HIROSHIMA, Japan, February 20, 2006--Mazda Motor Corporation today held a ceremony to mark the start of production of the all-new Mazda CX-7 for the North American market at the Ujina Plant No. 2 (U2) located near Mazda's global headquarters in Hiroshima. Mazda's President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) President and CEO Jim O'Sullivan, along with approximately 700 Mazda staff, comprised of several senior executives, union representatives and employees attended this event. The Mazda CX-7 was designed and engineered with the North American market in mind and will be arriving in North American dealerships in spring 2006.

"I am very pleased to be here today and celebrate the production start of the Mazda CX-7, the first of a series of important vehicles for the North American market," said Hisakazu Imaki. "Jim O'Sullivan from Mazda North American Operations has been eagerly waiting for this moment and is here to personally witness the production start of Mazda CX-7, a key model in our North American plans. As we look to the future, Mazda is working hard to make high quality vehicles that embody the essence of Zoom-Zoom to satisfy our customers. To do so, we will continue working closely with our North American team, keeping in mind the company motto, "One Mazda", to make sure the launch of this vehicle is a great success."

The Mazda CX-7 is a clean break from the fleet of traditional SUVs currently offered. Bringing together performance and design like never before, the Mazda CX-7--like every Mazda--was engineered with the Soul of a Sportscar. The result is inviting to look at, entertaining to drive, and fun to use. The Mazda CX-7 premiered at the Greater Los Angeles and the North American International Auto Shows earlier on this year. The vehicle concept and stylish design have been well accepted globally.