Mazda will reveal its all-new MPV at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 14, 1999, as the central feature of its strong and significant theme of "Innovation in Form and Function."

The world debut of two all-new concept cars plus the presence of the recently-introduced Premacy model will support the Mazda message that it is setting new standards in the way it blends design and functionality to meet customer demands.

The NEOSPACE and NEXTOURER concept models not only showcase Mazda's innovative approach to meeting the diversified lifestyles of tomorrow's motorists but also clearly demonstrate the bold new brand strategy which Mazda has developed to define the key brand personality and product attributes which make Mazda unique.

Mazda's display at the Frankfurt Show will be positioned alongside those of its partners in the Ford Trustmark Group as the individual strengths and group synergies of the various brands are highlighted together for the first time at a European motor show.

Mazda President James E. Miller said: "The essence of Mazda personality is defined as 'Stylish,' 'Insightful' and 'Spirited,' which is interpreted within our vehicles through primary product attributes of 'Distinctive Design,' 'Exceptional Functionality' and 'Responsive Handling and Performance.'

"Like human DNA, these fundamental attributes provide a consistent message through a strong and clearly recognised Mazda brand identity and ensure an emotional connection with our existing and target customers. Our product development programme has therefore been designed to capture and deliver this Mazda brand DNA in every new vehicle.

"While elements of these key attributes exist in all of our latest product range it was fully implemented for the first time in an all-new product in the Premacy. Now, at the Frankfurt Show, we have three very significant new vehicles which fully embody all elements of the Mazda's Worldwide Brand Positioning: our new MPV production model and the NEOSPACE and NEXTOURER concept cars. These models are all perfect examples of our show theme of 'Innovation in Form and Function '.

"The new MPV clearly demonstrates how the stylish, insightful and spirited Mazda personality has been captured in a new production model by delivering a distinctive design, exceptional functionality plus responsive handling and performance.

"The NEOSPACE and NEXTOURER concept models illustrate how we are constantly pushing back the boundaries by exploring new ways to further develop the theme. The common thread which runs through every Mazda production model and concept car at Frankfurt is that Mazda is developing and strengthening its brand by innovating in form and function."

The NEOSPACE is a 'Functional Compact Car' which has innovative features to match the versatility in customer lifestyles. Within an easy-to-handle body size, the brisk-performing NEOSPACE not only provides a spacious and casual interior in which four adults can ride in comfort, but also has a highly flexible luggage space. The distinctiveness of the interior and exterior design - which provides a unique and classless appeal - is supported by thoughtfully-designed equipment which delivers a high quality feel to the vehicle.

The NEXTOURER concept model has been designed as a stylish, new-generation touring car which blends the comfort of a luxury saloon with the versatility of an SUV - delivering the requirements for high speed touring, such as excellent handling stability, a comfortable ride and a refined cabin, along with high levels of functionality and flexibility.

Mr. Miller added: "These concept models, along with the new MPV and Premacy, illustrate just what we mean by our new tag line in Europe - 'Get in, be moved.' This phrase, which embodies the spirit of our brand positioning and comprehensively reflects the Mazda brand DNA, is derived from our Japanese brand message - 'kokoro wo ugokasu shin-hassou.' "

The launch of the new MPV broadens Mazda's range and strengthens its growing challenge in European markets. Following its European premiere at Frankfurt's IAA, the Mazda MPV will go on sale in European markets from this autumn.

In line with the Mazda brand strategy, the product development objective for this important new multi-purpose vehicle was for a blend of exceptional functionality and responsive handling and performance within a vehicle of distinctive design.

Following extensive worldwide research into customer needs and motivations, the result is a stylish and flexible seven-seater model, which Mazda has designed to meet the ever-changing demands and lifestyles of motorists and their passengers.

The key to the highly efficient packaging of the new Mazda MPV is the adoption of a newly developed front-wheel-drive platform and short front overhang, which provide the maximum possible interior space within a limited overall length. The outstanding flexibility allows many permutations in seating arrangements while the space-efficient design also features a rear suspension unit that does not intrude into the rear area, allowing a low flat floor - and even with all seven seats in use there is still ample room for luggage.

A key feature of the MPV, as with all Mazda vehicles, is the importance placed on advanced passive and active safety features. Key aspects of passive safety include the Mazda Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System, driver and front passenger seat SRS airbags and side SRS airbags with head protection, while active safety features include class-leading braking performance through the application of 4W-ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution system (EBD).

To provide a balance between power, quiet running and economy, the Mazda MPV is equipped with a 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve in-line four-cylinder FSD engine and five-speed transmission with a low final gear ratio. The engine produces a peak output of 90kW at 5,800rpm and maximum torque of 175Nm at 3,800rpm.

The newly-developed Mazda DIREC-D, a common-rail direct injection turbo diesel, and the next-generation Toroidal CVT transmission, showcases our commitment for the environmental protection by both exploring advanced technology and further refining existing technology.

The new MPV is expected to play a significant role in Mazda's continuing growth in Europe as the company seeks to achieve a sales volume of 270,000 units in 1999, and furthermore, 300,000 units and 2% market share in Europe by the year 2000. The company's European sales have increased significantly during each of the last three years to 238,000 in 1998, which represents more than a quarter of Mazda's total worldwide sales. And, for the first half of 1999, the figures show that our European sales have topped 138,000 units and grown by 13% over the last year. The arrival of the seven-seater MPV follows the recent launch of the versatile and stylish Premacy as Mazda creates a broad range of distinctive, high quality vehicles which meet the demands of today's rapidly changing lifestyles.