HIROSHIMA, Japan-The new Mazda6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan) with European specifications has been awarded the five-star maximum rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme* (Euro NCAP) in its 2009 combined safety performance test. This accolade officially makes Mazda6 one of the safest cars in the world.

For 2009, Euro NCAP has implemented a more stringent evaluation system that awards a single overall vehicle safety rating combining the scores achieved in four areas of assessment: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist. The Mazda6 was in the first group of vehicles tested under the new framework.

Seita Kanai, Mazda's senior managing executive officer in charge of R&D and Program Management, said, "Mazda6's maximum safety rating from Euro NCAP is a reflection of the progress Mazda has made in harmonizing driving pleasure with safety and environmental performance under our Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan. Going forward, we will strive to fulfill our corporate social responsibilities by further advancing Mazda's eco-friendly and safety technologies."

Mazda models in Europe that received the highest possible five stars for Adult Occupant Protection under the previous Euro NCAP rating system include the Mazda5 (Mazda Premacy) in September 2005 and the Mazda2 (Mazda Demio) in December 2007.