Mazda B-Truck
Mazda Hopes Truck Will "B"
Choice Of Youth Market

With The Youth Market Driven By Price,
Mazda Is Making The B-Truck Appealing To First Time Buyers.
Distinctive Styling Separates It From Its Ford Ranger Cousin.

By Bob Storck

Vehicle Type: Truck

Price: $10,000 to $21,000 (estimated)

Transmission: 5-speed Standard and Automatic

Safety Features: Driver and passenger side Airbags and rear-wheel ABS anti-lock brakes are standard

Engine: 2.5- liter , 119- horsepower I-4 or 3-liter 150-horsepower V6 or 4-liter 160-horsepower V6 Front Engine/ Rear or 4-Wheel Drive

Fuel Economy: To Be Determined

Deception Pass, Washington--Some of Ford's best small car features have come directly from the Mazda engineering department or parts bin. When Ford needed a mini-pickup about fifteen years ago, they went to Mazda. Now Ford returns the favor.

Mazda has fallen on hard times, partly due to errors in product planning, partly due to inefficient operations and partly due to an uneven dealer network. Their strength always has been wonderful engines, handling, and usually good styling. They brought out good products, but at the wrong times, and delivered them in clumps. Now that Ford has become the majority stockholder and taken charge, corporate and dealer operations are getting streamlined and weaknesses weeded out. B-Truck intends to advance its competitive edge with a new look inside and out, a new standard engine, roomier cab, new suspension, enhanced steering and new four-wheel drive technology.