Best in Show

Best in Show

               It used to be that car designers and makers shunned custom car shows, but today they flock to events like SEMA in Las Vegas. Mazda is leading the way with production-ready concepts. Parkway Family Mazda realizes that not long ago, any car designer worth their salt wouldn’t have been caught dead at a custom car show like SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), but at last November’s show in Las Vegas, you couldn’t move for car designers rubbing shoulders in their thousand-dollar suits, statement glasses and Italian loafers. Car designers, it seems, have fallen in love with the custom scene, making their attendance at this annual event almost obligatory. It’s becoming a similar story for carmakers, with Mazda at the forefront. Mazda has been a regular exhibitor at SEMA since 2001. Lately, the task of overseeing the company’s booth has fallen to Derek Jenkins, Mazda U.S. Head of Design at its California studio. At the latest show, Mazda unveiled not one but four all-new concepts-a clear signal of how serious the brand is taking the biggest custom car show. What’s the thinking behind this?

                Jenkins explains: “SEMA has always been a show where anything goes. A place where customization, personalization, and, hell, bastardization is celebrated and that’s why I’m personally attracted to it. SEMA is a place where people feel free to experiment and create without boundaries. It’s inspiring.”

                “Of course, occasionally it does go very wrong,” he admits, referring to some of the more personal projects that can be politely described as an “acquired taste.”

With the influx of car designers joining Mazda to exhibit at SEMA. Jenkins is eager to stress the very different approach that Mazda takes in preparing for the show. Some of the new kids on the block slap together design sketches, but hand over the customizing process to one of the many independent car shops that have sprung up in recent years in California. “Mazda does it differently,” says Jenkins.

“When we create a concept to SEMA, we do everything at our design an R&D center in Irvine. That makes a huge difference. A shop might be great at interpreting a design, but it will never be able to reflect the brand intent. Our customers know everything that goes into the design and quality of every Mazda so they can distinguish between our SEMA offering and an aftermarket job.”

The Mazda concepts have production levels of build and quality, and have even spent time in the wind tunnel, a crucial stage of the process that many others skip. These concepts look production ready, because they are production ready. That said, Jenkins can appreciate why a wilder-at-heart customer goes aftermarket, especially when it comes to big wheels. Some people simply can’t resist putting 21-inch rims under their Mazda3-although Jenkins doesn’t recommend it.

Since it first appeared at custom car shows in the ‘90s, the big wheel is one trend that has shaped car design. Other trends, like matte finishes, underscore the importance of shows like SEMA. “SEMA might sometimes feel like a circus, but it remains a pulse check of what’s going on at the grassroots level,” says Jenkins, who’s already preparing for next year’s show.

Parkway Family Mazda has been proud of the production ready concepts that have been unveiled so far. We realize that Jenkins’ process is proven and we look forward to what’s in store for next year’s show in Las Vegas.

Mazda Stock Increase

Parkway Family Mazda is absolutely astonished at the fiscal numbers this year. We may only be a third of the way through 2014, but for Japanese companies, March 31 marked the end of fiscal 2014, and it was a banner financial year for Mazda's global operations. The Japanese independent saw its highest global operating profits in its nearly 100-year history. Its global operating profits were up a huge238 percent. Yes, a 238 percent increase over 2012 to 1.36 billion euros ($1.88 billion), eclipsing the brand's previous best year, 2008, by 12 percent. Net earnings, revenue and global sales volume also saw increases over the last fiscal year.

What's most impressive, though, is where Mazda saw improvement. The notoriously rough European market was rather kind to the Zoom-Zoom brand, where sales increased 25 percent to 163,000 units. That figure was bolstered by a 35-percent sales increase in Great Britain and a 20-percent jump in Germany, Europe's two largest markets. Japanese sales, meanwhile, were up a respectable 13 percent, to 244,000 units. In China, Mazda saw a 12 percent bump.

Notice we aren't talking about North American sales? That's because Mazda only saw a moderate, five-percent gain in the New World, with sales climbing to 391,000 units in the US, Canada and Mexico. This is particularly disappointing considering Mazda has launched three critically acclaimed products (CX-5, Mazda6 and most recently, Mazda3) for the North American market over the past two fiscal years. Still, it isn't a particular reason to be concerned, as IHS industry analyst Stephanie Brinley notes. "Five percent isn't terrible," Brinley told Autoblog, saying that Mazda should see a bump in 2014 as the Mazda3 picks up steam.

