Mazda brakes get smarter

Mazda is coming up with a braking system called Smart City Brake Support  which works like Volvo City mode and similar functions offered on German premium makes.

Basically it combines ultrasonic and other sensors to detect obstacles or pedestrians and help to stop the car in case the driver fails to see the potential for accident

The system will be available this spring and first to get this hi-tech system is the all-new CX-5 SUV.

Full details in Press Release after the jump

Alfa Romeo to build Mazda MX5 challenger

According to British magazine AutoExpress, Alfa Romeo is working on a car to challenge the Mazda MX-5 which is the reigning small, simple, fun sports car champion.

Seeign as how Mazda has had the big blue ocean to itself for the last two decades, it is about time someone gave them a run for their money.

The goal is to come up with a STG25.000 two seater to replace the Brera Spyder and some suggest that it could be based on the 2uettottanta  concept by Pininfarina.

More details after the jump

Mazda will release their new mid-size sedan, aka the new Mazda 6 concept. called the Takeri at the Tokyo Motor Show. This new car will take on the new Mazda styling language and show the way forward for the company's design direction. I must say that the Takeri looks good and if it makes it into production with half the gusto and bravado shown here, the new Mazda 6 will be a handsome and desirable sports sedan. We do, however wonder where Mazda will source the new platform for the Mazda 6, will they continue to have a back-room collaboration with the engineers at Ford or will it be a new in-house platform. Mazda has been relying on Ford platforms for their sedans since the 1970s so I expect there is still sharing programme between Ford and Mazda. Gallery and Media Release after the jump

Mazda starts building Mexico plant

• Mexico facility has 140,000 capacity
• Mexico will build Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 for Central and South America

Japanese car firms are now actively spreading their manufacturing base around the world, building regional production hubs.

Car companies are making the move in order to spread their risk in the light of the mega earthquake that shook eastern Japan and nearly brought the entire Japanese automotive industry finding to a halt.

Mazda has broken ground in Salamanca, Mexico, for a new production facility that can build 140,000 vehicles per year.
The plant will provide the Central and South American markets with the Mazda 2 and Mazda 3.

Follow the jump for the full Press Release