Mazda starts Biante production
Mazda CEO Hisakazu Imaki (right) and a plant official with Job 1 Biante
Big MPV is all the rage these days, just look at the number of Toyota Alphard and Nissan ElGrand on the road, it seems that the wealthy just loves these super-size MPV for their children school run and family outings.
Well, the latest addition to the fray is the Mazda Biante which has all the traits of a Japanese large MPV, namely strange name, elaborate detailing, really boxy features. Mazda being Mazda, even their full size MPV tries to look a bit sporty with it’s longer than usual snout and slightly lower roofline compared to the Alphard and ElGrand.
I suppose one could say that this is the most sporty of the three shoe box on wheels.
Mazda calls it a mid-size tall MPV. I guess it is mid sized if you compare to full-size American MPVs which are assigned their own postcodes.
Mazda’s Ujima Plant No.1 workers celebrating Job 1 Biante rolling off the production line
Oh yeah, I almost forgot why I even started writing this entry… it is to tell everyone that production of the Biante just started at their Ujina Plant No.1 near their Hiroshima headquarters and they are already taking orders in Japan. I wonder how many of the early orders are placed by our parallel importers and how soon will this model be here.
Anyway, below is the full Press release from Mazda…
Mazda Motor Corporation today held a commemorative ceremony to mark the production kickoff of the all-new Mazda Biante minivan at its Ujina Plant No.1 (U1) near Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima. Sales of the Mazda Biante are scheduled to commence in Japan on July 8, 2008.
Approximately 550 people, including Mazda’s Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, together with executive officers, union representatives and employees, gathered at the Job#1 ceremony to celebrate the Mazda Biante’s production launch.
President Imaki greeted the attendees, saying, “The launch of the all-new Biante marks Mazda’s entry into Japan’s mid-size ‘tall’ minivan segment. In terms of sales volume, it is second only to the compact car segment, where we introduced the all-new Mazda Demio last year.
“As the latest product to embody Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom tradition, the Mazda Biante will enable us to appeal to an even wider range of customers with vehicles that ‘look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.’ Going forward under the banner of our ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’ declaration, Mazda will continue to pursue harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features. And we will work all the harder to build vehicles of even better quality for our customers.”
The eight-seat Biante minivan was developed under the concept, “Look, then experience the Zoom-Zoom Tall minivan as it expands your dreams.” The Biante offers best-in-class* cabin space, a fresh and comfortable “clean interior,” and distinctive, athletic styling. With its dynamic driving performance, the Biante offers all passengers an enticing blend of security and excitement.
