Nissan to Sell Rebadged Mazda5 MPV in Japan

Nissan and Mazda said Friday that they are expanding their original equipment manufacturing (OEM) projects to include the Mazda Premacy, otherwise known as the Mazda5 MPV in markets such as North America and Europe. Under the agreement, Mazda will supply a "clearly differentiated version" of the Premacy to Nissan for sale in Japan, starting from May this year, the two companies said in a joint statement.

No pictures or other details have been released at this point, but given the short timeframe, Japanese buyers shouldn't expect any significant changes over the Premacy.

The two Japanese automakers are currently collaborating through a mutual OEM agreement, which enables Mazda to provide the Bongo Van/Truck to Nissan (sold as the Nissan Vanette Van/Truck), while Nissan supplies the AD/AD Expert to Mazda (sold as the Mazda Familia Van).

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Mazda Premacy Hydrogen Rotary Engine –Tokyo Show Preview

Along with the Taiki Sports Coupe Concept (see here), Mazda will also take the wraps off the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid at the Tokyo Show (Oct. 24). The vehicle’s rotary engine is powered by energy produced when hydrogen combines with oxygen in the air to emit only clean water. However, thanks to Mazda’s hydrogen/gasoline dual-fuel system, the driver can switch to gas when hydrogen runs out. The hybrid system employed for the hydrogen rotary engine converts energy from hydrogen combustion into electricity that powers the electric motor. Mazda officials support that, compared to the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, the new Premacy doubles its run on a full tank of hydrogen from 100 km (62 miles) to 200 km (124 miles). According to the Japanese carmaker, the 5-seater Premacy will be available for lease solely in Japan from early 2008. -Press release after the jump

New Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid

Compared with the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE, the new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid yields 40% better output, resulting in enhanced acceleration performance and an extended hydrogen-fueled range of about 200km, or twice that of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. Seating capacity is also increased to give accommodation for five adults along with greater luggage space. The hydrogen rotary engine is changed from a longitudinal to a transverse layout and its intake/exhaust resistance and combustion efficiency are improved to yield high output across a wide range of engine speeds. The hybrid system employed for the hydrogen rotary engine efficiently converts energy from hydrogen combustion into electricity that powers the electric motor. Thanks to progress in electric drive technology, the system realizes high energy-efficiency and a quick response allied with low fuel consumption. Acceleration kicks in the instant you hit the accelerator, creating a direct feeling of power.