New Mazda Concept Car to Premiere at Moscow International Automobile Salon

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda will present an all-new show car at this year’s Moscow International Automobile Salon. The concept is a sporty, compact crossover SUV designed especially for the Russian market.

The Moscow show car is the latest concept to be developed using the new design direction called Nagare – following in the footsteps of Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai. Nagare, which means “flow” in Japanese, represents a new approach to expressing movement in car design, taking as inspiration the flow patterns of natural elements, such as the wind. The design theme of Mazda’s concept for the 2008 Moscow motor show is “crosswinds”.

Russia is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets and is rapidly becoming the region’s largest automobile market. SUVs are particularly popular in Russia, with a segment share of about 20 percent. Mazda’s latest concept car is designed to appeal particularly to younger SUV owners who have a strong sense of style.

The Moscow show car, the name of which will be announced in due course, again showcases the depth of creativity within Mazda design. In February 2008, the Mazda Design team received the coveted Grand Prix du Design at the Festival Automobile International in Paris.

The Moscow International Automobile Salon media days are on August 26 and 27, whereas August 28 caters for industry and trade specialists. The show is open to the public from August 29 through September 7. The new show car will be unveiled at the Mazda press conference at 10:15 on August 26 at the Mazda stand.

Mazda City Car - Official Sketches

These are the first official sketches of Mazda’s new city car. It will be revealed in concept form at the Paris Motor Show in October.

It is most likely to be badged the Mazda 1 when it goes on sale. It will rival the Volkswagen up! and Toyota’s iQ.

The city car concept is likely to feature Perspex panels with sliding doors and seats, which should increase practicality.

Peter Birthwhistle, who is the chief designer at Mazda’s European Research and Development Centre has said: “The finished article will be even more radical than the car seen here. It will be aimed at young people and feature the likes of iPod connectivity, sat-nav and Blue- tooth. It will be environmentally friendly, and weigh as little as possible.”

The concept is likely to be powered by a combination of fuel cells and batteries.

 

Mazda launches all-new ‘Mazda Biante’ in Japan

Hiroshima, Japan - Mazda Motor Corporation today announced its newly developed eight-seat minivan, the Mazda Biante, which will go on sale in Japan during summer 2008.

The name ‘Biante’ was coined from the English word, ‘ambient,’ to create the impression of a unified interior space that contributes to an enjoyable and comfortable in-car experience for all the vehicle’s occupants.

Developed exclusively for the Japanese market, the Biante features best-in-class interior space, distinctive, athletic styling and superior dynamic performance. All of which provides the driver and passengers with a pleasing driving experience.

Courtesy: Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan