Michael Phelps to hawk Mazda6 in China
Click above for a high-res gallery of the European-spec Mazda6
When American super swimmer Michael Phelps won eight gold medals and broke seven world records at the 2008 Olympics, he became an instant celebrity. Since the Olympics were held in the land of the Great Wall, Phelps is perhaps an even bigger sensation in China. In fact, Phelps is so big in the Middle Kingdom that he has just scored what is believed to be the largest endorsement deal of any western celebrity, a $1 million deal to pitch the all-new Mazda6. Mazda is spending big bucks on a pitch man in an effort to capitalize on its recent success in China. The outgoing 6, named Rui Yi in China, experienced a 43 percent sales increase in 2008, outpacing Mazda's already impressive brand-wide increase of 27 percent.
China is currently the world's third largest market, behind only Japan and the United States. The world's most populous nation is expected by many analysts to surpass Japan in this category as soon as this year, and the US could be in the rear view mirror by 2020. Mazda spending big to land an American hero shows goes some way to showing just how important the growing market is for the Japanese automaker.
Gallery: 2008 Mazda6
[Source: Ad Age]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Smegley 6:05PM (1/06/2009)
The Atenza in Japan is totally sexy, but the changes they made to the front/back to sell it in the USA ruined it. I'd buy a JDM Atenza in a heartbeat, but I won't even consider a US Mazda 6 because they took the sport out of it, cosmetically.
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ASEVENSEE4 6:47PM (1/06/2009)
I disagree, the US 6 looks much better, I've seen and driven it in person and it's just so much more appealing, especially from the back where it's leap bounds over the EU 6.
BoneHeadOtto 9:28PM (1/06/2009)
I agree the Atenza looks way better. Better lights, better grill, better foglight placement, more interesting front bumper with the vents down low, more chisled front end, plus its lighter and smaller.
The only thing the US spec has going for it is the exhaust pipes and the v6.
Here are links to white mazda 6s.
European (or japan not sure)
http://www.carjoy.ch/images/cars/big/mazda-6-2008-white-metallic_adf84e66d80eadfa614cd17d8ed0eba7.jpg
Japan
http://www.autounleashed.com/images/mazda_6.jpg
US
http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/0/K/N/1/ag_09mazda6_blogleft.jpg
IMO the Japan one and European look way better than the US version.
Mazda FTW! 10:40PM (1/06/2009)
The North American version really isin't that bad. In this market they had to move the 6 more upmarket to -
1) Compete with the Accord/Camry
2) Give more room to play to the Mazda3 which covers a vast segment, right from getting a no-frills base sedan for cheap upto a loaded to the sills hatch which has enough features to out-do most C-segment vehicles.
Would I have preferred the Japanese Atenza? Yeah for sure. But this isin't Japan and for Mazda to remain healthy and competitive, this was something that needed to be done. And our 6 is plenty awesome to boot.
Biz 2:42AM (1/07/2009)
As an enthusiast of the Mazda6 (owned 2 so far...even my girlfriend has the speed6) and having driven the new 6, I can say the lack of sport is not exclusive to the cosmetic side of things as the car simply lacks the character of its predecessor and feels numb and far too soft by comparison, not to mention has grown unnecessarily in length and weight. I find it grossly disappointing that Mazda would choose to prioritize those who didn't buy their cars as opposed to those who did, thus earning them another notch on their belt for horrid customer retention.
The BMW 3 series was the inspiration for the 1st gen 6. The AltCamCord or some Lexus for the 2nd gen 6. Can't make choices much more simple for me.
I really hope Phelps can move some more cars for them overseas, though. At least the 2nd gen 6 the rest of the world has available is one I'd consider.
Rick 10:51AM (1/07/2009)
Agreed! The Euro 6 was stunning, the US 6 is bloated and overstated.
Visnick 6:08PM (1/06/2009)
Cont: Phelps must eat a lot of fish...
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Will 6:37PM (1/06/2009)
and you must drink a lot of vinegar and water
moyoi 11:13AM (1/07/2009)
waiter, summer's eve-colada, please!
Jason 6:10PM (1/06/2009)
I see some Mondeo in the 3rd picture: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-mazda6-2/392532/
Even more in the 21st: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-mazda6-2/392539/
The roofline is similar. But I can't still can't really choose between the U.S. version or the global version...
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BoneHeadOtto 6:11PM (1/06/2009)
Dang those eurospec Mazda 6 look so much better. Just a few little changes make all the difference. Oh how i wish we could get one that looks like that. Especially the hatch or wagon.
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BoneHeadOtto 6:12PM (1/06/2009)
Better than the US spec one i mean.
ASEVENSEE4 6:47PM (1/06/2009)
Did you buy a Mazda6 Wagon? Because no one else did.
BoneHeadOtto 9:32PM (1/06/2009)
how could i buy one they dont offer it.... :P
didnt buy the last gen since it was low on power, high on gas consumption and the interior was or mediocre quality. The new Mazda 6 is a different beast, and yes i would purchase a wagon if i could get it with the manual and v6.
bduddy 10:35PM (1/06/2009)
I actually saw a 6 wagon today. It looked... odd, I'll leave it at that.
BoneHeadOtto 10:48PM (1/06/2009)
@bduddy
Well i do think the 5dr looks the best but i think the wagon looks better than the sedan. The wagon is distinctive and has character. Here is a good reference photo
http://www.zcars.com.au/images/2008-mazda6-range1.jpg
Raghu 6:41PM (1/06/2009)
Hock?? I think you mean "hawk" as in to sell.
Hock is like a "hock of ham"... parts of the leg bone of an animal
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firstplace 6:42PM (1/06/2009)
too funny
Nathan 6:55PM (1/06/2009)
Perhaps "hawk" is what they meant, but "hock" can also mean "to pawn" (as in sell)
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hock
Raghu 7:09PM (1/06/2009)
@ Nathan...
agreed that Hock can mean "to Pawn", but pawn does not mean "to sell". Though both involve giving an object (or asset) in return for money (or some other credit), in finance terms pawning and selling are diametrically opposite.
Pawning would be putting your asset down as a security in return for a loan that is to be re-paid... and this will not affect your top line (that is, it is not revenue and not taxable). Selling on the other hand is barter of your asset for money which goes directly on your top line and is taxable.
That said, I don't think Phelps is pawning anything at the moment with all his endorsements :)