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Mazda, Suzuki, Yamaha — more vehicle data fabrication found in Japan

TOKYO — Mazda, Suzuki and Yamaha improperly tested vehicles for fuel economy and emissions, the Japanese government said on Thursday, revealing fresh cases of compliance failures by manufacturers. The results came to light after the Japanese government had ordered the automakers to check their operations after revelations of improper testing at Subaru and Nissan last year. The conduct of automakers globally has come under intense scrutiny after Germany's Volkswagen AG admitted in 2015 to installing secret software in hundreds of thousands of U.S. diesel cars to cheat exhaust emissions tests, and that as many as 11 million vehicles could have similar software installed worldwide. In the Japanese cases, the carmakers have not broken any laws or prompted massive recalls. But a growing list of improprieties has tarnished the image of the country's manufacturing industry for high-quality products and efficiency. Suzuki, Mazda and Yamaha cleared vehicles for emissions or fuel efficiency even in cases where they were tested under invalid conditions, the ministry said in a statement. The errors related to slight deviations in the speed of the vehicles during testing that should have invalidated the test results. The automakers examined tests they had conducted over different periods of time, and in Suzuki's case they stretched back to 2012. None of the automakers found significant problems with actual emissions and fuel economy performance of the vehicles, which were destined for sale in Japan, and do not plan any recalls. Suzuki, Japan's fourth-largest automaker, said that of 12,819 sample vehicles tested for fuel economy and emissions since June 2012, around 50 percent of them had been inspected improperly. "I deeply apologize and will lead efforts to prevent recurrence," Suzuki Chief Executive Toshihiro Suzuki told a news conference. Mazda said there were irregularities in 4 percent of similar inspections on its cars, or just over 70 vehicles. In Yamaha's case, irregularities were found in 2 percent of inspections, or just a handful of vehicles. Both Mazda and Yamaha apologized. Suzuki and Yamaha shares fell 6 and 5 percent, respectively, and Mazda shares were down 1 percent, underperforming a steady benchmark Nikkei average. In July this year, Nissan admitted it had improperly measured exhaust emissions and fuel economy for 19 vehicle models sold in Japan.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata to make video-game debut next week in Forza Horizon 2 [w/video]

We've driven the all-new, fourth-generation Mazda MX5 Miata. Have you? Well, probably not. With the new roadster not set to hit dealerships until later this year (at the earliest), you might be stuck waiting a bit to climb behind the wheel of the highly regarded two-seater. Of course, if you happen to own Forza Horizon 2, your wait will be significantly shorter. And it'll be absolutely free to boot. The new convertible will make its video-game debut as part of a four-vehicle car pack for the open-world racing title. Downloads will start on March 17. Alongside the new MX-5, the Mazda car pack will also add representatives from each of the roadster's first three generations. Repping the NA will be the 1990 MX-5. The second-generation NB will be represented by the turbocharged 2005 Mazdaspeed MX-5, while the NC will arrive in the form of the Super 20 Concept, shown back at the 2010 SEMA Show. On top of the new vehicles, gamers will also have a chance to win a 2016 MX-5 as part of the new Mazda MX-5 Challenge. Running from March 17 to April 30, those interested in a free Mazda will need to lap its virtual counterpart around the Sisteron Perimeter Sprint Circuit, with the two fastest drivers slated to take part in a head-to-head race in June. The winner will walk away with their very own 2016 MX-5. Oh, and as a final juicy tidbit, the press release clearly states that the Miata weighs in at just 2,332 pounds – just a smidge more than the original NA. (That's with the manual transmission, of course – automatic cars are said to weigh 2,381 pounds.) You can get more specific details on the contest, as well as read more about the car pack, in the attached press release. Check out the release, as well as a preview vid of the MX-5 Car Pack. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. MICROSOFT AND MAZDA LET YOU DRIVE IT FIRST: ALL-NEW MAZDA MX-5 DEBUTS AS FREE DOWNLOAD FOR FORZA HORIZON 2 ON XBOX ONE IRVINE, Calif., March 12, 2015 -- Beginning March 17, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is giving Forza Horizon 2 players the exclusive opportunity to drive the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata on Xbox One months before the physical car goes on sale to the public. Additionally, by taking advantage of the free download of the car, and driving it in the game, users will have the chance to win one by competing in the new Time Trial Rivals Contest.

Next Mazda CX-9 spied for first time

After plenty of rumors, we finally have our first look at the second-generation Mazda CX-9. Development of the crossover look to be very far along based on these of production bodies hidden under form-fitting camouflage. The overall aesthetic, based on what we can see here, is very much in keeping with Mazda's handsome Kodo design language. The CX-9 you see here looks pretty much like a Mazda3 scaled up about 279.3 percent, with a five-pointed grille and expressive headlights prefacing a sculpted, swooshy body. In back, there's an aggressively raked rear window that won't do any favors for cargo capacity, but makes for a handsome silhouette. And if previous Mazdas are any indication, we'd expect the CX-9 to feature a very handsome, high-quality cabin, although it's impossible to see in these images. According to our spy photographers, the new CX-9 will abide by Mazda's Skyactiv philosophy, which should make for both an entertaining an efficient three-row crossover. A 2.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder will be the engine of choice, replacing the antiquated V6 of the current model, and will be available with an all-wheel-drive system. While this engine is slated for the CX-9, enthusiasts should take note that this first Skyactiv turbo will likely form the basis of future Mazdaspeed efforts. As previously reported, the CX-9 will make its debut this November at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2017 model. Should any info pop up before then, expect to see it here.