AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Mazda will build $286-million Skyactiv transmission plant in Thailand]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/mazda-will-build-286-million-skyactiv-transmission-plant-in-tha/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/mazda-will-build-286-million-skyactiv-transmission-plant-in-tha/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/mazda-will-build-286-million-skyactiv-transmission-plant-in-tha/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mazda's SkyActiv transmission

Mazda has some good news for a Thailand auto industry rebounding from floods that crippled production less than three years ago. The automaker will build a 26 billion yen ($286 million) factory in the country's Chonburi Province that will be used strictly to build Mazda's SkyActiv transmissions.

The plant, which will be located about three miles north of the Mazda-partnered AutoAlliance factory, will employ about 500 people and will start churning out the transmissions by September 2015, with a capacity of 400,000 units a year.

Mazda has largely eschewed electric-drive technology in favor of its SkyActiv system as a way to meet stricter fuel-economy standards both in the US and abroad. SkyActiv gets its fuel-economy gains from advancements such as a higher compression ratio, lighter engine block and improved engine timing, among other things. Read Mazda's press release below.

Thailand is home to the world's 12th largest auto industry and was devastated by a 2011 flood that killed more than 800 people. Toyota and Honda each owned factories in the country that were damaged but reopened by the middle of 2012.

Continue reading Mazda will build $286-million Skyactiv transmission plant in Thailand

Mazda will build $286-million Skyactiv transmission plant in Thailand originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 03 Feb 2013 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>factorymazdaplantskyactivthailandtransmissionSun, 03 Feb 2013 08:39:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20444058/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20444058/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/03/mazda-will-build-286-million-skyactiv-transmission-plant-in-tha/20444058/article-detail.xml 20444058 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazdaskyactivtranny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazdaskyactivtranny.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda Skyactiv wins inaugural Green Car Technology Award in DC]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/mazda-skyactiv-wins-inaugural-green-car-technology-award-in-dc/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/mazda-skyactiv-wins-inaugural-green-car-technology-award-in-dc/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/mazda-skyactiv-wins-inaugural-green-car-technology-award-in-dc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ron cogan Mazda Skyactiv Green Car Technology Award

At previous Washington Auto Shows, Green Car Journal has handed out what it called the Green Car Vision award to honor green vehicles that were not yet on the market. Vehicles like the Ford C-Max Energi, Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt were all winners there. Now that the market has a fair number of green cars, Green Car Journal is shifting focus and today named the first Green Car Technology Award winner, the Mazda Skyactiv system.

The idea behind the Green Car Technology Award is to highlight various components and technologies that help reduce fuel use and greenhouse-gas emissions, not specific vehicle models. Skyactiv is certainly a broad look at saving fuel, a strategy that includes lightweighting, better chassis and overall better internal combustion engines. It eschews plug-in electric vehicle technology (for now). Americans will get a new taste of Skyactiv-D when the 2014 Mazda6 sedan with a 2.2-liter clean-diesel engine arrives later this year.

Skyactiv beat out nine other finalists, including the Fiat MultiAir, the powertrains in the Fisker Karma, Tesla Model S and Toyota RAV4 EV vehicles, Ford's Energi plug-in hybrid system, stop-start and EcoBoost technologies and Honda Eco Assist. The odd ducking on the list was the Nissan Easy-Fill Tire Alert system, which does in fact help save fuel but doesn't always get the credit it deserves. All ten were named to Green Car Journal's Top 10 Green Car Technology List for 2013. Green Car Journal also gives out its Green Car of the Year Award at the Los Angeles Auto Show each November. Last year's winner was the Ford Fusion.

Continue reading Mazda Skyactiv wins inaugural Green Car Technology Award in DC

Mazda Skyactiv wins inaugural Green Car Technology Award in DC originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ladies and Gentlemen, your finalists for the 2013 Green Car of the Year: the Dodge Dart Aero, Ford C-Max and Fusion, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Prius C. The list runs the gamut of fuel-efficient powertrains, from hybrids and plug-ins to high-mileage gas burners. The Fords, for example, make the list in part because they come in both hybrids and plug-in hybrid flavors.

The GCOTY is sponsored by Green Car Journal every year, and the publication looks for vehicles a lot of people will want to buy. Specifically, GCJ's press release says, "All are affordable mass-market products that provide drivers full functionality and mainstream appeal, paving the way for making a difference in fuel use and overall emissions in daily driving."

These five vehicles are also the cars that Green Car Journal is calling the "Top 5 Green Cars for 2013." From here, GCJ's jury of "top environmental leaders" along with celeb car buff Jay Leno and the GCJ staff will pick a winner.