While Mazda may have hoped its five-percent gain in North America was a bit higher, it shows solid progress on company CEO Masamichi Kogai and his promise to raise US sales to 400,000 units.

EXCLUSIVE CLUB SEATING AREA RENAMED THE MAZDA CLUB LEVEL IN MINUTE MAID PARK

EXCLUSIVE CLUB SEATING AREA RENAMED THE MAZDA CLUB LEVEL IN MINUTE MAID PARK

Mazda Partnership Also Includes Two New, Fan-Friendly Promotions

Parkway Family Mazda is extremely excited to announce the Houston Astros and new corporate partner Mazda are teaming up in 2014 to enhance the fan experience in Minute Maid Park.. Mazda is now the official naming rights partner of the Mazda Club Level on the second floor of Minute Maid Park, which will showcase brand new 2014 models, including the Mazda6 mid-size sedan, the Mazda3 compact sedan and five-door and the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV.

The new partnership also includes two brand new, fan-friendly promotions: Mazda Matinees and the Mazda Club Level “Key Access.”  Starting April 27, the first 20 fans to park their Mazdas in Astros-controlled parking lot C will receive free parking during all 1:10pm day games during the 2014 season as a part of Mazda Matinees. Those same ticketed fans will also receive a free Astros/Mazda gift when they enter the ballpark. Mazda Club Level “Key Access” allows all Mazda owners exclusive complimentary access to the Mazda Club Level all season long. Fans who drive a Mazda can show their Mazda keys at any entrance into the Mazda Club Level and receive access to the area for themselves and one (1) guest.

“We’re excited about our new partnership with Mazda and how it will enhance the fan experience in Minute Maid Park,” said Astros Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Matt Brand. “The new Mazda Club Level is going to look fantastic, and the fan promotions will give Mazda drivers even more reason to come down to the ballpark and cheer on their Astros.”

“The Houston Astros and Minute Maid Park are both icons of Houston culture, and we’re excited to bring a new experience to baseball fans and Mazda drivers in Houston,” said Regional Marketing Manager, Steve Pridgen, Mazda North American Operations. “We look forward to a long partnership with the Houston Astros and taking part in this innovative fan experience.”

Mazda is also the presenting sponsor of the Mazda Postgame Show on SportsTalk 790, the official radio station of the Houston Astros.

The Autoblog review of the 2014 Mazda3

Parkway Family Mazda is astonished by the accomplishments that the 2014 Mazda3 has accumulated. There have been some amazing reviews Almost by definition, affordable compact cars aren't supposed to be fun. Sure, hot hatches get our blood pumping, but not long ago, the terms "compact car" and "economy car" could safely be used interchangeably. A key exception for the last decade has been the Mazda3, a car that has consistently delivered more dynamic thrills and tactile feedback than its contemporaries. Competitors have picked up their game significantly in recent years, however, leaving the Mazda3 wanting in several areas, including overall refinement, in-car technology and cabin appointments, so Mazda went back to the drawing board to create this all-new third-gen model for 2014.

Including this redesigned 2014 model, Mazda's recent crop of new products have targeted North America's hottest non-truck segments – compact car, midsize sedan and compact crossover/SUV. Yet it might be fair to call this launch the most important of them all, as the 3 remains the Japanese marque's best-selling vehicle. While America's pool of compact hatchbacks isn't exactly deep, the 2014 Mazda3 still has a challenging road ahead of it competing against two-box compacts that include the popular Ford Focus and recent additions like the all-new Kia Forte and the still-new Hyundai Elantra GT.

The 2014 Mazda3 may have made its big debut last summer and gone on sale in August, but it still catches our eye every time we see it. As much as we like the styling of the new Mazda6 sedan, the company's Kodo design language arguably looks even better on this smaller scale. Gone is the former Mazda3's awkward, smiling front end, replaced by a sterner, scowling expression that sets the tone for the rest of the car. An upright shield-shaped grille is flanked by dark, narrow headlights that help form the sweeping front fender lines, and a similar treatment can be found at the rear, which is marked out by wide rear haunches and horizontal taillights.

