Mazda BT-50 2010 News

Manufacturers including BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Peugeot and Citroen have issued recalls via the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The clock is ticking for Mazda to find a new partner to develop its next generation BT-50 ute — and the number of potential candidates just got smaller.

Only a fraction of the 1.2 million cars on Australia roads with airbags that can spray shrapnel have been fixed, new figures show.

The jury is still out on whether the next-generation BT-50 will share development with the Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger, but Mazda has confirmed it will continue to offer a light commercial ute.

... with the opening of the first truly national Australian International Motor Show.  A total of 60 new vehicles, including 12 world firsts led by the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 pickups, headline the new-age show at Darling Harbour.More than $15 million worth of cars and light commercials is on display at a show that runs for 10 days in the harbourside city.  Just as importantly, it points to a new future for shows, with July set to become the biggest month in Australian motoring.The date for the 2011 running of the AIMS is now locked in from July 1-10 in Melbourne as the Victoria and NSW capitals alternate their hosting of the event."This show is different. It's time for a contemporary approach," says Doug Dickson, chairman of the organising committee and the managing director of Mazda Australia.  "It presents the very best the global motor industry has to offer."Dickson says 45 brands are displaying at the show, representing 27 countries.  He also pays tribute to the local manufacturers and their contribution to the whole industry, which contribute $5.6 billion to the Australian economy with production up 20 per cent through the first nine months of 2010 and exports growing by 55 per cent over the same period in 2009.

Mazda's BT-50 was awarded Australia's coveted off-road title over five of its closest rivals; the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Holden Rodeo, Mitsubishi Triton and Ford Ranger. Australian 4WD Monthly editor Glenn Wright said: “The BT-50 was chosen as our 2007 Ute of the Year as it presented the best overall package and value for money. “What set the BT-50 apart from the rest was its brilliant engine — grunty yet refined and economical. “Its great ride and handling qualities made you forget you were driving a ute, because it felt no different to the average 4WD wagon.” This was the ultimate test of the BT-50 turbo-diesel dual cab utility covering 2500km of Australia's harshest outback terrain. A panel of six experienced judges voted Mazda's 3.0-litre turbo diesel Dual Cab Utility SDX the year's must-buy 4WD ute. Priced from $41,467 with airconditioning, canopy and bull bar, the BT-50 Dual Cab Utility SDX outshone its competitors on all of the key judging criteria that included off-road ability, interior, engine performance, overall design and engineering and an underbody damage inspection after the test. The back-to-back ute comparison, dubbed the `outback torture test' by the Australian 4WD Monthly editorial team, involved a week-long drive from Adelaide to Alice Springs and comprised every imaginable terrain, from sand, to mud, to low-range rocky tracks, to high-speed dirt and tarmac driving. The torture test Wright says: “puts the vehicles through their paces the same way our readers would if it were their own.” Mazda Australia managing director Doug Dickson said: “We could not be more delighted with this award. This title reflects the feedback we have been getting from our BT-50 customers since its launch last year. They really appreciate its power, refinement and economy. No wonder it is selling in record numbers.” This is the second award the BT-50 has won this year; it also won Delivery Magazine's 2007 Light Commercial Vehicle Award earlier this month.