Past Green Car of the Year winners have been the Honda Civic Natural Gas (2012), the Chevrolet Volt (2011), the Audi A3 TDI (2010), the Volkswagen Jetta TDI (2009) and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (2008). The 2013 winner will be announced at the LA Auto Show on November 29. What do you think it should be?

View Poll

Continue reading 2013 Green Car of the Year finalists announced [w/poll]

2013 Green Car of the Year finalists announced [w/poll] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dart2013 ford c-max2013 ford fusion2013 green car of the year2013 toyota prius cc-maxcar of the yearcmaxdartfusiongreen car journalgreen car of the yeargreen car of the year awardprius cThu, 25 Oct 2012 17:44:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20360714/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20360714/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/2013-green-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/20360714/article-detail.xml 20360714 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/green-car-of-the-year-2013-finalists_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/green-car-of-the-year-2013-finalists.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda using wind turbine Electric Double Layer Capacitors to improve fuel efficiency]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/mazda-wind-turbine-electric-double-layer-capacitors/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/mazda-wind-turbine-electric-double-layer-capacitors/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/mazda-wind-turbine-electric-double-layer-capacitors/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The idea of boosting vehicle fuel economy by using windmill components might sound a little Quixotic, but here goes.

Mazda is working on a new braking system called i-ELOOP. It captures energy from the vehicle's inertia and produces an electric charge from the alternator just as the driver lets off the gas pedal. This energy is captured quickly in a Electric Double Layer Capacitor, which are commonly found in wind turbines. The system will debut on the 2014 Mazda6 and is part of the company's Skyactiv fuel-economy boosting efforts.

Under the most optimal conditions (i.e., when running every imaginable battery-draining component in the car), Mazda's new system can boost fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. More typically, though, fuel economy will increase by about one mile per gallon.

In 2011, the Japanese automaker said it was aiming to boost fleetwide fuel economy by about 30 percent over the next three years through its Skyactiv program. That effort starts down the fuel-saving path by using improvements in engine design, aerodynamics and weight-reducing parts. Later, bigger changes to the powertrain (i.e., plugs) go into effect. You can read about the general timeline here.

Continue reading Mazda using wind turbine Electric Double Layer Capacitors to improve fuel efficiency

Mazda using wind turbine Electric Double Layer Capacitors to improve fuel efficiency originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brakingcapacitormazdamazda6regenerativeskyactivwind turbinewindmillMon, 24 Sep 2012 10:23:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20330467/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20330467/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/24/mazda-wind-turbine-electric-double-layer-capacitors/20330467/article-detail.xml 20330467 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mazdaeloop_thumbnail.gif http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mazdaeloop.gif <![CDATA[Mazda's SkyActiv technology driving hefty weight loss goal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/mazda-s-skyactiv-technology-driving-hefty-weight-loss-goal/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/mazda-s-skyactiv-technology-driving-hefty-weight-loss-goal/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/mazda-s-skyactiv-technology-driving-hefty-weight-loss-goal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

mazda skyactiv logo

You may have noticed that Mazda hasn't released a lineup of electric vehicles, hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles. So, how will the automaker reach the demanding 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 federal mandate? By going lightweight and utilizing its Skyactiv technology.

As part of its Skyactiv program, Mazda dropped 575 pounds off its CX-5 crossover from its similar-sized predecessor, the CX-7. Now the goal is shed at least 220 pounds every time it redesigns one of its models. That's a tough thing to do, but Mazda still has a lot of room, said Dave Coleman, vehicle development engineer for Mazda's North American operations at the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, MI.

The automaker last year said it was looking to boost fleetwide fuel economy by about 30 percent over the next three years largely through its Skyactiv program, which uses better engine, transmission, aerodynamics and lightweight technology to cut fuel use in its internal combustion engines. Mazda has set a goal to sell as many as 160,000 Skyactiv vehicles a year.

To lighten a car, engineers face the battle of overcoming tough obstacles. For example, making sure safety and emissions regulations are met, and that consumer demand for comfort and convenience features are delivered, all of which add to the vehicle's weight. Mazda has adopted a few alternatives to do so, such as using less steel, installing bolts in the CX-5 that are 8 grams lighter. Mazda will continue looking for more advanced materials in future generations of SkyActiv models.

Eventually, the costs will come down as they become more widely used in the industry, Coleman says. Electrification of new models with advanced battery systems is costing automakers and consumers big bucks to adopt, and Mazda plans to add those technologies further down the line. For now, it's confident that SkyActiv and lightweighting are the ways to go.

