MAZDA ANNOUNCES OWNER SATISFACTION PROGRAM FOR 2001 MIATA OWNERS

IRVINE, Calif. - Mazda North American Operations today announced an owner satisfaction program to address an issue concerning the horsepower rating of the 2001 Miata, which went on sale in September, 2000. Approximately 3,500 vehicles are involved.

The program came about because Mazda overstated the actual horsepower of the 2001 Miata by about 8 percent. This error occurred during the development of the U.S.-specification 2001 Miata engine, when during final testing the horsepower was not revalidated against the targeted 155-horsepower rating. An 8 percent horsepower reduction translates to less than a half-second increase in the 0-60 mph acceleration time.

"Simply put, we made a mistake and we apologize, " stated Charlie Hughes, MNAO president and CEO, in a letter to owners of the 2001 Miata. Hughes stated that Mazda will offer to repurchase 2001 Miatas from affected owners for the full purchase price or provide the owner with free factory-scheduled maintenance for the length of the Miata's warranty and a $500 MasterCard debit card to spend as they choose.

Hughes added, "There is no more enthusiastic group of sports car owners than Miata owners. We've designed this response to ensure that they continue to experience the thrill of owning and driving a Miata."

The 2001 Mazda Miata, with this engine, has received numerous accolades from the automotive media, including being named as one of Car and Driver's "10Best," earning a spot on Automobile magazine's "All-Stars" lists for an unprecedented 11th year and recognition as one of Sport Compact Car's "Eight Great Rides." Since its introduction in 1989, Mazda has sold more than 560,000 Miatas worldwide, making it the best-selling two-seat roadster of all time.