ZOOM ZOOM

The purpose of every MAZDASPEED vehicle is to amplify all the areas that already make Mazdas stand out in their classes: Power, handling, driver connectivity, style and value. MAZDASPEED factory-engineered vehicles, performance parts and accessories, and motorsports programs are the ultimate expression of our Always the Soul of a Sport Car spirit.

MAZDASPEED is the destination for driving enthusiasts who desire to experience Mazda at the highest, most exhilarating level.

Click here to learn more.

Big thanks to the author of the this review for sharing their experience.

"As a newcomer here in TX, dealing with R&S really made my transition a smooth one. They were able to accommodated me during my visits and they were really upfront with doing business with me."- Zoompit"

Mazda First to Recycle End-of-Life Vehicle Bumpers into New Vehicle Bumpers

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has become the world's first^* automaker to successfully recycle scrapped bumpers from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) into raw material for new vehicle bumpers. The new technology was inaugurated on August 21, 2011 and is initially being used to make rear bumpers for the Mazda Biante minivan.

Conventionally, bumpers from ELVs are processed into automobile shredder residue (ASR) and incinerated to recover heat energy (thermal recycling). By enabling the ELV bumpers to be recycled into material for new vehicle bumpers, the new technology improves the material recycling ratio (MRR) of Mazda vehicles and contributes to more effective use of resources.

 

Bumpers comprise a large proportion of the plastic used in vehicles and Mazda is proactively developing bumper recycling technologies as an effective way to increase vehicle MRR. Mazda became an industry leader in bumper recycling when it began processing damaged bumpers collected from in-use vehicles through its dealer network in Japan. Mazda then aimed to further develop this damaged bumper recycling technology and adapt it for recycling ELV bumpers.

 

Many ELVs are over 10 years old, so the composition of the bumpers' polypropylene plastic and the adhesive properties of the paint vary considerably. Before recycling, unwanted materials such as metal attachments must also be removed. As a result, processing ELV bumpers into new material has previously been technically and economically difficult.

 

To overcome this, in the 1990s Mazda began designing bumpers to be easily recyclable, and now the number of ELV bumpers that can be efficiently dismantled is increasing. Mazda has also developed and implemented efficient ELV bumper collection and processing methods in collaboration with Yamako Corporation and Takase Gosei Kagaku Corporation, companies based in Hiroshima prefecture, western Japan. As a result of these initiatives, the cost of recycling is less than the cost of purchasing new plastic.

 

Initially, Mazda is collecting bumpers from end-of-life Mazda vehicles in the Hiroshima area, and the recycled plastic will comprise approximately 10 percent of each new bumper produced.

 

Currently, approximately 20 percent by weight of ELVs (parts made of plastics, rubber and other materials) is incinerated as ASR. Bumpers comprise a large proportion of the plastic so collecting and recycling ELV bumpers is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing ASR and optimizing efficient use of resources.

 

Going forward, Mazda will continue to develop advanced recycling technologies, including bumper-to-bumper recycling, as it strives toward a sustainable future.

 

* As of August 2011 (Mazda data)

 

History of Mazda's bumper recycling technologies

Year	Details
1992	Began collecting damaged bumpers (that were replaced at dealer service centers) and recycling them for use as vehicle undercovers.
2001	Implemented mechanical paint removal technology, increased the strength of recycled plastic to the same level as new plastic, and began using recycled plastic to reinforce new bumpers.
2002	Optimized the paint removal process, improving the paint removal rate from 98% to 99%. Recycled resin used for new (dimpled black plastic) bumpers on Mazda Bongo Friendee from July 2003.
2003	Developed an optical selection mechanism and new paint removal technology in collaboration with Satake Corporation which increased the paint removal rate to 99.9%. The resulting recycled plastic achieved the necessary strength and quality for use as replacement painted bumpers.
2005	Began continuous recycling of damaged bumpers as raw material for use in new car bumpers.
2009	Developed the world's first automated recycling technology for end-of-life vehicle bumpers.

 

For further information on Mazda's environmental technologies, please visit:
 http://www.mazda.com/mazdaspirit/env/

Stop by and see us before the end of the month to take advantage of these great service specials.

http://russellsmithmazda.com/best/Mazda-Service-Specials/

 

Possible 2013 Mazda 6 Hybrid in the Works

 

Published August 16, 2011

By Jeff Cobb

What do you call the propulsion system of a Mazda 6 having a Toyota Prius hybrid drivetrain shoe-horned in? Mazda Hybrid Synergy Drive?

No word on that question has been given, but spy photos of a possible 2013 hybrid under development using a blend of Mazda/Prius hardware have been circulating the Web.

It is believed Mazda, despite its “Zoom Zoom” ode to petrol power slogan is grasping for ways to electrically improve efficiency in light of increased worldwide governmental pressures on it and all automakers.

The Mazda 6 test mule has a gear lever from a Prius, along with the rest of the Prius hybrid tech in keeping with a licensing agreement made last year between Mazda and Toyota.

Mazda says the tuning will be all Mazda however, as will the internal combustion engine to be mated to the Toyota hybrid side of things.

The car anticipated to be launched late 2012 or some time in 2013 is rumored to be indeed a Mazda 6 – not some other design being cloaked for now by the Mazda 6 body. Going this route will save Mazda hundreds of millions compared to developing a totally new car.

The engine could be a variant of the Skyactiv gas-powered four cylinder. A 163-horsepower version due in the 2012 Mazda 3 is said to deliver a respectable 40 mpg without any form of electric assist, and would be ideal for hybridization.

