with enhanced environmental performance that our customers expect. Capturing the passion and challenging spirit of our employees around the world, we are defying conventional thinking and developing new ways to deliver outstanding value to all of our customers. This is what our breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies are about.

I invite you to spend time in the SKYACTIV display area in our stand, where you can get a deeper appreciation of:
First, our new, high-efficiency direct injection gasoline engine with its world-leading compression ratio.
Second, our new, clean diesel engine which improves fuel efficiency by 20 percent compared to our current version, and also clears stringent exhaust regulations around the world, without any expensive NOX after-treatment.
Third, our new, high efficiency automatic transmission that offers the benefits of all transmission systems, and delivers a 4-7 percent fuel efficiency improvement versus our previous automatic transmission.
Fourth, our new light-weight, high rigidity body that meets the highest collision safety requirements.
And finally, our new lightweight chassis developed to enhance the "oneness between car and driver" that Mazda is so well known for.

We are firmly committed to providing all of our customers the latest environmental technologies, while at the same time enhancing their driving pleasure. These are the core technologies that form the foundation of the Mazda Brand, our future product development, and sustainable environmental performance.

Now let me move off of the technology subject, and introduce to you our design language, that will be embodied in our next generation of products. Mazda design has been exploring the expression of motion for years. The latest evolution of this design direction, called KODO – Soul of Motion – draws inspiration from the strength, beauty and tension shown in the swift movement of animals. KODO captures the harnessed energy of the moment and makes hearts race in those people who see it in our cars. We first showed the new design language last year, to wide acclaim I might add, with the Mazda SHINARI design concept.

Now, progressing beyond a pure design exercise, Mazda has combined the beauty of KODO with our breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies, and today we are here to introduce to you the fruit of our efforts, a new concept vehicle – the Mazda MINAGI. We have promised that we will provide driving pleasure together with excellent environmental and safety performance – and the MINAGI delivers on that promise. MINAGI's emotional design and formidable driving performance are without peer. On that, let me be specific. Equipped with our new SKYACTIV diesel engine, the MINAGI achieves best-in-class CO2 emissions – under 120 grams per kilometer. When you consider that most vehicles in this segment emit 150 to 170 grams per kilometer, this is a remarkable achievement.

I present to you Mazda's new compact crossover concept, designed to meet the environmental and social requirements of the future, that will also stir your emotions.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Mazda MINAGI.