Stevens News
MAZDA’S ALL-NEW BT-50 GETS PICKED UP BY Fulton Hogan
Mazda’s one-tonne pick-up truck will continue to drive New Zealand’s leading roading and infrastructure construction company, Fulton Hogan, as the selected vehicle of choice.
This is Mazda’s third cycle with Fulton Hogan and extends their relationship for a further three years.
The kiwi company has been with Mazda and using the BT-50, on roads and construction sites across the country, for over eight years. The all-new BT-50 will be replacing the existing fleet of 1000 utility vehicles.
Mazda New Zealand Managing Director, Andrew Clearwater, is delighted that Fulton Hogan has named the BT-50 as the company’s chosen vehicle. “The BT-50 has become an iconic vehicle in New Zealand, known as a hardy, one-tonne work horse. It is fitting to see Fulton Hogan, the country’s top roading and infrastructure company, driving these trucks. It will provide Fulton Hogan with a combination of passenger-car-like ride comfort with the powertrain durability and rough-road capabilities demanded in a pickup.”
“It builds on previous models and will deliver superior performance while achieving excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Our latest model is something special and will bring a new element to staffs’ everyday work,” says Clearwater.
Fulton Hogan Group Mechanical Engineer, Graham Eaton, says Mazda’s BT-50 was chosen over tough competition as it met all criteria in terms of specification, safety, performance and value for money. “The BT-50 is a tough, reliable, commercial truck with the performance and comfort required for the needs of our staff, who spend a great deal of time in their vehicles.
The safety features also bring great appeal. We take safety very seriously and were pleased to see the all-new BT-50 has an ANCAP 5-star safety rating.”
In addition to being impressed by the many features of the all-new BT-50, Eaton says the commercial care provided by Mazda raised the car company to another level of customer service. “Mazda’s commercial care service brings great peace of mind. The company runs an excellent operation; ensuring utilities are processed and delivered promptly.”
“Mazda New Zealand’s support allows our company to run smoothly and we are confident this will continue and strengthen our relationship over the next three years,” concludes Eaton.
Posted by Stuart Gibbons on 4th May, 2012 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: New Models, Customer Stories
MAZDA’S NEW CX-5 IS A SHOW STOPPER
Mazda’s all new CX-5 is set to shake up the SUV scene with its cutting edge design, next generation technologies and emphasis on safety features, launched in New Zealand this April.
There has never been an SUV like it. The stunning design sets the CX-5 apart, while all-new SKYACTIV technologies deliver performance and handling with the instincts of a sports car, yet minimises fuel consumption and emissions.
The CX-5 is the first of Mazda’s new-generation vehicles to boast the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies. Engineers redesigned the engine, transmission, chassis to minimise fuel consumption and emissions, yet maximise performance.
To ensure absolute safety while driving, the CX-5 offers unsurpassed safety features from a reversing camera as standard on all models, to advanced features like TomTom satellite navigation, parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Monitoring on selected models.
CX-5 is the first production model to feature Mazda‘s next generation “KODO – Soul of Motion” design theme. Inspired by the beauty and power of nature along with the concept of movement, the CX-5 achieves an outstanding balance between style and performance. Specifically, CX-5 designers studied cheetahs, observing how they use their entire body as a spring, setting enormous energy into motion with incredible dexterity and grace.
Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director Mazda New Zealand, says, “The CX-5 is the ultimate SUV, in that, just like the cheetah it has been modelled on, it is ahead of competitors in every way. Kiwi drivers will love how well the CX-5 caters to their lifestyle and adventure needs, without faltering on style. The next generation technologies and realisation of KODO design create an utterly stunning SUV.”
The sophisticated exterior expresses SUV sturdiness and functionality, while boldly projecting an elegant sense of motion – and anticipation of driving enjoyment. Developers pursued a sporty, imposing design delivering the greatest possible balance between form, functionality and performance.
The CX-5’s well-planted look begins with the strong presence of the nose and prominent wheel arches. Its forward-leaning stance is reminiscent of a sprinter in the starting blocks just before the race begins, and the placement of the cabin to the rear like a predator preparing to pounce. The end result is an athletic yet dignified shape that sets the new Mazda apart from other SUVs.
Viewed at its full length, the CX-5 exudes dynamism, with continuous forms and lines conveying an impression of speed. The sculptured body sides and bold fender arches (skirting a choice of 17 or 19-inch wheels) accentuate a sense of power.
CX-5 designers even managed to achieve outstanding aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of only 0.33, by pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking regarding compact SUVs. These are just some examples of the harmonious blend of form and function on the new Mazda CX-5.
Inside, Mazda created a driver-oriented cabin with solid yet mature styling that reflects the CX-5’s exterior strength and sturdiness. And, unsurprisingly for a Mazda, the look and feel of the interior underscores the car’s sportiness, while easily accommodating five people, and all of their gear, in five-star comfort.
