Acker: Mazda needs to take the next big step

Laurens van den Acker, Mazda’s new chief designer, took over from Moray Callum in April 2006. “Moray took Mazda from zero to hero,” he told Automotive News. “My job is to take it from hero to superhero. Mazda needs to take the next big step and we need to define where the brand is in its life. It’s still very young, and if you think of it as a child, it’s crawling – not even walking or running. We need great products but also a great image globally.”

Well Acker we hope the executives hear you and we hope to see some of the recent sexy concepts, like the Ryuga, come to life.

Acker, who previously worked for Volvo and Audi, is now responsible for the overall design and style of all Mazda products worldwide.
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S4cabriofoxone - 5/14/2007 10:45:43 PM

+3 Boost

The Mazda6 is pretty hot still. I'd like to see the new one come out soon.

JUGNU - 5/14/2007 4:04:04 PM

+2 Boost

I think u mean ES350,there is no E300 now.

BTW Mazda, make a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Competitor.I know u can do it.Seeing RX-7,RX-8 and Miata u can even make something to rival Porsche Cayman and Boxster .

Well that will improve your image.

For sales and profit,New 3 is fantastic.For next genration move it upmarket to rival Honda Civic and Corolla directly.
ANd make a striking new 6 which absolutley kill the ALtimas and Camrys in design department.

and as Houston said, bring back the 929.That car was really ahead of it's time.
It was like a GS or RL of today.

Good luck

JUGNU

M35MT - 5/14/2007 5:00:39 PM

+3 Boost

I dont know what the market looks like in your country, but in the USA the Mazda3 is in a class above the carolla and civic (figuratively speaking). With the release of the Mazdaspeed3, they now have the most powerful FF compact car on the market at $25k.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/14/2007 10:45:19 PM

+4 Boost

You're right, JUGNU, there's no Mercedes-Benz E300 either. LOL.

EnnNorak - 5/14/2007 4:37:41 PM

-3 Boost

Mazda will never be a Toyota or a Nissan and the Koreans are coming on real strong now; The challenges for Mazda may be be overwhelming.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/14/2007 10:46:36 PM

+5 Boost

And I don't think Mazda should be Toyota or Honda. It will keep them focused on what they do best- driving fun. They're not after #1 sales, and I respect that.

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/15/2007 6:02:21 AM

+1 Boost

Mazda is clearly the most driver-oriented company out there.

The least? Toyota/Lexus. Boo!

Alec - 5/14/2007 6:45:38 PM

+2 Boost

Rotary engines are a marvel but it has its flaws where it shows in the old RX7 and the now RX8. For one its really bad on gas. Secondly power isnt quite as high despite the poor gas mileage.

They need to have a standard AWD Mazdaspeed 3. It would compete with Subarus Impreza WRX hatch. RX7 should make the return since the other 3 companies are ressurecting their famed sports car. And finally refresh the whole lineup. Drop the B series Truck as well as the MPV. I think Mazda has enough concepts to work with.

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/15/2007 6:08:17 AM

+1 Boost

How about a new RX-7 based on the Miata platform?

JUGNU - 5/15/2007 6:19:28 AM

+3 Boost

M35MT
Currently i live in duabi,UAE.Here Mazda 3 is under Corolla and Mazda 6 is in between Corolla and Camry.

S4cabrio
ES350 not E300.Happy.U know it's a typing mistake.LOL at u.Act like a mature,why are u picking small typing mistakes and making fun.

JUGNU

M35MT - 5/23/2007 7:40:53 PM

+1 Boost

ah...Dubai...interesting...you know, we're currently building the US's first indoor ski slope...it's in NJ though...a bit cooler than the desert, so we wont use as much oil to generate electricity for the A/C to keep the snow from melting ;)

dumpsty - 5/15/2007 8:10:31 AM

+4 Boost

Mazda definitely needs a Millenia or 929-sized RWD flagship that offers AWD, a turbo V6, V8, or rotory equivalent. Maybe stop selling the Tribute and make the CX-9 wider and a bit more distinct from the CX-7.

M35MT - 5/23/2007 7:39:04 PM

+1 Boost

if i had the money i'd give Ford an offer the couldnt refuse...and take control! Forever riding Mazda of it's badge engineered Fords! mwahahaha!

seriously though...what's the point?! Each new model year i expect them do drop the tribute and bseries as the REAL Mazda lineup grows...and we just got a new Tribute based on the new Escape...yuck.

izfuney - 5/16/2007 3:34:34 AM

+2 Boost

Sigh i agree with poster who said .."3 rotor rotary" ina rx-7 ...
Uhm and yea fix the lousy gas mileage ..and use the miata chasis so the wieght stays down...