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Mazda Atenza Car Of The Year Mazda Motor Corporation’s all-new mid-size car ‘Mazda Atenza,’ launched in May this year, was named ‘2003 RJC Car of the Year.’ The award was decidedAtenza was selected on November 19 at a ceremony hosted by the Automotive Researchers’ & Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC). RJC is a non-profit organization, with membership consisting of automotive journalists, leading academics, lawyers, and other influential community members. Established in 1991, RJC carries out its activities with the aim of contributing to the sound development of the Japanese automotive industry through enthusiastic research and review.
To be eligible for the prestigious 2003 RJC Car of the Year award, cars should must be manufactured in Japan with a scheduled annual production of over 5000 units, and must have been launched between November 1, 2001 and October 31, 2002. this year Twenty-three new models were in the running for this year’s award whichaward that was judged by a panel of 72 RJC members. "We are honored and thrilled to be named the 2003 RJC Car of the Year," said Mazda President and CEO Lewis Booth. "I know the entire Mazda team put its heart and soul into the development of the Mazda Atenza, which makes this win particularly special. The car brings to life the company's ‘Zoom-Zoom’ spirit and represents our commitment and determination to develop and build fun-to-drive vehicles. This award gives us all further confidence as we move forward with additional product launches." In receiving such an honor, Mazda president Lewis Booth commented: “Mazda Atenza is a car that fully embodies Mazda’s new brand message ‘Zoom-Zoom (the love of motion experienced as a child). Our R&D team has put their heart and soul into building Atenza. The car boasts a combination of exceptional styling, superior handling, and ride comfort. The innovative packaging creates a surprisingly spacious interior and ample cargo space. It also delivers many user-friendly features, such as the karakuri inspired seat design, while raising the bar of craftsmanship. Atenza fully delivers our brand DNA –‘stylish,’ ‘insightful,’ ‘spirited.’ This award is further evidence that we have set the right course with our new products. It gives us increased confidence as we pursue our vision of delivering fun to drive products which fully express Mazda’s unique ‘Zoom-Zoom’ spirit.”
RJC Car of the Year is not the first award for the new Atenza/ Mazda6. It has also been named "Best Mid-Size Car Over $25,000" in Australia’s Best Cars awards; Scotland's New Car of the Year; "Grosser Oesterreichischer Automobilpreis" (Car of the Year in Austria); the 2003 Car of the Year in the Czech Republic and, in New Zealand, the 2002 National Business Review Car of the Year. On November 19, the Mazda6 was named runner-up in the annual European Car of the Year voting, the best-ever ranking for Mazda. Atenza/Mazda6 has already received several awards overseas, including second place which is the highest among Japanese makes against very strong competition in the European Car of the Year awards announced yesterday. This is the best ever result for Mazda. Mazda Atenza product specification
RJC awards
Atenza - Mazda 6 - Award Winning Status - November 20, 2002
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In line with this aim, every year the organization presents four
awards: ‘RJC Car of the Year,’ ‘RJC Import Car of the Year,’ ‘RJC Technology
of the Year,’ and ‘RJC Person of the Year.’ The winner of each award is
selected based upon members’ votes.
The all-new Mazda Atenza (known as the Mazda6 in other markets
around the world) has been praised for its combination of superb handling and
overall ride comfort, its excellent overall packaging and well-proportioned
design. The Atenza/Mazda6 is offered in three body styles around the world –
sedan, hatchback and sport wagon – with a variety of engines and
transmissions. North American production of the Mazda6 began in early October
2002.
