To those who have their doubts regarding the off-road capability of Mazda CX-9 can shut their doubts off now as Mazda CX-9 is now the proud owner of the 2008 North American Truck of the Year Award. Although I don’t there are many of them who doubt Mazda’s celebrated CX-9. This is actually the Japanese automaker’s first time to win the said award and it’s all thanks to its producing the Mazda CX-9. This award had been given to Mazda CX-9 during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January 13, 2008.
The Truck of the Year Award has been established in 1994 and it is actually one of North America’s most prestigious motoring awards. The vehicles that are awarded with the Truck of the Year Award have earned the highest scores in safety, handling, driver satisfaction, design, and value for money. 45 prominent automotive journalists from the United States and Canada are the ones who determine which vehicle should be provided with this award. These journalists assess the 2008 model year truck’s category which includes conventional trucks and sports utility vehicles.
President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, Jim O’Sullivan, said, "This truly is an honor. Since we brought CX-9 to market, it’s been a hit with media, customers and dealers alike. This vehicle represents everything a Mazda SUV should be: dynamically styled, powerful, with top-notch craftsmanship and a lot of fun to drive. Today’s award is proof that says we just might be on to something special."
The Mazda CX-9 won this award perhaps because of its skillful blending of the sporty driving signature of Mazda with the practicality brought by a seven-passenger sport utility vehicle. This Mazda model was able to successfully break out from the traditional SUVs because of its having dynamic styling, spacious interior, powerful and dynamic driving performance, and thus won high scores. Sales of the Mazda CX-9 started in January 2007 in North America and during the end of 2007, sales in Australia and Saudi Arabia were launched.
The Mazda CX-9, thanks to its array of impressive safety features, earned the highest possible scores in frontal and side impact crashes from the test made by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S government. Therefore, it was given a five-star frontal and side impact crash test ratings. Aside from that, it also received four star rating for rollover resistance. And Mazda CX-9 has also been given the 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year award by Motor Trend magazine.