Mazda's SkyActiv technology driving hefty weight loss goal originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>54.5 mpgfuel efficient carsmazdampgskyactivThu, 09 Aug 2012 07:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20296082/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20296082/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/09/mazda-s-skyactiv-technology-driving-hefty-weight-loss-goal/20296082/article-detail.xml 20296082 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/mazda-skyactiv-technology_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/mazda-skyactiv-technology.png <![CDATA[Mazda Demio EV leasing begins in Japan in October]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/mazda-demio-ev-leasing-begins-in-japan-in-october/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/mazda-demio-ev-leasing-begins-in-japan-in-october/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/mazda-demio-ev-leasing-begins-in-japan-in-october/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Looks like Mazda is going to do some "Zoom Zoom" of the quieter variety.

The company will start leasing the Demio EV in Japan in October, as the Japanese automaker takes slow steps towards electric-drive-vehicle availability.

The battery-electric version of the Demio, which sells as the Mazda2 in the U.S., will be made available to about 100 corporate and government entities in the Chugoku region of western Japan. No monthly rate was disclosed, though Mazda estimated the (theoretical) purchase price of about 3.58 million yen, or about $45,000.

The 2,600-pound Demio EV will deliver about 100 horsepower as well as a single-charge range of about 125 miles, per Japanese testing cycle.

Late last year, Automotive News reported that Mazda will start offering an EV in the U.S. by 2018, in part to conform to zero-emissions vehicle mandates in California.

The automaker last year set a goal to boost fleetwide fuel economy by about 30 percent over the next three years largely through its SkyActiv program, which employs engine, aerodynamics, transmission and lightweighting improvements to reduce fuel use in its internal combustion engines. Mazda has set a goal to sell as many as 160,000 SkyActiv vehicles annually.

Continue reading Mazda Demio EV leasing begins in Japan in October

Mazda Demio EV leasing begins in Japan in October originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demioelectric vehicleEVjapanleaseleasingmazdamazda2Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:05:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20274329/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20274329/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/09/mazda-demio-ev-leasing-begins-in-japan-in-october/20274329/article-detail.xml 20274329 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mazda2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mazda2.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda doubles Skyactiv engine capacity]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/mazda-doubles-skyactiv-engine-capacity/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/mazda-doubles-skyactiv-engine-capacity/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/mazda-doubles-skyactiv-engine-capacity/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We've grown quite fond of Mazda's new Skyactiv engine range, and apparently, we aren't the only ones. High demand for these engines has caused Mazda to double its production of both the gasoline and diesel versions, and starting in October, the automaker will produce 800,000 of these efficient mills globally, up from 400,000.

In the United States, the 2.0-liter gasoline engine is the only Skyactiv unit currently available, found under the hoods of the Mazda CX-5 (pictured) and Mazda3. Elsewhere in the world, CX-5s can be had with a 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D turbo-diesel engine, which we had a chance to test (and fall in love with) in Iceland. The automaker has confirmed that its next-generation Mazda6 sedan will be available with both of these four-cylinder engines, though it's unclear if the diesel will be available Stateside.

Part of the reason for this Skyactiv engine increase is the high demand globally for the new CX-5 crossover. Mazda will be upping production from 200,000 units annually to 240,000, all of which are built at the automaker's Ujina facility. Because of strong demand since the crossover hit dealerships in February, Mazda has increased its global sales target from 160,000 units to 190,000.

Scroll down for the full press blast.

Continue reading Mazda doubles Skyactiv engine capacity

Mazda doubles Skyactiv engine capacity originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mazda cx-5cx-5mazdaskyactivskyactiv-gTue, 03 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20271083/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20271083/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/03/mazda-doubles-skyactiv-engine-capacity/20271083/article-detail.xml 20271083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-2013-mazda-cx-5-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-2013-mazda-cx-5-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda Skyactiv-D diesel to power Dempsey Racing LMP2 challenger at Le Mans]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/19/mazda-skyactiv-d-diesel-to-power-dempsey-racing-lmp2-challenger/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/19/mazda-skyactiv-d-diesel-to-power-dempsey-racing-lmp2-challenger/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/19/mazda-skyactiv-d-diesel-to-power-dempsey-racing-lmp2-challenger/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mazda prototype race car

The Grand AM GX class isn't the only place where Mazda will be running its 2.2-liter turbocharged Skyactiv-D four-cylinder diesel next year: it will power the LMP2 contender fielded by Dempsey Racing, a team co-owned by actor Patrick Dempsey. Mazda will also provide the engine to other teams running in the class at Le Mans, in the American Le Mans Series and the World Endurance Championship.

