Avondale Mazda

Mazda has entered the LA Design Challenge with a new concept they call the Mazda MX-0. The vehicle was designed by the Mazda Design Team of North America.

"The theme of the design challenge is to focus on producing something that is lightweight, specifically, under 1000 lb." The MX-0 uses a bonded, two-piece monocoque structure for the safety cell, subframes, panels and interior materials. All of these components are then manufactured using something called "automated composite sandwich technology."

Mazda ended up using smaller, high-torque motors since the MX-0 is electric, which still providesplenty of power to the featherweight chassis. The…

Mazda has recently proposed to construct a factory in Mexico to its owners. This will be to take advantage of growing demand in that region. They would continue to operate out of Japan.

"It is natural that we are considering entering an emerging market to expand our business ... We are considering every possibility," Mazda said in a statement Tuesday. The company, Japan's fifth-biggest car maker by sales volume, said it may establish a base in an emerging economy together with a trading house.

A Mazda spokesman said while Mexico is one of the markets it's considering, nothing concrete…