- Mazda North American Operations Donates MAZDA6 to Habitat for Humanity -IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations today announced that the MAZDA6 will be the three-millionth vehicle produced at AutoAlliance International, Inc. (AAI) in Flat Rock, Mich. MNAO will donate the three-millionth vehicle, a Volcanic Red MAZDA6 5-Door, to the victims of Hurricane Katrina through the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity(R). Last year AAI raised $25,000 to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina.Mazda first began producing vehicles in the U.S. in 1987 at its Mazda Motor Manufacturing (USA) Corporation (MMUC) in Flat Rock, Mich. In 1992, MMUC changed its name to AAI and formed an equal partnership between Mazda and Ford. Today, AAI is a UAW-represented plant that employs more than 3,700 workers. Past products produced at AAI include the Mazda MX-6, Mazda 626, Ford Probe and Mercury Cougar. Currently AAI produces the MAZDA6 and Ford Mustang. "Mazda's partnership with the AAI facility spans nearly 20 years," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "We couldn't be more thrilled to mark this new milestone with one of our own." Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide ecumenical Christian housing ministry that works to develop communities for people in need by building and renovating houses so there are houses in decent communities in which every person can live. Internationally, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 200,000 houses since its founding in 1976. New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1983, has constructed more than 130 homes with partner families in the New Orleans Metro area, and construction is underway on 75 additional homes in hard-hit areas of New Orleans. The organization's work is critical in the rebuilding of the city following the destruction that followed Hurricane Katrina. "We are so appreciative of this wonderful gift to our ever-growing Habitat affiliate," said Andrew Lee, Vice President of the Board of Directors of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. "Our family services and development departments will certainly appreciate the MAZDA6 to use for frequent home visits with partner families and for meetings around town." Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations 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, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. Source: Mazda North American Operations |