Mazda raced the 24 Hours of Le Mans for 18 years before winning in 1991, then took its rotary-powered 787B out of the running. Mazda was been providing its four-cylinder MZR engines for the past decade for teams like OAK Racing Pescarolo, but ceased development on those in 2011. The Skyactiv-D will replace the MZR series, and along with the non-running Lola-built LMP2 chassis (pictured) showed off at this year's Le Mans, is meant to mark Mazda's full-bodied return Le Mans after 22 years.

The engines are being developed by Mazda in Japan and the U.S. as well as SpeedSource Engineering in Florida. Track testing should commence later this year, and it's frankly good to see Mazda making such moves in spite of its financial battles. Scroll down for a press release with more details.

Continue reading Mazda Skyactiv-D diesel to power Dempsey Racing LMP2 challenger at Le Mans

Mazda Skyactiv-D diesel to power Dempsey Racing LMP2 challenger at Le Mans originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansdempseydempsey racingdieselle manslmp2mazdamazda dieselmazda skyactiv-dpatrick dempseyracing skyactiv-dskyactivskyactiv-dTue, 19 Jun 2012 10:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20261198/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20261198/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/19/mazda-skyactiv-d-diesel-to-power-dempsey-racing-lmp2-challenger/20261198/article-detail.xml 20261198 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mazdalolalmp2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mazdalolalmp2.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda5 plug-in microvan will get hydrogen range extender]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/mazda5-plug-in-microvan-will-get-hydrogen-range-extender/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/mazda5-plug-in-microvan-will-get-hydrogen-range-extender/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/mazda5-plug-in-microvan-will-get-hydrogen-range-extender/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



All right, see if you can follow this one.

Once upon a time, Mazda decided to put out a hydrogen-powered version of its RX-8 sports car. Then, the company started deliveries of its Premacy (it's the Mazda5 here in the states) Hydrogen RE Hybrid - i.e., a hydrogen-powered engine paired with an electric motor - in 2009. That car was available for leasing only and had a fuel-tank range of about 130 miles.

Now, Mazda is looking to pair an electric motor with a hydrogen-powered on-board generator, or "range extender," Green Car Congress reports, citing the Japanese publication Nikkei. This new model is an extended-range plug-in and uses a hydrogen-burning rotary engine as an on-board generator. Want one? Sound like leases will start in 2013, but details are sparse about where and how much (likely answers: "Japan" and "a lot"). Still, when the company decides to pair a hydrogen-fuel-cell powertrain with an on-board hydrogen-fueled generator, we'll let you know.

Mazda5 plug-in microvan will get hydrogen range extender originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda Racing Skyactiv-D Diesel Engine

Race teams in the Grand Am GX class can now get their hands on a new diesel powerplant. Mazda has announced the company will supply the new Skyactiv-D for the 2013 season. The race engines will use a stock 2.2-liter block with a two-stage turbo, just like the production version. Redline sits at a relatively lofty 5,200 rpm and the engine uses a very low 14:1 compression ratio. If you're keeping track, that's the lowest diesel compression ratio in the world.

Mazda says the Skyactiv-D is a full 10 percent lighter than the outgoing 2.2-liter MZR-CD diesel and that it generates up to 20 percent better fuel economy, as well. That's partially thanks to a 20 percent reduction in internal friction.

The Grand AM GX class is just for advanced and clean drivetrain technologies. So far, Mazda hasn't released any information on how much power race teams can expect to glean from the diesel mill, but the standard production unit is good for 173 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque and a gloriously-low 2,000 rpm. Check out the full press release for yourself. If you need us, we'll be busily daydreaming about a diesel-powered MX-5 Miata.

Continue reading Mazda to run Skyactiv-D diesel engine in 2013 Grand Am GX class

Mazda to run Skyactiv-D diesel engine in 2013 Grand Am GX class originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselgrand amgrand am gx classgx classmazdamazda racing skyactiv-d diesel enginemazda skyactiv-dracing skyactiv-dskyactiv-dTue, 05 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20251181/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20251181/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/05/mazda-to-run-skyactiv-d-diesel-engine-in-2013-grand-am-gx-class/20251181/article-detail.xml 20251181 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mazda-skyactiv-diesel-for-racing-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mazda-skyactiv-diesel-for-racing-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda skewers EV technology with overseas CX-5 launch]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Mazda recently may have made the coolest car commercial in history by backing its pitch for SkyActiv technology with Bo Diddley's "Road Runner" (see here), so we're leaning toward forgiving them for this one.

