HIROSHIMA, JAPAN – Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that a Job One ceremony was held at AutoAlliance International Inc. in Flat Rock, Mich., to celebrate the first U.S. production of the North American all-new Mazda6.

The all-new Mazda6 inherits and further evolves the sporty styling and superb driving performance of the first generation Mazda6. The North American model features a larger body and greater engine displacement to meet the particular demands of the North American market with handling and comfort being optimized for North American road conditions. Two engines will be available: the newly developed 2.5L direct injection I-4 that drives the European and Japanese versions of the all-new Mazda6 and the 3.7L V-6 that powers the Mazda CX-9, the 2008 North American Truck of the Year.

James J. O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations said, "The mid-size sedan segment is crowded with many of the best vehicles from Asia, Europe, and the United States. Even under these circumstances, we are confident the North American all-new Mazda6 will be highly competitive."

Mazda began vehicle production in North America at Mazda Motor Manufacturing (USA) Corporation in 1987. The MMUC plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, became a joint venture between the Mazda Motor Corporation and Ford Motor Company in 1992, when the name was changed to AutoAlliance International, Inc. Previous Mazda models produced at the facility include the Mazda MX-6 and Mazda 626. The first generation Mazda6 commenced production at AAI in 2002.