The seats express solid simplicity - they look and feel sporty, deliver superb lateral and vertical grip with better thigh and lumbar support than ever – but without compromising on driver or passenger comfort, even on long trips. Using new material and a new structure, they weigh less, too.
In spite of its compact exterior, the CX-5 is remarkably spacious on the inside. Its width (1,840mm) and wheelbase (2,700mm) are segment leading. Typical for an SUV, the driver sits in a commanding position in the CX-5, but Mazda went the extra mile, finding precisely the spot where the driver has the best view of the road yet can still operate pedals and controls in absolute comfort. These efforts paid off: the CX-5 boasts one of the highest eye points (the vertical distance from the ground to eye level) in its class. On top of this, the slant of the A-pillars, along with the gap between these and the side mirrors, increases the driver’s visibility, delivering the widest field of vision in the segment. For the driver, that means a safer, less stressful and more comfortable journey.
Mazda’s approach to advanced ergonomics was to identify the optimum position for occupants, focusing on their joints, and arrange systems and storage accordingly. Passengers are cut off from outside agitation and free to relax and travel in comfort, while the driver can concentrate on the task at hand. Mazda’s ergonomic innovators even analysed how people get in and out of a vehicle. Using a “digital mannequin”, they redesigned the door and B-pillar areas to allow smooth entry and exit with minimal body stress.
Mazda has designed an exceptional vehicle which sets a new benchmark for driving experience. Every CX-5 will also come standard with mazdacare to ensure the vehicle continues to perform in optimum condition. mazdacare comprises a Mazda Genuine Factory Warranty and Mazda On Call Roadside Assistance for a 3 year, unlimited kilometre period and Genuine Mazda Servicing for 3 years/100,000 km (whichever occurs first).
The CX-5 range is available now from $39,690 plus on road costs. For more information, please visit contact us
Posted by Stuart Gibbons on 28th April, 2012 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: New Models
Nissan returns in V8 assult
Nissan Australia will return to racing next year with a full factory-backed entry in V8 Supercars with Kelly Racing.
To be announced in Melbourne tomorrow morning, the family-owned Kelly outfit will be rebranded Nissan Motorsport and field as many as four official entries.
The cars will run in primarily Nissan livery – normally red, white and blue – that incorporates other team sponsors.
Still to be decided is what Nissan model the Car Of The Future-spec V8 racers will emulate, with candidates ranging from the Maxima large car to the Japanese-market four-door Skyline.
Engine wise, it’s understood Nissan Oz and Kelly Racing will develop a localised version of one of the company’s existing racing V8s, with input from the NISMO motor sport division.
The unexpectedly full-frontal factory deal ends the two-decade Ford/Holden duopoly in V8 racing.
Ironically, Nissan’s last involvement in Australian touring car racing was with the category-killing “Godzilla” Skyline GT-R, the early 1990s domination of which prompted the switch to the V8 Commodores and Falcons that have reigned since 1994.
There will be a comprehensive analysis of Nissan’s game-changing V8 entry.
Posted by Stuart Gibbons on 27th February, 2012 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: Motor Sport, V8's
Mazda takes to the road with Anika Moa
Hot off the heels of being crowned Mazda Best Female Solo Artist at the 2010 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, Anika Moa has hit the road with Zoom-Zoom power behind her nationwide Solo Tour.
Over the seven week tour Moa will be driving a Mazda CX-7 decked out with stunning visuals of the artist and butterflies created by renowned New Zealand airbrush and tattoo artist Rose Hardy.
“We are very proud to support Anika on her upcoming tour,” says Glenn Harris, National Marketing Manager for Mazda New Zealand. “Mazda is a passionate supporter of the arts and has sponsored the Mazda Best Female Solo Artist award at the New Zealand Music Awards for four years running.”
Moa also won Mazda Best Female Solo Artist at the New Zealand Music Awards in 2008 for her album In Swings The Tide.
Moa will be touring New Zealand from 21 October through to 4 December performing music from her fourth studio album Love in Motion including her hit ‘Running Through the Fire (Storm)’.
For more information visit www.anikamoa.com.