Overall, the Mazda3 five-door looks a lot like a shrunken CX-5 – a strong compliment – but the best part of its styling might be that it doesn't resemble a typical front-drive econobox. With its stretched dash-to-axle ratio and long, flowing lines, the 2014 Mazda3 manages to look a bit like a rear-drive vehicle from BMW or Infiniti.

If we had any major complaints about the outgoing Mazda3, they usually centered on its generally lackluster interior. After plopping down behind the wheel of this particular Mazda3 i Grand Touring, though, we're happy to report there is nothing lackluster about its new cabin. It's vastly improved in every area, and we particularly appreciate that the chunky two-tier instrument panel of the outgoing 3 has been supplanted by one with a smoother, more cohesive look (although some of us could have done without the piano black trim and obviously fake carbon-fiber accents). Mazda still refuses to bring much color into the cabin, so aside from the top-of-the-line Mazda3 Grand Touring models, the palette (aside from small trim pieces and seat stitching) is limited to black or... black.

2016 Mazda MX-5 SkyActiv Chassis Previewed in New York Auto Show

The Parkway Family realizes it's been 25 years since the Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car was unveiled at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, but Mazda has chosen to celebrate the model at this year's New York Auto Show. It has done so by bringing at least part of the next-generation vehicle along to tease enthusiasts. That part is Mazda's new SkyActiv chassis, a light-weight, rear-drive platform set to underpin the fourth-gen 'ND' MX-5 due in early 2015, as a 2016 model.

It's a message of intent from Mazda: The new car's mission is to bring the 2016 MX-5 back to its light-weight, compact roots. While the current car is no heavyweight by modern standards, it's long since climbed above the original car's curb weight, and its footprint has grown to accommodate modern safety features and larger engines.

The SkyActiv chassis will help deliver a weight-loss goal of 220 pounds in the new car, bringing some models below the magic 2,000-lb figure. Despite the weight-loss program, achieved through redesigned suspension and joining techniques, safety and rigidity have improved in line with modern standards. It will keep the current car's front-midship layout--where the engine largely sits behind the front axle, rather than over it--and Mazda also says it offers the lowest center of gravity yet in an MX-5.

Mazda's image shows a return of the famed 'power plant frame' between the gearbox and rear axle, which prevents twisting forces from upsetting the car's geometry under acceleration and deceleration. Also visible is the car's multi-link rear suspension and double-wishbone front setup, while one of the expected four-cylinder powerplants is also visible. The 2016 MX-5 is expected to offer 1.5 and 2.0-liter engines, both using Mazda's highly efficient SkyActiv technology.

Little is known about the car's styling, other than recent insider information that claims all existing renders of the car are "vastly wrong". It's expected to use a new take on Mazda's current Kodo design language, and Mazda's design chief Peter Birtwhistle has previously said the car will have an "edgier" look than the current car, a derivation of the softer-looking early Miatas. Mazda will release more information on the new MX-5 at a later date.

Parkway Family Mazda is excited to see just what is in store for the new 2016 SkyActiv MX-5. Mazda has already made many innovations with the SkyActiv technology, and we are interested to see how they are going to apply that to the highly revered Miata.

The Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Process

The Mazda Certified Pre-Owned
Process

                It takes courage to stand behind a car. This is how we approach every aspect of our cars. Including Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. Each one comes with the confidence to greet every turn, on-ramp and green light with the driving enthusiasm Mazda owners know so well. It starts with the uncompromising quality, durability and reliability built into every one of our vehicles. Don’t just take our word for it: Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com named Mazda an overall brand winner in the 2013 5-Year Cost to Own Awards in recognition of the very qualities.

                Only well-maintained late-model vehicles get to make the cut. Then, they have to prove themselves again be passing a rigorous 150-point inspection. Major and minor components are studied, scrutinized and tested to make sure they meet expectations. For buyers looking for true value, your conscience can rest easy. Mazda doesn’t just dare to build cars that challenge convention. We dare to stand behind them.

