HIROSHIMA, Japan, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that its new compact crossover SUV will be called the Mazda CX-5.  It is the production model derived from the Mazda MINAGI Concept, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show (81e Salon International de l'Auto de Geneve) in March of this year and will be shown at the New York International Auto Show that opens to the public on April 22, 2011.

The CX-5 will be the first production vehicle to incorporate Mazda's new design theme, 'KODO – Soul of Motion' as debuted on the Mazda SHINARI concept car, as well as the full range of breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies, including engines, transmissions, body and chassis.  The CX-5 will join Mazda's global line-up in 2012.

The "CX" in CX-5 represents Mazda's line-up of crossover SUV vehicles, which also includes the Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9.  The CX-5 will be the compact model in the series.

The Mazda CX-5 will make its international debut at the 64th IAA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) Motor Show to be held in Frankfurt, Germany in September 2011.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts 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; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations