HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will exhibit a number of new technologies from the up-coming all-new Mazda Axela (known overseas as Mazda3) at CEATEC JAPAN 2013^*1. On display will be Mazda Connect^*2, a next-generation connectivity system that allows drivers to enjoy the fun and convenience of their smartphones safely and appropriately while in their vehicle, and the Heads-Up Cockpit, a next-generation concept in Human Machine Interface (HMI) that places the highest priority on driving safety and realizes big improvements in the driver's field of vision, legibility of displays and overall operability. In addition, Mazda will exhibit its i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies and some of the latest ITS^*3 technologies. Finally, under the concept of "Car Fun without the Car", the company will introduce a new smartphone game designed for kids and adults alike called SHAKIN' Racer. Sales of the all-new Axela are due to start in Japan from autumn. CEATEC is Japan's largest exhibition of cutting edge IT and electronics. It runs from October 1 through October 5, 2013 at Tokyo's Makuhari Messe convention complex.

Overview of Mazda's exhibits

Mazda Connect new-generation car connectivity system

Mazda aimed to deliver a car in which customers can safely enjoy being connected to internet while in their vehicles, bringing new dimensions to the pleasure of driving and making drivers want to get behind the wheel again and again. Mazda Connect was developed in order to achieve this goal. A presentation will be given on this next-generation car connectivity system using a model interior of the new Axela. The display will showcase the various infotainment functions available through Aha™ by HARMAN, a cloud-based web contents platform that makes its debut in Japan with Mazda Connect.

Next-generation HMI based on Mazda's Heads-Up Concept

Whilst working on Mazda Connect, Mazda also developed a new-generation HMI that minimizes the distractions and places the highest priority on driving safety. Features of the HMI on display include a 7-inch center display that ensures maximum legibility and a commander control designed to be operated entirely by feel. In addition, an advanced safety device called Active Driving Display will be introduced. This projects a virtual image above the meter hood to inform the driver of essential information such as vehicle speed.

SHAKIN' Racer—a smartphone application brings driving pleasure to all

Mazda has released a number of smartphone applications that deepen the joy of driving, such as the popular CARPTURE which allows anybody to create photos similar to those of a professional car photographer. At CEATEC Japan 2013, Mazda will introduce SHAKIN' Racer, a unique game in which players shake their smartphones to move an engine piston and power their racecar. Simply by downloading this free smartphone application^*4 everyone in the family can experience the fun of driving irrespective of age.

ITS uses cutting-edge communication technology to connect people, vehicles and the road

Ahead of their debut at the 20th ITS World Congress Tokyo 2013 which opens on October 14, an explanatory panel display will introduce the technologies equipped in Mazda's advanced safety vehicle the Mazda ASV-5 and a new traffic safety system. In a world-first, this futuristic system sees cars equipped with autonomous sensors communicating with streetcars in order to avoid collisions and promote the smooth flow of traffic.

i-ACTIVSENSE^*5 advanced safety technologies that help the driver to recognize hazards

At Mazda, the research and development of safety technology is based upon the company's safety philosophy, Mazda Proactive Safety, which aims to minimize the risk of an accident by maximizing the range of conditions in which the driver can safely operate the vehicle. The Mazda display at CEATEC will also introduce the i-ACTIVSENSE range of advanced safety technologies that support the driver in both recognizing and judging hazards in a variety of driving situations, and avoiding accidents and reducing the damage when they do occur.

• *1 CEATEC JAPAN website:  http://www.ceatec.com/en/
• *2 The name Mazda Connect is used in Japan, US, Canada and Mexico. The system is referred to as MZD Connect in other markets
• *3 Intelligent Transport Systems use the latest in high-tech telecommunications to create an information network encompassing people, roads and vehicles. The objective of this new traffic system is to work toward solutions for transport problems such as road accidents, congestion and damage to the environment.
• *4 The Android version will be available for download from Google Play from November 20, and the iOS version is awaiting approval from Apple.
• *5 Mazda Safety Technology Website:  https://www.mazda.com/mazdaspirit/safety/