FIRST RX-8 ROLLS OFF PRODUCTION LINE Mazda Motor Corporation began production of the RX-8 sports car at its Ujina No.1 Plant in Hiroshima on Monday 17th February 2003. The first vehicles off the line will be sold in Japan, with production of models bound for North America and Europe to commence in mid-March and mid-April, respectively. The RX-8 is scheduled to hit showrooms in Japan this April. Company executives, union representatives and employees attended a ceremony at the plant to mark the start of production of the new RX-8. "I am delighted to join everyone in celebrating the start of production of the RX-8. The RX-8 is a sports car that fully expresses the Mazda brand, and will be launched as Mazda's flagship in the major markets of Japan, United States and Europe," said Mazda Executive Vice President Hisakazu Imaki. In Japan, the RX-8 will be offered in three versions -- the high power 6MT Type S, standard power 4EC-AT Type E and 5MT.

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