The Japanese automaker, as part of the international marketing launch of its CX-5 crossover in Scotland, reinforced its caustic stance on battery-electric vehicles by injecting some humorous references to the "range anxiety" that EVs can cause, according to The Charging Point blog.

Mazda planted fake roadside signs saying things like "Abandoned EVs ahead" and "EV drivers hitchhiking," according to the blog. Mazda has pitched the CX-5 as having the best fuel economy among SUVs in North America.

Mazda continues to poke fun at EVs even as it prepares to launch its own Demio (Mazda2) EV later this year. The company, at last month's New York Auto Show, hung a banner that described SkyActiv as "Not Electric. No Hybrid. Not a Drag to Drive."

The automaker last year said it was looking to boost fleetwide fuel economy by about 30 percent over the next three years largely through its SkyActiv program, which includes models such as the CX-5 and which uses better engine, transmission, aerodynamics and lightweight technology to cut fuel use in its internal combustion engines. Mazda, which starting selling the CX-5 in the U.S. in March, has set a goal to sell as many as 160,000 SkyActiv vehicles a year.

Mazda skewers EV technology with overseas CX-5 launch originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mazda cx-5cx-5electric vehicleEVsmazdampgscotlandskyactivTue, 15 May 2012 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238081/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20238081/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/mazda-skewers-ev-technology-with-overseas-cx-5-launch/20238081/article-detail.xml 20238081 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mazdacx5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mazdacx5.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda says CX-5 is the first to use all Skyactiv features]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/mazda-says-cx-5-is-the-first-to-use-all-skyactiv-features/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/mazda-says-cx-5-is-the-first-to-use-all-skyactiv-features/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/mazda-says-cx-5-is-the-first-to-use-all-skyactiv-features/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Mazda is pitching its CX-5 compact crossover as its first model to use all of its Skyactiv fuel-saving technologies, including fuel-saving improvements to its engine, transmission, body and chassis (details on all that here).

Mazda, which started selling the model in the U.S. last month, said the CX-5 gets as much as 51 miles per gallon combined - on the more lenient Japanese fuel-economy standards - in its front-wheel-drive, six-speed-manual-transmission version, and as much as 39 miles per gallon in its most fuel-efficient gas-powered version. Mazda is looking to sell 160,000 vehicles annually with Skyactiv components, including the CX-5, Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6.

Mazda's looking to use its Skyactiv technology, which includes the use of high-tensile steel for cutting weight and better aerodynamics to reduce drag, to reverse global declining sales. The Japanese automaker last year produced 1.17 million vehicles, down 11 percent from 2010. Last year, Mazda said that it was looking to increase fleetwide fuel economy by about 30 percent over the next three years.

Mazda says the CX-5 has the best fuel economy of any SUV in North America and has launched a "Six Million Dollar Man" - themed ad campaign to get the word out in the U.S. Last month, Mazda started selling the compact crossover and launched an online configurator tool. The CX-5 starts at $21,490 (including a $795 destination charge) for the front-wheel-drive manual-transmission model, with the all-wheel-drive option adding about $2,600 more. The top-of-the-line CX-5 is priced at $29,090.

Continue reading Mazda says CX-5 is the first to use all Skyactiv features

Mazda says CX-5 is the first to use all Skyactiv features originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compactcompact crossovercrossovercx-5fuel economymazdamazda cx-5miles per gallonmpgskyactivThu, 19 Apr 2012 15:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20217893/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20217893/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/19/mazda-says-cx-5-is-the-first-to-use-all-skyactiv-features/20217893/article-detail.xml 20217893 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mazdacx5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mazdacx5.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda working on multiple rotary engines, has no plans for SkyActiv V6]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/mazda-working-on-multiple-rotary-engines-has-no-plans-for-skyac/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/mazda-working-on-multiple-rotary-engines-has-no-plans-for-skyac/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/mazda-working-on-multiple-rotary-engines-has-no-plans-for-skyac/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mazda rotary engine closeup

The minds at Car and Driver recently took a moment to speak with Robert Davis, senior vice president of Mazda U.S. operations, about the automaker's plans for the future. According to Davis, the rotary engine will continue to play a role in the company's products moving forward, with engineers applying the lessons learned through the SkyActiv program to the powerplant. That means the next-generation rotary will likely feature reduced internal friction and lightweight internals in a quest to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy. But the engine may find applications outside of its traditional role.

