Masashi Otsuka

Center of SUV

Otsuka, the program manager, names the clean diesel as a big reason the CX-5 was highly rated in Japan. Some were skeptical before launch, but the diesel's strength suited an SUV and became a value only a Mazda could offer, he says. For the major update, Otsuka set out the phrase "Center of SUV." What people expect from an SUV is to express themselves clearly, whether off duty or on. So he asked the designers and engineers never to compromise on the basics, such as ride comfort and the practicality of carrying a family safely along with plenty of luggage, and to build the car in pursuit of the ideal.