HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it will showcase the new Mazda CX-9 seven-passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at the New York International Auto Show to be held from Wednesday, April 12 to Sunday, April 23, 2006. As a larger sibling to the Mazda CX-7 crossover SUV, unveiled earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Mazda CX-9 is the second vehicle designed and engineered specifically for the North American market.

Also featured on the Mazda stand will be the new high-performance Mazda3 model, called Mazdaspeed3 (North American specifications), together with newly-upgraded versions of the highly popular Mazda3 range.

Mazda will hold its press conference at the Mazda stand from 9:10 am to 9:35 am on Thursday, 13 April 2006. Press days are April 12 and 13. The show is open to the public from April 14 to 23, 2006.

Mazda CX-9

The seven-passenger Mazda CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the US market. Engineered with Mazda's "Soul of a Sportscar" signature, Mazda CX-9 deftly blends a sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality. The Mazda CX-9 provides unique Mazda design and energetic performance as well as an up-market interior with class-leading space and unmatched versatility.

Mazda CX-9 is powered by a new MZI 3.5L V6 engine driven through a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Final drive is through either front- or all-wheel drive.

The Mazda CX-9 will be produced at the Ujina No. 1 Plant located near Mazda's headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan and is expected in North American showrooms in early 2007.