HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has created the Mazda Biante Prize, a brand-new Mazda Binate minivan, which will be presented to the player who leaves the strongest impression with fans through his play and performance during the two Japanese pro baseball 2008 all-star games. Mazda is the main sponsor for the two all-star games, which are organized by the Nippon Professional Baseball Association (NPB). The games will be played at the Kyocera Dome Osaka on July 31 and at Yokohama Stadium on August 1, 2008.

Overview of the Mazda Biante Prize

Like the Japanese pro baseball all-star games, Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom vehicles – including the Mazda Biante – have attracted a great amount of attention. Mazda’s cars “look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.” The Hiroshima-based automaker opted to support the two all-star games because they convey same kind of dreams and emotions for fans that are evoked by Mazda’s vehicles.

Mazda will also provide electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind power, solar power and biomass, to illuminate the two 2008 baseball all-star night games. This use of ‘green electricity’ is a part of Mazda’s support for Japanese pro baseball’s efforts to help prevent global warming.