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Mazda Atenza Wins 2003 RJC Car Of The Year
| Mazda Motor Corporation's all-new mid-size car Mazda Atenza, launched in
May this year, was named '2003 RJC Car of the Year.' The Atenza was selected
on November 19 at a ceremony hosted by the Automotive Researchers' &
Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC). RJC is a non-profit organization with membership consisting of automotive journalists, leading academics, lawyers, and other influential community members. Established in 1991, RJC carries out its activities with the aim of 'contributing to the sound development of the Japanese automotive industry through enthusiastic research and review.' In line with this aim, every year the organization presents four awards: 'RJC Car of the Year,' 'RJC Import Car of the Year,' 'RJC Technology of the Year,' and 'RJC Person of the Year.' The winner of each award is selected based upon members' votes. To be eligible for the prestigious 2003 RJC Car of the Year award, cars must be manufactured in Japan with a scheduled annual production of over 5000 units and launched between November 1, 2001 and October 31, 2002. Twenty-three new models were in the running for this year's award that was judged by a panel of 72 RJC members. "We are honored and thrilled to be named the 2003 RJC Car of the Year," said Mazda President and CEO Lewis Booth. "I know the entire Mazda team put its heart and soul into the development of the Mazda Atenza, which makes this win particularly special. The car brings to life the company's 'Zoom-Zoom' spirit and represents our commitment and determination to develop and build fun-to-drive vehicles. This award gives us all further confidence as we move forward with additional product launches." The all-new Mazda Atenza (known as the Mazda6 in other markets around the world) has been praised for its combination of superb handling and overall ride comfort, its excellent overall packaging and well-proportioned design. The Atenza/Mazda6 is offered in three body styles around the world - sedan, hatchback and sport wagon - with a variety of engines and transmissions. North American production of the Mazda6 began in early October 2002. RJC Car of the Year is not the first award for the new Atenza/Mazda6. It has also been named "Best Mid-Size Car Over $25,000" in Australia's Best Cars awards; Scotland's New Car of the Year; "Grosser Oesterreichischer Automobilpreis" (Car of the Year in Austria); the 2003 Car of the Year in the Czech Republic.and, in New Zealand, the 2002 National Business Review Car of the Year. On November 19, the Mazda6 was named runner-up in the annual European Car of the Year voting, the best-ever ranking for Mazda. Mazda Atenza product specifications
RJC awards
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