Not only is Mazda pursuing a rotary engine to power a vehicle, Davis admits Mazda is also investigating ways to use the design in tandem with an electric motor, with the pistonless engine responsible for charging an extended-range EV's batteries. Given the compact size and relatively low torque supplied by a rotary, this application would seem to hold promise. Of course, we've heard some of this before.

And what of a SkyActiv V6? Davis makes it clear there's no room in the SkyActiv stable for a six-cylinder, saying that the company will focus on lighter platforms and forced-induction four-cylinder engines instead.

Mazda working on multiple rotary engines, has no plans for SkyActiv V6 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevextended rangemazdamazda evrobert davisrotaryskyactivskyactiv rotaryWed, 18 Apr 2012 10:13:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20218391/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20218391/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/mazda-working-on-multiple-rotary-engines-has-no-plans-for-skyac/20218391/article-detail.xml 20218391 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rotary-engine_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rotary-engine.jpg <![CDATA[Diesel-powered Mazda CX-5s beating gas versions 3-1 in Japan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/diesel-powered-mazda-cx-5s-beating-gas-versions-3-1-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/diesel-powered-mazda-cx-5s-beating-gas-versions-3-1-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/diesel-powered-mazda-cx-5s-beating-gas-versions-3-1-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Most people who follow the auto industry know that diesels are popular in Europe - and more and more so in the U.S. - but it appears Mazda underestimated how many people in Japan want an oil burner. According to the Nikkei, Mazda expected to sell just 1,000 CX-5s a month in Japan, but it instead sold 8,000 in February, the first month the CUV was on sale there. Oh, and 73 percent of them were diesel-powered.

Even though Japan has strict emissions controls, the "not electric, not hybrid, not a drag to drive" Skyactiv-D technology is giving clean diesels a good name in hybrid-happy Japan. It's been a long road, with a multi-year break when no domestic automaker sold a diesel passenger vehicle in Japan, a drought that ended in 2008 when Nissan introduced the X-Trail 20GT SUV. The question is, where do diesel sales in Japan go from here?

Read our First Drive report of the U.S. version of the CX-5 here.

Diesel-powered Mazda CX-5s beating gas versions 3-1 in Japan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cx-5cx-5 dieseldieseldiesel japandiesel salesjapanmazdamazda cx-5mazda dieselWed, 11 Apr 2012 16:08:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20213545/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20213545/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/11/diesel-powered-mazda-cx-5s-beating-gas-versions-3-1-in-japan/20213545/article-detail.xml 20213545 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/03-2013-mazda-cx-5-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/03-2013-mazda-cx-5-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mazda6 with SkyActiv tech confirmed for Paris Motor Show]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2014-mazda6-with-skyactiv-tech-confirmed-for-paris-motor-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2014-mazda6-with-skyactiv-tech-confirmed-for-paris-motor-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2014-mazda6-with-skyactiv-tech-confirmed-for-paris-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The gorgeous Mazda Takeri concept is making its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show, and you'll want to take another close look at it: it will "strongly influence" the 2014 Mazda6 that we'll see at the Paris Motor Show later this year. The next Mazda6 will also follow the Mazda CX-5 in the company's lineup of SkyActiv vehicles.

In spite of the 2014 model year, the 6 will go on sale during Q1 of 2013 and will feature the SkyActiv 2.0-liter gas engine that shifts through a six-speed auto or six-speed manual. Mazda says it is gunning to post class-leading fuel economy figures.

We will also be looking to see if it spawns a coupe, since the Takeri could make an equally beautiful two-door. If so, that isn't expected to happen for at least a year after the sedan bows, but recent events at Mazda have made such long-distance predictions exceedingly difficult. Follow the jump for a press release with more info on the 2014 Mazda6.

Continue reading 2014 Mazda6 with SkyActiv tech confirmed for Paris Motor Show

2014 Mazda6 with SkyActiv tech confirmed for Paris Motor Show originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mazda6mazdamazda takeri conceptmazda6new yorknew york 2012new york auto showparisparis 2012paris motor showtakeriWed, 04 Apr 2012 18:31:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20208788/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20208788/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/04/2014-mazda6-with-skyactiv-tech-confirmed-for-paris-motor-show/20208788/article-detail.xml 20208788 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mazda62014paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mazda62014paris.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda under fire for "crass commercialization" of Dr. Seuss' Lorax [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/mazda-under-fire-for-crass-commercialization-of-dr-seuss-lor/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/mazda-under-fire-for-crass-commercialization-of-dr-seuss-lor/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/mazda-under-fire-for-crass-commercialization-of-dr-seuss-lor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mazda CX-5 Lorax ad

mazda #saveloraxOver on Twitter, we recently had a discussion over whether or not it was fair for the cinematic version of Dr. Seuss' Lorax to be out shilling for the Mazda CX-5. Turns out, we're not the only ones who question the logic here - the Lorax speaks for the trees, not Skyactiv CUVs, right? Seemingly of like minds, an organization called Rethinking The Automobile is circulating a petition to "Protect The Lorax" by pulling the "offensive" ads.

