November 16^th, 1999               

Activehicle concept be to be sold as "Tribute" 4WD

World debut for all-new SUV at 2000 LA Auto Show
Mazda’s all-new 4WD sport utility vehicle will be called the Tribute when it goes on sale around the world from the second half of the next year.

The new vehicle will make its worldwide debut as a production model at the 2000 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show in January, having been seen in concept form as the ACTIVEHICLE CONCEPT at the Tokyo Motor Show last month.

The Tribute will be sold in all Mazda’s global markets including North America, Europe, Australia and Japan.

In order to strengthen Mazda’s global brand presence, the new SUV will be named ‘Tribute’ in all markets, following the trend already set by this year’s new Mazda models, the Premacy and new MPV.

James E. Miller, president of Mazda Motor Corporation, has a clear explanation for the choice of name for the new vehicle - "The name serves as a ‘tribute’ to the customers who drive it," he said.

"We believe that the Mazda Tribute has typical Mazda ‘attributes’ like distinctive design, exceptional functionality plus responsive handling and performance."

The choice of the name ‘Tribute" is the result of an extensive international search. It was selected for its meaning – to give praise or thanks in order to show respect or admiration – as a testament to Mazda creativity and engineering, as well as to the style and spirit of those who drive it.