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Mazda teases CX-4 for the Beijing Motor Show

Mazda will unveil the CX-4 crossover at the Beijing Motor Show in late April, and the company's single teaser image (above) suggests the CUV might borrow styling cues from the larger Koeru concept. Mazda kept details about the CX-4 light for now but says in the announcement, "this is a new type of crossover SUV designed to help customers live more creative lives." The teaser photo offers some hints about the design. For example, the rear pillar comes to a point and features chrome accents, which are elements from the Koeru and production CX-9. The arching roof rail suggests a coupe-like shape because it arcs downward to the hatchback. The name also hints that this model slots between the CX-3 and CX-5 in the lineup, but the CX-4 appears to prioritize style over utility. We can't wait to get a better look because this picture doesn't offer much detail. The company will also show versions of the Mazda3 and Mazda6 for the China Touring Car Championship at the Beijing show. Related Video: Mazda to Debut New CX-4 Crossover SUV at Beijing Motor Show - Twelve models on display including new-generation Mazda3, CX-5 and Mazda6 - HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will debut the all-new Mazda CX-4 crossover SUV at the Beijing Motor Show.*1 The automaker's stand at the show will feature twelve vehicles, including new-generation models such as the Mazda3, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6, and race cars prepared for the Mazda-sponsored MZ Ruisi Racing Team competing in the China Touring Car Championship (CTCC). The CX-4 is the latest addition to Mazda's new-generation lineup of models featuring the full range of SKYACTIV Technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design. With a striking presence that sets it apart from other SUVs, the functionality modern users expect and Jinba-ittai driving thanks to Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, this is new type of crossover SUV designed to help customers live more creative lives. In addition to the CX-4, Mazda will display other vehicles and technologies that represent the brand. Mazda aims to enrich people's lives through a variety of touch points and become a brand that maintains a special connection with customers. *1 Also known as 2016 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Press days are April 25-26. Special invitation days are April 27-28. Open to the public from April 29 through May 4.

Mazda reports strong Skyactiv sales, plans to boost output 25%

Mazda is set to expand production of its Skyactiv engines after critical and commercial acclaim for the fuel-sipping powerplants. The Japanese manufacturer has a number of plans in the works to bump up production, with the first being a 25-percent increase in output from its Hiroshima, Japan engine facility.
Besides adding a new line, Mazda will modify the line that built MZR engines, a family of mills that includes the 2.3-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Mazdaspeed3 and the 2.0-liter found in the MX-5 Miata. The bump in production is just part of Mazda's goal of selling 1.7 million vehicles globally by 2016, with 80 percent of those vehicles expected to wear a Skyactiv badge.
Mazda also builds Skyactiv engines at a joint-venture facility with Ford, in Changan, China, while a Mexican facility will go online by March of 2014. Skyactiv engines currently power the Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5.

Airbag recall widens to include BMW, Chrysler, Ford and Toyota

The recall of faulty airbag inflators supplied by Takata has exploded today to grow to seven automakers. In most cases, only models in certain high-humidity regions were affected because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found in its investigation that moisture played a roll in determining whether there would be a problem. However, some companies opted for national campaigns. The exact number of affected models for these campaigns isn't yet known at this time.
BMW is recalling an undisclosed number of 325i, 325Xi, 330i and 330Xi models from the 2001 through 2005 model years and the 2001-2006 model year versions of the 325Ci and 330Ci for the driver side and passenger side inflators. Only vehicles currently registered in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands are covered under this recall.
Neither Chrysler's filing with NHTSA nor its press release list the specific models affected, but a company spokesperson told Autoblog that at this time it only covers the driver and passenger side inflators for the 2006 Dodge Charger in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands