New recycling process is efficient, compatible with all bumper makes and eliminates the need for separate collection networks

Mazda Motor Corporation has developed a world-first recycling technology which enhances the process it uses to recycle used bumpers from vehicles, whose useful life has ended, into raw plastic resin for use in new vehicle bumpers. The new technology is the first to enable recycling of used bumpers from different manufacturers at the same time. Additionally, by automating processes to remove metal attachments, it significantly increases recycling efficiency.

Mazda became an industry leader in bumper recycling when it began processing used bumpers from its own end-of-life vehicles that were collected through its dealer network in Japan. The new recycling technology can recycle all types and makes of bumper, thus removing the need for separate collection systems for each automaker’s products. It also combines all the recycling stages involved in crushing used bumpers through to reproducing raw materials, into a single automated process. These innovations represent a significant step forward for the industry.

Until now, unwanted materials such as metal attachments had to be removed by hand before the bumpers were visually inspected. These labor-intensive processes were an obstacle to increasing efficiency. Mazda overcame this by developing technologies to automate the processes in collaboration with Satake Corporation, a company in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan. Once used bumpers are crushed into pellets, a machine similar to those used to separate contaminants from cereal grains, removes unwanted metal pieces by shaking the pellets and directing airflow over them. In this way, Mazda’s new process enables higher efficiencies to be achieved.

Mazda’s new technology also resolves another limitation of previous methods. Depending on the vehicle manufacturer and age of the vehicle, used bumpers vary considerably in terms of the composition of polypropylene plastic and the paint’s adhesive properties. While this has forced previous systems to treat different bumpers separately, Mazda’s new technology successfully enables all bumpers to be recycled together. The new process employs a kneading machine which is similar to those used for processing foodstuffs and chemicals such as rubber and plastics. The machine applies a powerful shear force to the crushed bumper pellets, effectively stripping off the paint regardless of the plastic composition or paint properties, and without having to heat the plastic.

Going forward, Mazda will continue to advance development of innovative recycling technologies, including bumper-to-bumper recycling, as it strives towards achieving a sustainable future.

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

History of Mazda’s bumper recycling technologies

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Mazda Develops World-First Automated Recycling Technology for End-of-Life Vehicle Bumpers

Mazda Motor Corporation’s sporty SUV, the Mazda CX-7, will be the first passenger vehicle produced by a Japanese automaker to be equipped with a urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. Mazda’s SCR is smaller than previous systems, which is a significant improvement that enables it to be installed in passenger cars. It will be combined with Mazda’s newly developed clean, highly efficient MZR-CD 2.2L turbo diesel engine.

Planned for introduction in 2009, together with the new facelifted Mazda CX-7, Mazda’s SCR system will purify the nitrous oxides (NOx) that are generated in diesel exhaust gases. This will be a welcome addition to the Mazda CX-7’s new diesel engine, which provides better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions than equivalent gasoline powerplants.

Urea SCR systems spray aqueous urea* directly into the exhaust gas flow where it purifies NOx through a chemical reaction. Unlike technologies that use extra fuel to burn off NOx, this method minimally affects fuel economy and power output. However, because an aqueous urea storage tank and other specialist equipment are required, space limitations in passenger vehicles have restricted the use of SCR systems to trucks and buses. This is not the case with Mazda’s SCR system.

Mazda’s MZR-CD 2.2L turbo diesel engine actually produces low volumes of NOx, which means that the SCR system needs to remove less NOx in post processing, resulting in a reduced amount of urea used. This means a smaller tank is required, allowing it to be comfortably installed in the Mazda CX-7.

As well as complying with Europe’s most stringent (Euro V) emissions regulations, the freshened CX-7 will provide plenty of Zoom-Zoom, perfectly balanced with eco-friendly performance.

* Urea is a harmless substance that is commonly used in lotions and hand creams.

