| e its commitment to the environment, Mazda | | | | The Mazda Tribute delivers plenty of power |
| North American Operations (MNAO) announces its | | | | without compromising California's strict Advanced |
| newest pride which comes in the form of the | | | | Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle |
| Mazda Tribute Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV). The | | | | (AT-PZEV) requirements. As a fact, the vehicle |
| vehicle wowed the crowd in the recently held | | | | achieved the Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II |
| 2007 North American International Auto Show. | | | | (SULEVII) standards plus zero evaporative |
| The Mazda Tribute is scheduled to make its debut | | | | emissions standards. So far, they are the strictest |
| in the middle part of 2007 as a 2008 model. As | | | | emission regulations a gasoline-fueled automobile |
| opposed to other hybrids, the Mazda Tribute HEV | | | | can meet. |
| is deemed to be a full hybrid which can run | | | | The HEV technology in the Mazda Tribute boasts |
| on 100 percent electric power up to | | | | sophisticated Mazda auto parts recycled. These |
| approximately 25 mph, maximizing in-city fuel | | | | parts are products of extensive studies and |
| economy and making it one of the least-polluting | | | | testing initiated by Mazda pool of experts. Some |
| vehicles ever sold. The hybrid has been | | | | of the cutting-edge features of the vehicle include |
| engineered with the environment concerns and | | | | the special 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine |
| the Zoom-Zoom performance and feel in mind. | | | | that features Atkinson-cycle combustion for |
| Aside from the intention to satisfy the needs of | | | | enhanced efficiency and power. It generates 133 |
| Mazda enthusiasts, the automaker also focused | | | | horsepower at 6,000 rpm. |
| on minimizing air pollution by reducing greenhouse | | | | The 2008 Mazda Tribute is also equipped with a |
| gases emissions. | | | | 70-kWatt electric traction motor that delivers an |
| "With virtually all new Mazda vehicles sold in the | | | | extra boost to the drive wheels when maximum |
| U.S. earning either Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) or | | | | acceleration is required. Also, a 330-volt |
| Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) status, | | | | nickel-metal-hydride battery pack which is located |
| protecting the global environment is a | | | | at the rear load floor supplies electrical energy. |
| long-standing concern of ours," said Robert Davis | | | | The generator-motor starts the engine, recharges |
| who works as the senior vice president of the | | | | the batteries and aids in regulating propulsion |
| MNAO Quality, Research and Development team. | | | | channels in the transaxle. The special electronically |
| "The Tribute HEV is the next step towards | | | | controlled, continuously variable transmission |
| strengthening Mazda's environmental efforts." | | | | (eCVT), on the one hand, connects internal |
| The 2008 version of the vehicle bears the go | | | | combustion and electric power sources to run the |
| green trend of the automotive realm. In fact, it is | | | | vehicle. Finally, there is the electronic vehicle |
| greener than other hybrids available in the market | | | | system controller that manages drive assist, |
| these days. With a hydrogen-powered version of | | | | charging and engine-starting functions. In times of |
| the RX-8 and a hydrogen-powered hybrid version | | | | coasting, the feature shuts the engine to save |
| of the MAZDA5 undergoing broad testing in Japan, | | | | fuel. Another essential function of the feature is |
| the Mazda Tribute HEV is the latest | | | | the conversion of traction motor into a generator |
| environmental-friendly vehicle to join the | | | | during braking. This is done to help recharge the |
| automaker’s lineup. | | | | batteries. |