HIROSHIMA, Japan—As part of celebrations marking its 90th anniversary, Mazda Motor Corporation today launched special edition versions of the Mazda Axela sports compact (known overseas as the Mazda3) and Mazda Biante mid-size tall ‘high-roof’ minivan for the Japanese market. Both models are equipped with Mazda’s unique idling stop system, i-stop, and go on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

Founded in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., Mazda will reach its 90th birthday on January 30, 2010. The two commemorative special edition models feature the award-winning i-stop system and offer outstanding eco-friendly and safety performance as well as Mazda’s hallmark fun-to-drive attributes. In Japan, i-stop’s list of accolades includes the 2009 Eco-Products Award from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the 2010 RJC Technology of the Year award.

Both special edition models qualify for Japan’s eco-car incentive program and 75 percent tax reductions under the government’s eco-car tax reduction program.

The Mazda Axela 90th Anniversary Special Edition is based on the four Axela grades that come with i-stop. It will be the first Mazda in the Japanese market with the exclusive exterior body color, Gunmetal Blue Mica. The Mazda Biante i-stop Smart Edition, also launched to celebrate Mazda’s 90th birthday, is based on the 20CS model grade. Its features include i-stop, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Mazda’s Advanced Keyless Entry System.

Main features of the Mazda Axela 90th Anniversary Special Edition

Mazda Axela 90th Anniversary Special Edition (Sport 20S)

Base models

Mazda Axela Sport 20C and 20S grades, Mazda Axela Sedan 20C and 20E (FWD) grades (all grades equipped with i-stop)

Special features

Special exterior body color, Gunmetal Blue Mica (new to models for the Japanese market)

Main features of the Mazda Biante i-stop Smart Edition

Mazda Biante 90th Anniversary Special Edition ‘i-stop Smart Edition’

Base model

Mazda Biante 20CS (FWD model)

Special features

• i-stop
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system
• Dual power sliding doors
• Advanced keyless entry and start system (with answer-back function and automatic rear liftgate)

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices of the 90th Anniversary special edition models

• - A separate recycling fee is necessary in addition to the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices listed above. (Sport 20C: 13,190 yen, 20S: 13,740 yen, Sedan 20C: 12,670 yen, 20E: 13,220 yen)
• - DISI: Direct Injection Spark Ignition

Mazda Biante 90th Anniversary Special Edition ‘i-stop Smart Edition’

• - A separate recycling fee of 14,590 yen is necessary in addition to the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices listed above.
• - The exterior body color range consists of six colors. If the special body color Crystal White Pearl Mica is selected, the price increases by 31,500 yen (including tax).

Mazda will announce further information about its 90th Anniversary at various sales events and on its corporate Web site.