HIROSHIMA, Japan--Total production of Mazda Motor Corporation's flagship minivan, the Mazda MPV, has reached one million units. This significant milestone was achieved 17 years and 10 months after production of the original Mazda MPV was started in April 1988.

Mazda introduced the original Mazda MPV (which stands for Multi Purpose Vehicle) to the North American market in 1988. This was later followed by its Japanese market launch in January 1990, with the MPV quickly gaining notice around the globe thanks to its original packaging and high functionality.

The Mazda MPV offered a new sense of value at the forefront of its time. This basic premise remains unchanged, with successive Mazda MPV models continuing to provide Mazda customers with pioneering functionality and superb onboard equipment.

The second generation MPV, which debuted in 1999, was a hit product that featured dual power-sliding doors, "karakuri" fold-flat rear seats and an array of unique features that exceeded consumer expectations. In Japan alone, it sold over 260,000 units.

On February 2, 2006, after its second full redesign, Mazda released the third generation all-new Mazda MPV to the Japanese market. The latest model MPV preserves the functionality and user-friendliness of prior generation models but with upgraded design, improved driving performance and packaging while achieving excellent environmental compatibility.

Mazda plans to launch a turbo version of the all-new MPV on March 20, 2006, and a four-wheel drive (4WD) model on April 15, 2006, both only for the Japanese market.