IRVINE, California, Nov. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As part of its annual charity program designed to give back to those in need, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the start of the 2016 Mazda Drive for Good® event. From November 21, 2016 through January 3, 2017, Mazda customers and potential owners are invited to help give back to those in need by taking a test drive or by buying, or leasing, a new Mazda. For every test drive, Mazda will pledge one volunteer hour to a worthy cause in the community, and when owners buy or lease a new Mazda, Mazda will donate $150 to one of the select national or local charities of their choice.¹

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In its fourth year of the Mazda Drive for Good program, Mazda is again collaborating with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and the Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. on a national level. In addition to the four national nonprofit organizations, Mazda Dealer Marketing Groups around the nation also have the opportunity to partner with local nonprofit organizations, which enable new Mazda owners to select an organization closer to home. The complete list of local nonprofits can be found below.

“Our Driving Matters campaign speaks directly to the experience of driving our vehicles, and by allowing Mazda test drives to matter in another way, we are able to highlight an important aspect of Mazda’s purpose as an organization within the community,” said Robert Davis, senior vice president of U.S. operations at MNAO. “Over the last few years, the Mazda Drive for Good program has provided us with a unique opportunity to allow our customers to direct how we give back to our communities, and we look forward to continuing to give back to those organizations that matter most to them, in 2017.”

In order to spread the word about the campaign, Mazda teamed up with NBCUniversal for the 2016 Mazda Drive for Good Contest, where the winner, or the organization’s representative, will attend NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on November 30, and will be recognized for their influence in the community. The winner will receive a $30,000 donation—money raised as part of the 2016 Mazda Drive for Good program.

Supporting the Mazda Drive for Good event is a multi-faceted campaign across all media channels. Mazda’s national media buy features :30 television spots featuring some of Mazda’s own, designed to represent all of Mazda’s employees that give back year-round. Additionally, there is a 2:00 cinema piece highlighting a Mazda dealer and dedicated Mazda Drive for Good volunteer in Charlotte, NC.

Consumers will also have access to a dedicated Mazda Drive for Good webpage at MazdaUSA.com/drive4good where they can track Mazda’s progress and find Mazda Drive for Good content. Owners that purchase or lease a new Mazda during the event period can direct their donations through this page.

Since its launch in 2013, Mazda has donated more than $13 million to charity and has pledged more than 195,000 charitable service hours. Mazda believes that buying a car isn’t just an artificial transaction. The time and money donated as part of the community creates a ripple effect across the country and develops a community of its own—leaving a lasting effect on those in need.

Mazda remains committed to helping communities throughout the year, through monetary donations and volunteer service. Follow the conversation at #MazdaDrive4Good or MazdaUSA.com/Drive4Good.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com.

2016 Mazda Drive for Good Winter Event National + Local Charity List (46 Total)

¹ Open to legal residents of the 50 states (including D.C.), 18+ who purchase or lease a new Mazda vehicle from an authorized Mazda franchise dealer from November 21, 2016 through January 3, 2017. For complete details, visit http://www.mazdausa.com/drive4good.

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