HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that total global production of the Mazda6 (known as Atenza in Japan) reached the one million-unit mark in late February 2006. It took four years and one month to reach this important milestone since the first Mazda6 came off the line at the Hofu No. 2 Plant in February 2002. This is the fastest time ever to reach one million units of production for a single Mazda vehicle model.

In October 2002, Mazda started U.S. production of the Mazda6 at its AutoAlliance International (AAI) facility, a joint venture plant in Michigan shared with the Ford Motor Company. Production also continues at Mazda's Hofu No. 2 Plant in western Japan. In addition, FAW Car Co. Ltd. (FCC) commenced production of the Mazda6 in Jilin Province, China, in January 2006, which further established its stature as a core model in Mazda's global production system.

Mazda Atenza SPORT '23Z'

The Mazda6/Atenza was the first new generation model reflecting the Zoom-Zoom brand ethos that has been infused in successive Mazda models. Global sales of the Mazda6 began in 2002. Available in three body styles—sedan, hatchback, and sport wagon—the Mazda6 boasts bold, sporty styling; excellent handling and a high level of ride comfort for occupants. The vehicle's clever packaging, roomy interior and quality craftmanship have proved popular with customers, earning high praise and numerous awards since its debut.

Mazda6 has won over 110 global automotive awards, including Japan's prestigious RJC Car of the Year Award in 2003. It has gone on to receive accolades from both media and customers the world over and still posts strong sales results to date.

"We are absolutely delighted that production of the Mazda6 has reached one million units in such a short time amid the very competitive global environment,"said Hisakazu Imaki, president and CEO of Mazda. "The one millionth Mazda6 milestone is positive proof that our customers like the way we make cars. And Mazda intends to keep building Zoom-Zoom products that will excite and delight our customers, and exceed their expectations."

The Hiroshima-based company added even more depth to its product lineup with the June 2005 unveiling of a freshened Atenza for the Japanese market. This was followed in August of that year with a high performance version, the Mazdaspeed Atenza. It is also known as the Mazdaspeed6 in North America and as Mazda6 MPS in other key regions of the world. The addition of these models continues to thrill sporty-minded drivers on roads all over the globe.