2017 MIAS: We attended the Mazda Press Conference on the new Mazda MX-5RF

02 April 2017

Occasionally, Patrick would leave us to cover a Press Conference while at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).  We would find ourselves wandering around the Main Hall and the rest of the exhibits until he finished his work.  I think the last time we attended a Press Conference as a family was for the Manila Speed Show with Marlon Stockinger.  This time, we were allowed to attend Mazda's Luncheon Press Conference and what a blast we had! :)













We met the Mazda representatives while walking the floor in the Main Hall.  We arrived at the Mazda exhibit area and were just in time to witness the awarding of the "Best Booth" to Mazda Philippines.  Hooray!  We were invited then to the Mazda Press Conference.  We thought it was just Patrick since he's part of the Media but the invitation was extended to us as well :)

We made our way to the venue and partook of the luncheon served.

After lunch, the Press Conference commenced.  It was a pretty casual affair which surprised me but I think it made it even more appealing since it's like a get-together with friends.  As far as I understood it (you have to bear with me since I'm not a motoring journalist), the event was to introduce the new Mazda MX-5RF and to open the floor with questions about it.  The guys in the picture were Mr. Steven Tan, President and CEO of Mazda Philippines and Mr. Masashi Nakayama, then Chief Designer of the Mazda MX-5, now the new Mazda MX-5 Program Manager.   

Here, Mr. Nakayama demonstrated through his drawing how he was able to create the design for the Mazda MX-5RF.  By the way, RF stands for Retractable Fastback, which is like the folding hard-top version of the original Mazda MX-5.

He mentioned it was important to retain the characteristics of the original MX-5 while adding in the Retractable Fastback feature.  It starts with balancing the wheels, then positioning the driver and passenger so that the center of gravity is well-distributed throughout the whole car, making cargo space viable for two passengers, and finishing with a Retractable Fastback that allows you to experience superior handling without sacrificing the style and design that the MX-5 is known for.

The kids were able to sit down next to him while he was drawing.  Actually, I wanted Dana to see how his skilled hands moved across the paper while drawing the car.  Dylan wanted to see it too.  As such, that paper was given to Dylan, with an autograph to boot! :) That was way awesome! :)

Other questions raised included whether a Turbo Charged version will soon be introduced to which they said, "Shhh", which probably meant something was in the works haha.

We just want to say Thank You to Mr. Steven Tan for welcoming us to the Press Conference and Arigato Gozaimashita to Mr. Masashi Nakayama for gracing us with your presence and giving us the opportunity to meet and chat with you.