HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation's all-new Mazda Demio (Mazda2 outside Japan) was today named the 2014-2015 Car of the Year Japan by the Japan Car of the Year Committee.

All-new Mazda Demio

Following the Mazda CX-5, Mazda Atenza (Mazda6) and Mazda Axela (Mazda3), the all-new Demio is the fourth in Mazda's line-up of new-generation models that adopt the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY^*1 and the KODO-Soul of Motion design language.

Aspiring to create a new-generation subcompact that would shatter people's preconceived notions about this class of vehicle, Mazda packed all the new technology and design ideas that have defined the company's new-generation models into the compact body of the Mazda Demio. These include an ideal driving position and pedal layout, a Human Machine Interface that prioritizes safety, sophisticated and high-quality interior and exterior styling, and a newly-developed SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter clean diesel engine which offers maximum torque equivalent to a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and outstanding fuel efficiency.

All passenger vehicles with an expected annual sales volume of over 500 units, announced or launched in Japan between November 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014 are eligible for this year's Car of the Year Japan award. The last Mazda to be named the Car of the Year Japan was the Mazda CX-5 in 2012. The Demio is the fifth Mazda to win this award.

Mazda's Representative Director, President and CEO, Masamichi Kogai commented, "We are both honored and grateful that the Mazda Demio has received such a prestigious award. This result is thanks to the enthusiastic support of all people who love cars. Inspired by this award, we will continue our quest to build cars that add a certain sparkle to the lives of their owners, and aim to become a one-and-only brand chosen by customers again and again."

• *1 SKYACTIV is the umbrella term for Mazda's range of next-generation technologies-including gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, body and chassis - developed under Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision to provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.