First Mazda Atenza Rolls Off Assembly Line
February 14, 2002
(For Your Information)
First Mazda Atenza Rolls Off Assembly Line at Hofu Plant
The all-new Mazda Atenza (Mazda 6 in overseas markets) went into full production at Hofu Plant No.2 (located at Nishinoura, Hofu in Yamaguchi Prefecture) today. The first volume-produced vehicle was a sedan destined for Europe. The all-new model, which is equipped with a brand new world-class "I4 Engine" and is designed to become the world's benchmark product in terms of dynamic performance, styling, packaging, and quality, goes on sale in Japan early this summer.
Marking the start of mass production, Mazda president Mark Fields, joined by four executives, and some 800 employees, said, "The start of Mazda Atenza production is a milestone in our business turnaround. Atenza is the first of our new generation products that will transform customers' perception of Mazda and in turn our top-line corporate performance. This all-new model fully embodies the Mazda brand DNA, which is refocused on our target customers, and delivers our Zoom-Zoom1 in abundance. Our glitch-free mass production start is credit to many hours hard work and commitment from many hundreds of dedicated people and confirmation that we have rekindled the Mazda spark."
Available in three bodystyles - sedan, hatchback and wagon,2 the all-new Atenza boasts clever styling, invigorating handling and eye-catching good looks as well as status-defining performance. The exterior and interior designs offer customers greater levels of quality and craftsmanship. Atenza also provides a class-leading package with more rear seat room than many other midsize segment products, including some one class higher.
Unparalleled levels of driving performance, combined with all-new powertrains (in 1.8, 2.0 and 2.3 liter versions), make this the best driving Mazda sedan. An extremely stiff body and newly designed front/rear suspension delivers dynamic performance and provide high levels of ride comfort for occupants even during long-distance driving. The high-mounted double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension (Type E) ensures extremely reliable and accurate steering.
Hofu Plant No.1 and No.2, where Atenza will be produced, were built in 1982 and 1992 respectively, based on the concept of a "people-friendly plant." The cumulative total production at the two plants producing eight models,3 including the Familia, Capella, and Tribute, reached 5 million units on January 31.
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