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IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda North American Operations introduced a new certified pre-owned vehicle program late last week that it says can generate the most value of out of used Mazdas, create an easier used-vehicle buying experience for shoppers and reduce ownerships costs, all of which can be vital selling points for dealers to bring to consumers.

To make sure that the quality of a CPO model mirrors that of a new car's quality as much as possible, the CPO program will include thorough multi-point inspection and reconditioning processes for dealers to undertake.

Moreover, the automaker is providing warranty coverage that it says is "over and above any existing factory warranty."

To qualify for the program, used models must be from the years 2006 to 2010, have mileages less than 60,000 and adhere to the strict quality standards.

"Mazda's new certified pre-owned program is designed expressly to make the process easy and affordable for customers shopping for a high-quality pre-owned vehicle," stated Ron Stettner, vice president of sales for MNAO.

"As Mazda was recently recognized by ALG for holding one of the highest residual values in the industry, our new CPO program allows us to provide a never-before-offered level of warranty security that goes with the value for money already packaged into every new Mazda," he added.

At the actual dealerships, point-of-sale materials will distinguish the CPO vehicles and explain the warranty and program benefits.

Included with every certified Mazda will be either what's left on the factory warranty or a supplementary 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty. Plus, the vehicles are covered by a seven-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well.

Mazda emphasized that there are no deductibles required for repairs under the warranty, just like with new cars.

Mazda is also offering roadside assistance for no additional fees for the balance of the powertrain warranty period. This includes flat-tire changing, as well as battery-jump, lock-out and fuel-delivery services.

Mazda Names Director of Retail Strategy

In other news from the company, MNAO said Friday that Mike Nakashima has taken on the newly created role of director of retail strategy, a move that became effective May 1.

Nakashima was most recently the director of marketing, and taking his place in that position is John Abel, whose most recent post was as general manager of global brand management for Mazda Motor Corp.

Before that Japan-based role, Abel was Mazda Motor Europe's director of marketing communications. Under this change, Abel will move to MNAO headquarters in Irvine, Calif., from his prior post in Hiroshima, Japan.

"With experience in many diverse areas around MNAO, Mike brings a unique talent set to this new position, and his move to oversee our retail strategy capitalizes on his analytical talents and deep understanding of what drives sales," shared Keith Egawa, chief operating officer of MNAO.

"And John brings with him a diverse skill set and global marketing perspective that will further strengthen our marketing efforts as we move Mazda forwards," he added.

Continuing on to discuss these leaders' experience in more detail, officials noted that Nakashima worked as MNAO's director of strategic planning prior to taking on the role of director of marketing there.

Before his strategic planning post, Nakashima headed up efforts to bring Mazda into Mexico and launch Mazda Motor de Mexico there.

Meanwhile, Abel, who has been with the automaker since March 2003, began his Japan-based position in September 2006.

Abel worked in assorted marketing and sales roles with Jaguar Cars Ltd. in the United Kingdom before joining the team at Mazda.