Tour Dates as follows:
(Tickets can be purchased at eventfinder.co.nz and at venues listed under each concert)
Thur-Oct-21 … Auckland, Mangere Arts Centre, Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
Eventfinder.co.nz
Fri-Oct-22 … Leigh, Sawmill Cafe
Eventfinder.co.nz
Sun-Oct-24 … The Colosseum, Tauranga
Eventfinder.co.nz, Tracs & Brewers Bar (The Mount)
Thur-Oct-28 … KeriKeri, The Centre
Centakeri.com or 0800 200 411
Fri-Oct-29 … Bethells Beach, Bethells Beach Cottages
Sat-Oct-30 … Whangarei, The Butter Factory
Eventfinder.co.nz, Musicor & venue
Thur-Nov-04 … Te Awamutu, The Ale House
Eventfinder.co.nz
Fri-Nov-05 … New Plymouth, Powder Room
Eventfinder.co.nz, venue & Music Works
Sat-Nov-06 … Raglan, The Yot Club
Eventfinder.co.nz & Raglan Info Centre
Thur- Nov-11 … Whakatane, The Charter Club
Eventfinder.co.nz, venue & 1XX Radio
Fri-Nov-12 … Gisborne, Winstons Bar, Poverty Bay Club
Eventfinder.co.nz, venue & Cafe 1874 @ PBC
Sat-Nov-13 … Havelock North, Underground Cellar
Eventfinder.co.nz & Blackbarn.com
Thur-Nov-18 … Nelson, School Of Music
Nsom.co.nz or (03) 548 9477
Fri-Nov-19 … Westport, NBS Theatre
Eventfinder.co.nz
Sat-Nov-20 … Hokitika, The Regent Theatre
Eventfinder.co.nz
Thur- Nov-25 … Dunedin, Chicks Hotel
Eventfinder.co.nz, venue & Marbecks
Fri-Nov-26 … Invercargil, Uncles Disco Bar
Eventfinder.co.nz & Uncles Pool Hall
Sat-Nov-27 … The Winehouse, Gibbston
Eventfinder.co.nz, Arrowtown Info Centre & Queenstown Bungy Centre
Thur-Dec-02 … Oamaru, Penguin Club
Eventfinder.co.nz & Mainstreet Music
Fri-Dec-03 … Lyttleton, Harbour Light
Eventfinder.co.nz & Harbourlight.co.nz
Sat-Dec-04 … Wellington, The Ruby Lounge
Eventfinder.co.nz & Real Groovy
Posted by Stu on 17th July, 2011 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
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Wraps come off Mazda'a all-new BT-50
Mazda unveiled the all-new BT-50 to the world this morning at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.
The Mazda BT-50 has been designed for those who lead busy and diverse lifestyles, signalling a new direction in the utility market. The BT-50 combines refined and expressive styling with outstanding environmental and safety performance along with dynamic driving performance.
Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director for Mazda New Zealand, says the BT-50 will extend the appeal of the utility vehicle from traditional business users to a wider range of customers, particularly those with active lifestyles.
“We expect the BT-50 to set a new standard in its segment when it launches here in late 2011. The vehicle will appeal to a wide range of New Zealand drivers as it blurs the lines between lifestyle and utility vehicle,” says Clearwater.
It’s the unique, expressive design of the BT-50 which gives it universal appeal. Mazda’s design team looked to push the boundaries of utility design with the BT-50 to deliver a vehicle which not only looks desirable but also is strong and dependable. The result is a design concept known as ‘Sophisticated Athlete’, with the BT-50 showcasing an athletic stance that, even when stationery, hints at its outstanding performance capabilities.
The exterior of the BT-50 features an athletic design with muscular flowing lines from the fenders along the sides of the vehicle and dynamic wedge-shaped proportions unlike any other utility.
Mazda’s new family face, the bold five-point grille, is further evolved on the BT-50 for a more imposing expression. The vehicle’s headlights feature the unique boomerang shape as seen on Mazda’s other models while the taillights are stretched horizontally, reaching around the corners and across the tailgate for a sporty rear view – a design first in the segment.
The interior features a more sporty and personal feel to complement the dynamic exterior image. The dashboard has an asymmetric design to create optimal space on each side of it as well as wrap around the driver to provide an open space for the passenger while supporting enthusiastic driving. The flowing interior design also connects the centre of the instrument panel to the raised centre console, a never before seen design in a pickup truck.
Four bold metallic panel strips on the door trim and sides of the centre console further express dynamism while a metallic outline highlights the two cylindrical meters and connects them via a centre strip to improve readability and enhance the sporty look of the instrument panel. The audio control panel and the climate control panels, which have
independent driver and passenger-side temperature controls, complete the beautifully designed human interface.
“The BT-50’s size combined with the comfortable interior of a passenger vehicle makes it the ideal vehicle for people heading to the beach one weekend and down to the snow the next. The BT-50 is perfectly suited to deal with New Zealand’s diverse and contrasting landscape,” says Clearwater.
The current Mazda BT-50 was established as a one-tonne utility. It has won numerous awards and gained a strong following all over the world. With modern and refined styling both inside and out, the all-New Mazda BT-50 will raise the bar in the utility segment and for the first time provide a realistic alternative to the family wagon and 4x4 SUV.
Posted by Stu on 8th July, 2011 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
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