DETROIT
– The 2008 Mazda CX-9 crossover
sport utility vehicle (SUV) was today
named the North American Truck of the
Year. Determined by 48 automotive journalists
from the United States and Canada, the
prestigious North American Truck of
the Year award recognizes the most outstanding
truck of the year, a category that includes
conventional pickup trucks, body-on-frame
SUVs and the emerging breed of passenger-car-based
SUVs known as
“crossovers.” Factors considered
for the award include innovation, design,
safety, handling, driver satisfaction
and value for the dollar.
Established in 1994, the North American
Truck of the Year award honors vehicles
that become new benchmarks in their
class or set new standards. The vehicles
are judged by various categories including
design, safety, fuel economy, handling,
performance, comfort, driver satisfaction
and affordability.
“This truly is an honor,”
said Jim O’Sullivan, president
and CEO of Mazda North American Operations,
upon receiving the award. “Since
we brought CX-9 to market, it’s
been a hit with media, customers and
dealers alike. This vehicle represents
everything a Mazda SUV should be: dynamically
styled, powerful, with top-notch craftsmanship
and a heck of a lot of fun to drive.
Today’s award is proof that says
we just might be on to something special.”
The Mazda CX-9 deftly blends sporty
driving spirit with seven-passenger
sport-utility vehicle (SUV) practicality.
CX-9 is powered by a 273-horsepower
3.7-liter V6 engine and features a new
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system,
which helps see and prevent the unexpected.
Priced from $29,400, the CX-9 is available
in three trim levels – Sport,
Touring and Grand Touring – and
offers cutting-edge safety technology.
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda
North American Operations oversees the
sales, marketing, parts, accessories
and customer service support of Mazda
vehicles in the United States, Canada
and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.
Operations in Canada are managed by
Mazda Canada Inc., located in Ontario,
Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor
de México in Mexico City