In comparison, a Toyota Prius’ combined output is 134 horsepower, so the 6 with gas-plus-electric propulsion ought to be more zoomier in a concession to Mazda’s diluted mantra as the company dips its toes cautiously into the hybrid waters.

A diesel variant to the Skyactiv engine is also in the works, but costs would be amplified to use it in the hybrid Mazda 6, so bets are it will be gas-electric.

Mazda will also launch at least one diesel-powered vehicle in the U.S. market for 2012.

Its hybrid effort is definitely a conservative one in licensing and adopting Toyota’s already proven designs.

Big thanks to the author of this review for sharing their positive feedback.

"R&SM's people took the time to listen to what I needed to have happen to make the deal work, what I wanted in buying a new car to be happy, and being patient and understanding with me and overcoming the issues at hand. Thank you Gilton, Ben, and the rest of the R&SM team!"- Dredjar

Mazda To Launch New Tech With CX-5 Crossover

By: Mazda In The News

Mazda is preparing to launch an all-new compact crossover, loosely based on the Minagi Crossover Concept we’ve seen at recent auto shows. The new model will be called the CX-5 and it will make its official world premier at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

The Mazda CX-5 will introduce two very important elements. For starters, its sheetmetal represents the automaker’s latest design theme, ‘KODO – Soul of Motion,’ which will eventually make its way across the Mazda lineup. Additionally, the CX-5 will feature Mazda’s latest SKYACTIV powertrain technologies, which ensure the crossover is just as efficient as it is fun-to-drive.

In addition to gasoline engines, the CX-5 will also be available with Mazda’s all-new 2.2-liter SKY-D diesel engine. It will reportedly be cleaner than Volkswagen’s beloved TDI engines. And, according to Mazda, the SKY-D will also go about 20 percent farther on a gallon of diesel than the current TDI.

Initial tests of the SKY-D engine in the Mazda6 have yielded about 43 miles per gallon. In the upcoming CX-5, the SKY-D could help the model deliver the best fuel economy among all compact crossovers, including the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Mazda will hold a press conference for the CX-5 on Tuesday, September 13. Stay tuned for additional details.

Mazda Commences Production of Facelifted Mazda3

- First model to adopt Mazda's highly efficient new SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-DRIVE transmission -

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has commenced production of the facelifted Mazda Axela (known overseas as the Mazda3) equipped with breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY at the Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, western Japan. The facelifted Axela is Mazda's first model to combine the newly developed 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G 2.0 direct injection gasoline engine with the SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission. SKYACTIV-DRIVE reduces slippage to delivers a direct shift feel similar to a manual transmission. Sales of the facelifted Mazda Axela – the second model equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY following the facelifted Mazda Demio (known overseas as the Mazda2) – will begin in the Japanese market in fall 2011.

 

Mazda3 (North American specifications)

 

The facelifted Mazda Axela with SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-DRIVE delivers significantly improved driving performance and fuel economy. In the Japanese market, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 Axela also features "intelligent-Drive Master" (i-DM), a new technology that is proving popular on the recently released facelifted Mazda Demio. The newly-developed i-DM provides information and driving tips designed to promote a smooth and efficient driving style, thereby supporting enjoyable driving, a more comfortable ride for passengers, and improved fuel economy.

 

The Mazda Axela is a core model in Mazda's lineup and accounts for a third of the company's global sales. It is also the fastest-selling model in Mazda's current lineup of passenger vehicles, with a cumulative production volume of over three million units^*. By equipping the Axela with SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-DRIVE, Mazda will further accelerate the introduction of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY.

* Data compiled by Mazda, includes overseas production.

We would like to thank the authors of these four shining reviews for taking the time to tell us how we're doing.

"I'm very satisfied with my purchase and am thrilled to be part of the Russell & Smith family !! They strongly adhere to the KISS (Keep It Simple Salesman!!) concept .. no pushy people .. willing to look at all options to have you as a long-term customer. "- axjamil

Gilton and Delroy, thank you for always treating our customers like they are part of the Russell & Smith Mazda family.

"The guys in the sales department of Russell and Smith Mazda (Gilton and Delroy) are the nicest I've seen in the business. Delroy ordered pizza delivery from the nearby Domino while we were doing the paperwork. Gilton is very kind and pleasant to talk person. On a first visit we were not sure if we wanted to buy a car, and they did not push us, just gave a quote. Next we went to Jeff Haas and their financial management was really pushy, asking for quick decision, and did not offer any significant advantage over Russell & Smith offer. So we went back and are pretty happy for that decision!"- Ermilovs

Mazda CX-7 Crossover Shines In July Sales

Mazda has reported July sales of 20,783 vehicles, up slightly over the same period last year. Sales through the first half of this year are also up 4.9 percent compared to last year with 143,162 vehicles sold.

The stand-out model in Mazda’s lineup last month was the CX-7 crossover, which racked up 3,152 sales, up 18.9 percent versus last July 2010. Sales were so strong last month that it was the CX-7’s best July in four years.

Sales are also up 12.9 percent for Mazda’s larger CX-9 crossover. Additionally, the best-selling Mazda3 reported its best monthly sales since April of this year with 9,288 vehicles sold.  The Mazda5 multi-activity vehicle’s year-to-date sales are up 22.2 percent.

Click the link below to check out all of our service specials then stop by and see us.

http://russellsmithmazda.com/best/Mazda-Service-Specials/