HIROSHIMA, Japan, May 18, 2005 -Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the May 17th production kickoff of the all-new, third-generation 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata-the latest and most advanced evolution of the world's best-selling two-seat, lightweight, open-topped sports car. The MX-5 will continue to be built solely at the Ujina No.1 (U1) plant located near Mazda's global headquarters.

The all-new MX-5 is the first new model to be mass-produced at Mazda's U1 plant, which re-started paint shop operations at the end of April. The first MX-5 off the line was a Third Generation Limited model bound for North America, and painted Velocity Red with a red leather interior. It is outfitted with a 16-valve, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 170-hp engine and six-speed manual transmission.

"A new car launch is always a critical and exciting event for any car company," said Hisakazu Imaki, president and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation. "But the launch of a brand icon like the MX-5 is particularly special. This is a great moment for all Mazda employees - and a great day for car enthusiasts around the world."

The all-new MX-5 has already been lauded as one of the hottest new cars of 2005. First shown to the world in March at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, the MX-5 has since been featured prominently around the world. After its US debut only weeks later at the Greater New York Auto Show, a similar Third Generation Limited model recently completed a nine-city cross-country trip riding atop a retired Chicago Fire Department fire truck - dubbed the "Hot Streak Tour" - raising nearly $100,000 for fire-safety education along the way.

The third-generation of the record-setting MX-5 roadster is an updated and improved version of the most popular two-seat, open-top sports car of all time. In April 2005, the Guinness World Book of Records officially recertified the MX-5 as the best-selling two-seat sports car ever. When production of the second-generation model came to an end in December 2004, a total of 718,954 vehicles had been built. And there are now more on the way.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and services support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.