Job#1 ceremony held at headquarters plant to celebrate production kickoff

Mazda Motor Corporation today held a commemorative ceremony to mark the production kickoff of the all-new Mazda Biante minivan at its Ujina Plant No.1 (U1) near Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima. Sales of the Mazda Biante are scheduled to commence in Japan on July 8, 2008.

Approximately 550 people, including Mazda’s Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, together with executive officers, union representatives and employees, gathered at the Job#1 ceremony to celebrate the Mazda Biante’s production launch.

President Imaki greeted the attendees, saying, “The launch of the all-new Biante marks Mazda’s entry into Japan’s mid-size ‘tall’ minivan segment. In terms of sales volume, it is second only to the compact car segment, where we introduced the all-new Mazda Demio last year.

“As the latest product to embody Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom tradition, the Mazda Biante will enable us to appeal to an even wider range of customers with vehicles that ‘look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.’ Going forward under the banner of our ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’ declaration, Mazda will continue to pursue harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features. And we will work all the harder to build vehicles of even better quality for our customers.”

The eight-seat Biante minivan was developed under the concept, “Look, then experience the Zoom-Zoom Tall minivan as it expands your dreams.” The Biante offers best-in-class cabin space, a fresh and comfortable “clean interior,” and distinctive, athletic styling. With its dynamic driving performance, the Biante offers all passengers an enticing blend of security and excitement.

Pre-Orders Start for All-New Mazda Biante Minivan

Mazda Motor Corporation began taking orders today for the newly developed Mazda Biante minivan at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealers throughout Japan. The sales launch is set for July 8, 2008. The Mazda Biante is only available for purchase in Japan.

The Biante is a mid-size ‘tall (high roof) minivan’ with seating for eight passengers. It will be offered with a choice of Mazda’s 2.0-liter direct injection (DISI) or 2.3-liter engine. It features distinctive, athletic styling and superior dynamic performance that provides a sense of security. The Biante also offers a clean and comfortable cabin with best-in-class interior space. The passenger cabin’s “clean interior” includes a ‘nanoe ion’ air purification system, an Alleru [Allergy] Buster unit (a particulate filter to aid allergy sufferers), a deodorizer in the cabin ceiling and non-absorbent seat fabric in case of spillages. 

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Mazda Biante

Note: The figures in the table above are scheduled prices as of May 26, 2008. They do not include prices of optional packages.

Specifications for the Mazda Biante (tentative)