Ford to Sell off Most of its Remaining Mazda Stake

Even though the Ford Motor Company - Mazda Motor Corp. alliance was one of the most longstanding partnerships with many benefits for both parties, the Detroit automaker today announced plans to sell more than two-thirds of the shares it holds in the Japanese firm. Ford said it will reduce its stake in Mazda from 11 percent to 3.5 percent, with the transaction expected to be completed on Friday. With this move, Ford gives up its title as Mazda's biggest single shareholder for the first time in 31 years.

The two companies said they will continue their strategic partnership in areas of mutual benefits such as key joint ventures and exchange of technology information."Ford will remain one of Mazda's largest shareholders with a 3.5- percent stake, and both companies are committed to continuing our strategic partnership which spans over 30 years," says Mazda's Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Takashi Yamanouchi. "Mazda and Ford will continue to collaborate on areas of mutual benefit such as key joint ventures, joint projects and exchange of technology information."

Mazda3 gets Revised 1.6-liter Diesel in Europe, Returns 4.4lt/100km or 53.5mpg

Mazda has updated the 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine offered in the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan models, making it Euro 5-compliant, more powerful (115 hp vs 109 hp) and even more economical. The new version needs just 4.4 lt/100 km (64.2 UK mpg or 53.5 US mpg) and it's mated for the first time to a six-speed manual transmission.

The five extra horses won't rock your world, but the 1.6 MZ-CD delivers 30 more newton-meters (22 lb-ft) of torque, which should definitely count. Engineers achieved this by using a new common-rail fuel injector system, with piezo injectors, and a variable-geometry turbocharger, which not only increased the torque to 270 Nm (199 lb-ft), but also made it available between 1,700-2,700 rpm. Peak power is delivered 400 rpm lower than before, at 3,600 rpm.

The extra oomph doesn't really translate into better acceleration figures - at least not on paper- but the Mazda3 1.6 MZ-CD is no slouch either. It accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11 seconds, matching its predecessor, and can reach a top speed of 186 km/h (116 mph).

Also new is the maintenance-free diesel particulate filter (DPF), which no longer needs an additive to burn off the particulate matter, thus reducing running costs. Also thanks to the DPF, the new engine emits just 117 g/km of CO2 in the combined cycle.

Mazda hasn't provided any information on pricing and availability yet.

By Csaba Daradics

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U.S.-Spec 2012 Mazda5 Minivan with Six Seats to Debut in LA

Sharing the stand with the Shinari sports saloon concept at this month's Los Angeles Auto Show will be the North American version of the Mazda5 minivan. Shown for the first time to the public at the Geneva Salon this past March, the new Mazda5 gets a swoopier design with flared front fenders and a trio of three side creases starting from the front door and continuing all the way back to the tail lamps.

It features sliding rear doors and seating for six passengers in three rows of seats. From what we can tell, there aren't any visible styling changes over the European model.

Under the skin, however, it's a different story. Whereas the EU-spec Mazda5 is offered with a choice of three engines including 115HP 1.8-liter and 150HP 2.0-liter petrols, plus a115HP 1.6-liter turbo diesel, the North American model is powered by a 157-hp 2.5-liter MZR I4 engine, which can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.

More intel including pricing and availability for the Mazda5, which will be sold as a 2012MY in the States, will be announced at a later date.

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