Rethinking the Automobile is a project of OpenPlans and their petition reads, in part:

in these advertisements Mazda and Universal claim that a new automobile is "Certified Truffula Tree Friendly" and imply an endorsement of their product by the cherished title character of "The Lorax." By airing these advertisements, Mazda and Universal have shamelessly turned a character who has inspired millions of children to care about their environment into a car salesman. Cars--even ones that pollute a little less--are neither kid-friendly nor good for the environment.

This movie Lorax's message, Rethinking The Automobile says, runs counter to "the spirit and message of Dr. Seuss' acclaimed book" and is nothing more than "crass commercialization."

The whole thing is blowing up on Twitter, too, thanks to the #savelorax hashtag and a creature for speaks for the petition, the Zozo. The Zozo is also into "smart transportation solutions including walking, biking, and transit so that kids can grow up in a world with safe, healthy, livable, walkable communities. Zozo works with kids to fix the harm that automobile traffic does to our world."

It isn't immediately clear how many people Rethinking The Automobile represents - a check of its website reveals that the organization was started by a self-described serial entrepreneur, Mark Gorton, who is an advocate for "livable streets."

One thing is clear, however - the CX-5 might be one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers on the market and it may be winning friends among reviewers, but clearly not everyone is pleased... at least with Mazda's marketing efforts. Click past the jump to watch the commercial in question.

Continue reading Mazda under fire for "crass commercialization" of Dr. Seuss' Lorax [w/video]

Mazda under fire for "crass commercialization" of Dr. Seuss' Lorax [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cx-5doctor seussdr seussdr. seussloraxmazdamazda skyactivpetitionprotect the loraxseussskyactivtheodore geiseltwitteruniversalvideozozoTue, 28 Feb 2012 17:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20182078/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20182078/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/mazda-under-fire-for-crass-commercialization-of-dr-seuss-lor/20182078/article-detail.xml 20182078 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mazdathelorax_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mazdathelorax.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda CX-5 joins the cast of <i>Dr. Seuss' The Lorax</i>]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/20/mazda-cx-5-joins-the-cast-of-dr-seuss-the-lorax/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/20/mazda-cx-5-joins-the-cast-of-dr-seuss-the-lorax/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/20/mazda-cx-5-joins-the-cast-of-dr-seuss-the-lorax/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Aston Martin has the chap Bond, Acura has its Avengers and now Mazda has its own movie vehicle, Dr. Seuss' The Lorax. The computer-generated film from Universal will feature a "Seuss-ified" Mazda CX-5 rolling through a forest of lollipop-like truffula trees.

It's a slightly strange movie for a car company to call its own, since the original book was a enviromentalist tale and the Lorax - who spoke for the truffula trees against the industrial ambitions of the Once-ler - complained even more when trucks began rolling into the forest. The case is aided by the fact that Universal got rid of that storyline almost completely, and Mazda's Skyactiv credentials are what's really in play here.

Follow the jump for Mazda's 45-second commercial for the CX-5 and the movie, as well as a press release on its donations to the National Education Association.

Continue reading Mazda CX-5 joins the cast of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Mazda CX-5 joins the cast of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mazda cx-5cx-5dr seussmazdamazda loraxthe loraxvideoMon, 20 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20175514/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20175514/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/20/mazda-cx-5-joins-the-cast-of-dr-seuss-the-lorax/20175514/article-detail.xml 20175514 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mazdathelorax_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mazdathelorax.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mazda CX-5 achieves best-in-class 26/35 mpg EPA rating]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2013-mazda-cx-5-achieves-best-in-class-26-35-mpg-epa-rating/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2013-mazda-cx-5-achieves-best-in-class-26-35-mpg-epa-rating/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2013-mazda-cx-5-achieves-best-in-class-26-35-mpg-epa-rating/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Mazda CX-5 front three-quarter

Mazda has released the official EPA fuel economy figures for its 2013 CX-5, and as anticipated, the new compact crossover has achieved an all-important best-in-class designation. The front-wheel-drive, six-speed manual-equipped CX-5 is rated at 26 miles per gallon city and 35 mpg, thanks to Mazda's efficient Skyactiv direct-injection 2.0-liter inline-four. In fact, Mazda claims the CX-5 actually gets the best fuel economy rating of any SUV (read: crossover) sold in America, full stop.

