irishcar.com

21 January 2003: The first of the Mazda2 has just come off the assembly line at the Ford plant in Valencia. Mazda has planned annual production of 40,000 units of this new compact model, destined exclusively for European markets.

Mazda2 is the second model to come from Mazda's 'resurgence strategy', following the highly-praised and Semperit Irish Car of the Year winning Mazda6.

A team of 70 engineers from Japan has been working at the Valencia plant to ensure that the Mazda2 would meet with the specific needs and demands of European customers.

For Ford, the incorporation of the Mazda2 into the production schedule has meant that the Valencia plant has become a completely flexible manufacturing facility, producing two different cars on one common assembly line. For Mazda, the new Mazda2 model will help to further build the brand in Europe as well as rejuvenating the customer base.

The impetus of Mazda's focus on Europe is clear from the 2002 sales results where, even under adverse market conditions, growth of 11% was achieved. Mazda is now aiming for a volume of 210,000 units in Europe during 2003 - a 15.4% increase over last year (182,000). Mazda2 is expected to contribute 14% of the total volume.

In most European markets the Mazda2 will be sold with four different engine options: 1.25-litre, 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol units that deliver 75 hp, 80 hp and 100 hp, respectively, plus a 1.4-litre 68 hp diesel engine using common rail technology.

The Mazda2 will arrive at Mazda dealers across Europe during March/April. Individual market prices and equipment levels will be announced late January/early February.

Ford previously re-badged a version of its previous-generation Fiesta hatchback for Mazda to sell in Europe as the 121.

Meantime, Mazda in Ireland has just launched its 7-seater Premacy compact MPV, putting it up in direct competition to the Opel Zafira, and the upcoming Renault Scenic 7-seater.

The latest Premacy now has a wider choice of engines, including DI turbodiesel.

	January 2003 - by Brian Byrne
First Mazda2 rolls off production line 21 January 2003: The first of the Mazda2 has just come off the assembly line at the Ford plant in Valencia. Mazda has planned annual production of 40,000 units of this new compact model, destined exclusively for European markets. Mazda2 is the second model to come from Mazda's 'resurgence strategy', following the highly-praised and Semperit Irish Car of the Year winning Mazda6. A team of 70 engineers from Japan has been working at the Valencia plant to ensure that the Mazda2 would meet with the specific needs and demands of European customers. For Ford, the incorporation of the Mazda2 into the production schedule has meant that the Valencia plant has become a completely flexible manufacturing facility, producing two different cars on one common assembly line. For Mazda, the new Mazda2 model will help to further build the brand in Europe as well as rejuvenating the customer base. The impetus of Mazda's focus on Europe is clear from the 2002 sales results where, even under adverse market conditions, growth of 11% was achieved. Mazda is now aiming for a volume of 210,000 units in Europe during 2003 - a 15.4% increase over last year (182,000). Mazda2 is expected to contribute 14% of the total volume. In most European markets the Mazda2 will be sold with four different engine options: 1.25-litre, 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol units that deliver 75 hp, 80 hp and 100 hp, respectively, plus a 1.4-litre 68 hp diesel engine using common rail technology. The Mazda2 will arrive at Mazda dealers across Europe during March/April. Individual market prices and equipment levels will be announced late January/early February. Ford previously re-badged a version of its previous-generation Fiesta hatchback for Mazda to sell in Europe as the 121. Meantime, Mazda in Ireland has just launched its 7-seater Premacy compact MPV, putting it up in direct competition to the Opel Zafira, and the upcoming Renault Scenic 7-seater. The latest Premacy now has a wider choice of engines, including DI turbodiesel.
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