Mazda Urea SCR

Source / ©Graphic Mazda Motor Corporation

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Mazda: the First Japanese Automaker to Develop a Urea SCR System for Cars

- New special needs model provides improved user-friendliness and greater peace of mind -

Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of its redesigned Mazda AZ-Wagon i, a special needs vehicle equipped with a sloping access ramp for wheelchairs. The new model is based on the fully redesigned AZ-Wagon micro-mini that was launched in Japan in September 2008. Sales commence today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini, and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

The new AZ-Wagon i has a wide opening at the rear and a spacious cabin with a high roof. Other enhancements designed for wheelchair users include a new three-point seatbelt and a handrail on both sides of the rear cabin, as standard equipment. Additionally, user-friendliness is also improved for caregivers by a sloping entry/exit ramp that is gentler than the previous model.

Main features of the all-new AZ-Wagon i
-     New three-point seatbelt for wheelchair users (the previous model was equipped with a two-point seatbelt)
-     A handrail on both sides of the rear cabin provides extra support and comes as standard equipment
-     Easier wheelchair access due to the lower floor and gentler sloping ramp
-     Anti-theft immobilizer fitted as standard equipment

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the all-new AZ-Wagon i

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Mazda Releases Redesigned AZ-Wagon i in Japan

The new Mazda6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan) with European specifications has been awarded the five-star maximum rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme* (Euro NCAP) in its 2009 combined safety performance test. This accolade officially makes Mazda6 one of the safest cars in the world.

For 2009, Euro NCAP has implemented a more stringent evaluation system that awards a single overall vehicle safety rating combining the scores achieved in four areas of assessment: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist. The Mazda6 was in the first group of vehicles tested under the new framework.

Seita Kanai, Mazda’s senior managing executive officer in charge of R&D and Program Management, said, “Mazda6’s maximum safety rating from Euro NCAP is a reflection of the progress Mazda has made in harmonizing driving pleasure with safety and environmental performance under our Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan. Going forward, we will strive to fulfill our corporate social responsibilities by further advancing Mazda’s eco-friendly and safety technologies.”

Mazda models in Europe that received the highest possible five stars for Adult Occupant Protection under the previous Euro NCAP rating system include the Mazda5 (Mazda Premacy) in September 2005 and the Mazda2 (Mazda Demio) in December 2007.

While the first generation Mazda6 combined unique and attractive styling with exceptional driving performance, the new Mazda6 has further developed these characteristics and added substantially enhanced safety performance that complies with the world’s strictest safety standards.

*Euro NCAP is an independent agency comprised of the transport authorities of European countries. It has awarded automotive safety ratings since 1997.

Source: Mazda

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Euro NCAP Safety Test Awards Five Stars to Mazda6

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced it will participate in the “ITS-Safety 2010” combined tests of automotive Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)* in Japan. Mazda will provide Mazda MPV and Mazda Atenza (known as the Mazda6 overseas) vehicles – equipped with advanced safe driving systems it has developed – for use in public demonstration events to be held from February 25 to 28, 2009, in Odaiba, Tokyo’s new waterfront subcenter district. The ITS-Safety 2010 testing is being conducted by the “ITS Promotion Council,” a joint committee formed of public and private sector organizations in Japan to advance large-scale testing of safety technologies.

The ITS trials will verify the effectiveness of advanced automotive intelligent technology systems that have been jointly developed through public and private sector cooperation. This involves setting up the necessary apparatus on public roads, verifying the ITS technologies’ interoperability among different automakers and the system’s applicability to real-world driving use. The project’s overall aim is to make Japanese roads the safest in the world.

Mazda MPV ITS test vehicle
© Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda has been involved in ITS validation trials on public roads in the Hiroshima region since 2006. Its role, as a member of the consortium of regional government, academic and industry organizations that is sponsoring the local ITS trials, has been to develop on-board navigation systems to support ITS technology.

ITS-compatible navigation system
© Mazda Motor Corporation

To date, Mazda has equipped approximately 50 vehicles driven by consortium partners and members of the public with ITS-related safety systems. The data collected from these vehicles is being used to analyze unique characteristics of the local traffic infrastructure, such as large arched bridges with poor forward visibility or bridges that are shared by vehicles and streetcars.

Mazda committed to making more eco-friendly and safer vehicles as one of the major elements of its March 2007 long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom. Through the development of driver awareness technologies as part of its involvement in ITS initiatives, the company is striving to build fun-to-drive vehicles with abundant safety technologies that will share a sustainable traffic infrastructure with pedestrians, bicycles, and all other road users.