CX-5 models equipped with front-wheel drive and Mazda's new Skyactiv six-speed automatic transmission are good for 26/32 miles per gallon city/highway. And while those highway numbers match up with the four-cylinder Chevrolet Equinox, the Mazda's 26 mpg city rating bests the Chevy by a whopping four mpg. All-wheel-drive CX-5s are rated at 25/31 mpg city/highway. Follow the jump for Mazda's official release.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda CX-5 achieves best-in-class 26/35 mpg EPA rating

2013 Mazda CX-5 achieves best-in-class 26/35 mpg EPA rating originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We don't have a clue what 2018 has in store for us, but automakers' product plans extend well into the future, giving us a glimpse of what may or may not come. Automotive News reports that Mazda is planning to offer an electric vehicle in the United States by 2018, in part to satisfy California's zero-emissions vehicle requirements.

Mazda engineer Mitsuru Fujinaka reportedly told AN that the regulations make a U.S.-bound EV a near certainty, adding, "otherwise, we can't sell in California." And since California has the highest population of any state in the Union, we're thinking Mazda doesn't want to lose such a huge market. Of course, 2018 is more of a deadline than a target, so it's possible that Mazda could offer an EV in the U.S. before then.

The U.S.-bound Mazda EV may be a long way away, but that doesn't mean the automaker doesn't already have electrification plans underway in its home country. In the spring, Mazda will begin leasing an all-electric version of the Demio (the Mazda2 in the U.S.), which offers a range of 124 miles and a top speed of 87 miles per hour. The Demio will be a lease-only affair with a planned monthly take rate in the three-digit territory. The Demio EV can fast charge in 30 minutes, and a full charge takes about eight hours. For more on Mazda's overall efficiency plans, read these articles (1, 2) on the Skyactiv plans, which include electrification.

Mazda planning EV for U.S. market by 2018 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demioelectric vehicleevmazdamazda evThu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20128438/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20128438/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/15/mazda-planning-ev-for-u-s-market-by-2018/20128438/article-detail.xml 20128438 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/09mazda2fd2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/09mazda2fd2011.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda SkyActiv is a novel approach to fuel efficiency; will it work?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/mazda-skyactiv-is-a-novel-approach-to-fuel-efficiency-will-it-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/mazda-skyactiv-is-a-novel-approach-to-fuel-efficiency-will-it-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/mazda-skyactiv-is-a-novel-approach-to-fuel-efficiency-will-it-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv

Mazda is a small Japanese car company - fifth in Japanese-brand U.S. sales behind the "Big Three" of Toyota, Honda and Nissan and just behind distant-fourth Subaru - that prides itself on being different, more youthful and more fun to drive. Hence its "Zoom-Zoom" marketing theme and the goofy toothless grin on the faces of most recent Mazda products.

Now Mazda is taking a very different approach to meeting government and customer demands for fast-increasing fuel efficiency that may (or may not) pay off. Instead of betting billions on plug-in and hybrid vehicles, Mazda's approach is a comprehensive effort to substantially increase the efficiency of every element of every vehicle, beginning with engines and transmissions and continuing through bodies and chassis.

Mazda has been working on these efficiency-enhancing technologies for half a decade and is now applying them - beginning with new powertrains in its revamped 2012 Mazda3 compacts (pictured), which join the vaunted 40-mpg highway economy club - under the marketing name "Skyactiv." Some critics say the name is dumb. To some it may conjure images of flying cars or clear, blue skies over active lifestyles. Mazda says it means, "The sky is the limit."

But what really matters is, how well will it work? And will it sell more Mazdas?

Continue reading Mazda SkyActiv is a novel approach to fuel efficiency; will it work?

Mazda SkyActiv is a novel approach to fuel efficiency; will it work? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazda skyactivmpgskyactivskyactiv-dskyactiv-gMon, 12 Dec 2011 19:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20126383/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20126383/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/12/mazda-skyactiv-is-a-novel-approach-to-fuel-efficiency-will-it-w/20126383/article-detail.xml 20126383 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-mazda3-skyactive_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-mazda3-skyactive.jpg -1 2