Comprehensive 150-Point Inspection

                When you lead with your convictions, no detail is too small to obsess over. That’s why Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicles don’t get the once-over. They get the 150-over. Meticulously inspected by Mazda technicians, each vehicle must pass a comprehensive 150-point inspection. Everything under the hood is analyzed for maximum performance, efficiency and reliability. Fromm brakes to transmission to A/C and heating, this is how we ensure every vehicle will look and perform like a new Mazda. If a vehicle doesn’t meet our high standards, it undergoes a thorough reconditioning using Mazda Genuine Parts until it does. Here are a few inspection highlights:

Exterior: Windshield is free of cracks, large chips and improper repairs. 1 of 14 Checkpoints

Under the Hood: Belts checked for cracks, wear and proper tension. 1 of 18 Checkpoints

Engine: Confirm smooth acceleration. 1 of 7 Checkpoints

Interior: Seats and headrests work properly in all positions. 1 of 6 Checkpoints

A/C & Heating: Pressure-test cooling system to check and correct leaks. 1 of 11 Checkpoints

Brakes: Confirm proper ABS operation on hard stops. 1 of 8 Checkpoints

Transmission: Check shifting quality and shift points. 1 of 8 Checkpoints

Confidence That Goes the Distance

12-Month/12,000-Mile Limited Vehicle Warranty:

 Starting when the factory warranty ends, each Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle comes with a confidence0inspiring 12-Month/12,000-Mile Limited Vehicle Warranty with no deductible on covered repairs. If it’s out of warranty, the 12-month/12,000 mile Limited Vehicle Warranty begins on the CPO purchase date.

7-Year/100,000-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty:

Flywheel to freeze plug, thermostat to turbocharger, cylinder block to constant velocity joints, our 7-Year/100,000-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty has you covered.

Zero Deductible on Covered Repairs:

In the rare event a covered parts need to be repaired or replaced, your total out-of-pocket cost will be zero at Mazda Dealers throughout the United States.

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance for 7-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty:

Mazda Certified Pre-owned buyers and qualified family members are covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the complimentary Mazda 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Program.

150-Points Detailed Inspection:

Each vehicle is required to ensure a uncompromising 150-point inspection inside and out, performed by a Mazda technician.

Auto-check Vehicle History Report with 3-Year Buyback:

To make sure you know exactly what you’re getting, each Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle comes with a full AutoCheck vehicle history report and 3-year Buyback Protection from Experian.

Available Extended Coverage:

To extend the coverage of your Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, take advantage of our Mazda Extended Confidence Plan, with various available term and mileage intervals.

Transfer Benefits:

No one likes to say goodbye to a Mazda. But if and when the time comes, your car be even more attractive to potential buyers since the Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Limited Vehicle and Limited Powertrain Warranties are transferable to future owners at no cost.

Mazda Capital Services:

Now that you’ve decided on the vehicle that’s right for you, it’s time to decide the best way to finance it. Mazda Capital Services offers an impressive range of financing programs to get you into your Certified Pre-Owned Mazda through your local Parkway Family Mazda. With Mazda Capital Services, financing a vehicle has never been easier. See the associates at Parkway Family Mazda for more details.

Mazda Produces One Million SKYACTIV Vehicles

Parkway Family Mazda is extremely excited to announce that Mazda has produced 1 Million SKYACTIV units to date. Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that global production of its three full-SKYACTIV vehicles, the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 (known as Atenza in Japan) and Mazda3 (Axela in Japan) has surpassed one million units, reaching 1,040,000 units as of the end of March 2014. All three models adopt the full range of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technologies. The milestone was achieved approximately two years and four months after production of the Mazda CX-5 began in November 2011.
Mazda developed SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY with the aim of offering every customer outstanding environmental and safety performance, without sacrificing the brand’s renowned driving pleasure. The innovative range of technologies is the result of an uncompromising overhaul aimed at improving the efficiency of the base components that dictate the fundamental performance of the automobile, such as the engine and transmission, while reducing vehicle weight. The new generation vehicles that feature SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY also adopt Mazda’s KODO—Soul of Motion design theme which aims to express the strength, beauty and tension found in the movements of untamed animals.
On reaching one million units, Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO, Masamichi Kogai said, “At Mazda we put everything into developing our SKYACTIV vehicles, and it is because these models have struck a chord with a wide range of customers all over the world that we have reached the one million-unit landmark. On behalf of Mazda, let me express my gratitude to each and every person who bought one of our cars. With our undying challenging spirit and a great deal of hard work, Mazda will continue to make even more appealing cars that will enrich the lives of their owners, and help us build a strong and lasting bond with our customers.”