* ITS is a new transport system which is comprised of an advanced information and telecommunications network for users, roads and vehicles. ITS contributes toward solving transportation problems such as traffic accidents and vehicle congestion.

Source: Mazda Motor Corporation

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Mazda Participates in ‘ITS-Safety 2010′ Combined Trials

The Mazda MX-5 (known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan) was first revealed to the world at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989. To help celebrate the 20th anniversary of this storied roadster, Mazda has announced that the freshened third generation MX-5 is making its North American debut at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, which is being held from February 11-22, 2009.

Through two full redesigns in 1998 and 2005, Mazda engineers focused on keeping the Mazda MX-5 lightweight and optimally balanced. The now-iconic MX-5 has evolved into a desirable and dynamic open-top sports car with enhanced safety and eco-friendly features. In 2006, the third generation MX-5 lineup was expanded with the addition of the Power Retractable Hard Top model, which features a groundbreaking electric roof system that does not sacrifice trunk space. The MX-5 has won more than 170 awards around the world to date, including the 2005-2006 Japan Car of the Year accolade, earning itself an international reputation without equal.
Guinness World Records certified the Mazda MX-5 as the world’s highest production two-seat open-top sports car in May 2000. With 857,201 MX-5 units produced through to December 2008, this record keeps growing.

The MX-5’s “Jinba Ittai” (“rider and horse as one”) concept has been the guiding principle for improvements since the original model. This enduring spirit will ensure that the Zoom-Zoom roadster continues to provide the fun-to-drive feeling of a car that moves in unison with the driver’s intentions to as many people as possible. As the Mazda MX-5 tradition evolves with the times, it will never cease creating countless smiles per mile.

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Mazda MX-5 Celebrates 20th Birthday at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show

Mazda Motor Corporation will debut two new models of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) product range at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show from March 3 through 15, 2009. The world premiere of the Mazda3 with i-stop, Mazda’s advanced fuel-saving start-stop system, will be shared with the all-new Mazda3 MPS, Mazda3’s high performance flagship model. The Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed Axela) now features improved fuel economy and emissions that satisfy Euro Stage 5.

Mazda3 i-stop
The Mazda3 is one of Mazda’s core products, with more than two million units of the first generation produced. The design of the new model has a bolder and more dynamic stance; it is agile and confidence-inspiring, enhancing the sense of oneness between the driver and car. It also has high environmental and safety performance levels, exemplifying Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term vision to provide cars that are eco-friendly and safe while still being fun to drive.

The Mazda3 with i-stop embodies Sustainable Zoom-Zoom and adds a new eco-friendly option to the lineup. It features the i-stop system in combination with the MZR 2.0 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine. Together, these two Mazda proprietary technologies help the new model achieve approximately 12 percent lower fuel consumption (urban cycle) than the current European Mazda3. By providing great driving performance as well as top-class fuel economy, the Mazda3 with i-stop is a different type of eco-car that will exceed customer expectations.

Mazda3 MPS
The Mazda3 MPS sport compact pushes Mazda design further and its exciting driving performance perfectly represents Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom spirit. Carrying forward the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, Mazda3 MPS builds on the popularity and recognition of the previous model. It evolves the driving experience to an entirely new level of quality and pleasure with its emotional design and exhilarating performance.

The all-new Mazda3 Program Manager, Yoshiyuki Maeda, says, “These two models add extra value to an all-new Mazda3 lineup that has already shown strong appeal. The new Mazda3 series takes a significant step ahead in both the realms of driving performance and environmental technology to lead the way toward a new generation of motoring.”

Scheduled for sale
All-new Mazda3 MPS European specification (world premiere)
All-new Mazda3 equipped with i-stop European specification (world premiere)

Concept car
Mazda Kiyora

Models currently on sale
Mazda2, Mazda5, Mazda6, Mazda MX-5, Mazda CX-7, BT-50

Source: Mazda.com

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All-new Mazda3 i-stop, Mazda3 MPS to Premiere at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show