HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that production of the freshened Mazda BT-50 pickup truck began yesterday at the company's manufacturing plant in Thailand, Auto Alliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (AAT). Mazda plans to start introducing the freshened model from the second half of 2015, starting with Thailand and Australia.

The freshened Mazda BT-50

The BT-50 defied the conventional image of the pickup truck when the current model was introduced in 2011 as an "active lifestyle vehicle" with modern and refined styling. Since then it has gained great popularity thanks to its excellent driving performance and highly functional interior and cargo space which make it ideal for both personal and business use. Customers with active lifestyles have found that the BT-50 suits their needs for a wide variety of purposes, from transporting family to facilitating leisure activities.

The new BT-50 maintains the versatile practicality and exhilarating driving performance of the current model but the design has been updated to give it a sportier and more powerful presence than ever before. The new styling incorporates a newly designed front face, rear combination lamps and aluminum wheels. In addition, the interior has also been refined to give a higher-quality feel. For the first time, the model features a rear-view camera as safety equipment to support safe driving with peace of mind. The powertrain and body-type line-up is unchanged from the previous model.

Mazda will continue its efforts to enrich people's lives through a variety of touch points, including the creation of high-quality cars, and become a brand that creates a special bond with its customers.