As of the end of March 2014, Mazda is producing its three full-SKYACTIV models in Japan, Mexico, Thailand and China, and selling them in over 100 different countries and regions. The automaker is continuing efforts to expand the lineup and plans to introduce another five all-new models with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY by fiscal year ending March 2016.

We are excited to see what the next generations of Mazda will bring in reference to the further development of SKYACTIV. Keep your eyes peels to our blog to follow the information as it unravels.

The Best Overall Compact Sedans of 2014

There was a recent comparison done for the overall best Sedan of 2014 that was conducted by Motor Trend. This is an annual thing that is a large amount of road testing that is completed with the best of the best in each class. Typically in North America and Europe the compact car sedans set the standard because of the economic effects given today’s price of ownership and cost of fuel. Parkway Family Mazda is extremely excited to announce that the 2014 Mazda3 did fantastically, taking the overall award. Parkway Family Kia is also pleased that the 2014 Kia Forte also took the number spot, overall. The testing for this award includes everything from a vigorous road test including performance, efficiency, cockpit and cabin, safety, value, and cost of ownership.

Ride & Handling

The 2014 Mazda3's in-town ride quality is a tad sharper-edged than that of the others, but mass-reduction efforts clearly left some sound-deadeners behind, as it seemed to be the loudest freeway cruiser. On the twisties, however, this engine's snarl, the chassis' agility, the best-in-test steering feel, and the well-bolstered seats earn straight A’s and encourage miscreant cornering behavior. Testing director Kim Reynolds was surprised the Mazda felt "nose-heavy, yawing at a noticeably slower natural frequency" on the figure-eight course, but it managed to edge out the much quicker and more powerful Jetta by a precious tenth to win that test. And the spry Mazda3 truly shone on Mulholland Highway, prompting executive editor Ron Kiino to declare it the "best driver here—great steering, nice ride, fun and sporty handling." Most of us agreed.

The zippy little 2014 Kia Forte also acquitted itself well on the curves of Mulholland Highway, with a ride that managed to feel firm and well-buttoned, without jiggling our giblets over the rough stuff. The Forte impressed Reynolds on the figure-eight course, demonstrating "the Forte's solidity and refinement with a slightly nimbler feel and tremendously improved steering."

7th Place: Dodge Dart

A handsome handler, and you'll pay less per pound or per pony, but it costs the most in the long run.

6th Place: Volkswagen Jetta

How many bells and whistles must you trade for big turbo fun? Most of them.

5th Place: Hyundai Elantra

Jack of all compact virtues, master of none -- a solid-C all-around.

4th Place: Toyota Corolla

You could do yoga in the back seat -- and have way more fun than driving the car.

3rd Place: Honda Civic

Great tranny, brakes, and sticker price, but where's that magic Honda driving joy?

2nd Place: Kia Forte

A fantastic little car let down by a dodgy safety rating and high ownership costs.

1st Place: Mazda3

The Big Test report card with the most A’s wins.

                The Parkway Family is very pleased with the performances that were accomplished by both brands Mazda and Kia. We stand behind both brands whole heartedly. There is no better time than now to purchase a new 2014 Forte or 2014 Mazda3. If you have any additional questions then feel free to stop in to Parkway Family Mazda or Parkway Family Kia. You can also message us on Facebook for Mazda here, and for Kia here.

Certified Preowned 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

 Certified Preowned 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

This Certified Preowned 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring is a fantastic vehicle for the family or the individual on the go. The primary difference with certified preowned over used is the fact that there is a warranty. The eliminates the "as is" factor where you, as the consumer, are responsible for any possible future issue that may occur. The process of qualifying a vehicle as certified preowned is extensive. There is a 150-point inspection that the vehicle has to pass, including a large criterion for qualification. The vehicle can be no more than 6 years old with no more than 80,000 miles. In the rare event a covered part needs to be repaired or replaced, your total out-of-pocket cost will be zero at Mazda dealers throughout the United States.

Each Mazda Certified Preowned vehicle comes with a 12-month/12,000 mile additional limited warranty with no deductible on covered components, which begins when the factory warranty ends. If it's out of warranty, the 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty begins on the certified retail date. If you are in the greater Houston, Kingwood, Atascosita, or Humble area, fell free to stop by and check out this CPO deal.