— The first car to win both titles in the history of the awards —
HIROSHIMA, Japan, March 24, 2016 /CNW/ – The Mazda MX-5 (known as Mazda
Roadster in Japan) has won the 2016 World Car of the Year award. It is
the second Mazda to win the award, following the Mazda2 (known as Mazda
Demio) in 2008. The third generation MX-5 was one of three finalists
for the same award in 2006, as was the Mazda3 in 2014. In addition to
taking the main award this year, the MX-5 has also been named World Car
Design of the Year. It is the first time in the history of the awards
that a single model has taken both titles.
World Car of the Year was established in 2004 by an international group
of automotive journalists, and the judging panel this year consisted of
73 journalists from 23 different countries. The MX-5 was announced
victorious over other finalists Audi A4 Sedan/Audi A4 Avant and
Mercedes-Benz GLC at the New York International auto show on March 24.
The other finalists for World Car Design of the Year were the Jaguar XE
and Mazda CX-3.
“What a wonderful honor, to have the Mazda MX-5 named both World Car of
the Year and World Car Design of the Year,” said Masahiro Moro,
President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations, and Managing
Executive Officer, Mazda Motor Corporation. “As our iconic MX-5
roadster approaches one-million units of production, this award is
proof that it is as young, vibrant, fun and relevant as ever, and proof
that every Mazda looks as incredible as it drives, and drives as
incredibly as it looks. While I accept this award on behalf of the
company, I do so representing every Mazda employee, retail partner and
customer around the world who has ever felt the joy of driving a pure
roadster. We say ‘Driving Matters’ in our advertising,* and we prove it
in our cars.”
Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s Executive Officer and General Manager of the Design
Division, said, “I’m very proud to accept this award, proof that our
designs can connect with people all around the world. Our
new-generation lineup has been designed under the KODO design theme
which aims to bring cars to life, and we’ve continually refined the
beauty of its forms. Mazda is a proud Japanese brand and we are
determined to continue enhancing our designs moving forward.”
The fourth-generation MX-5 is the sixth model in Mazda’s new-generation
lineup of vehicles featuring the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and
KODO—Soul of Motion design. Launched globally in 2015, the model has
found favor with customers thanks to its vastly reduced curb weight,
human-centered design and “Jinba-ittai” fun-to-drive feel. The new MX-5
has won over 30 awards so far, including 2015-2016 Car of the Year
Japan and 2016 UK Car of the Year. The retractable hardtop version of
the model, Mazda MX-5 RF, made its world premiere at the New York
International Auto Show.
Mazda will continue making cars that are fun to drive, aiming to become
a “one-and-only” brand customers will choose again and again.
* The “Driving Matters” slogan is used in North America only.
SOURCE Mazda Canada Inc.
Image with caption: “Masahiro Moro, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations, and Managing Executive Officer, Mazda Motor Corporation, accepting the award for 2016 World Car of the Year for the Mazda MX-5. (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160324_C9078_PHOTO_EN_44722.jpg
