Mazda to Exhibit Special Needs Vehicles at Int. Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition 2009

HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation will display special needs vehicles and other exhibits at the 36th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (H.C.R.) 2009 in Tokyo. The exhibition, organized by Japan’s Health and Welfare Information Association, will be held at Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) from September 29 through October 1, 2009.

Mazda will display three vehicles that have been modified for use by wheelchair users. The AZ-Wagon i is based on Mazda’s micro-mini model, and the Biante Second Row Lift-up Seat and Biante Front Row Lift-up Seat special needs versions are based on the Mazda Biante mid-size tall “high-roof” minivan.



In addition, Mazda will also present a special wheelchair with specifications for use in off-road racing as one element of its people and eco-friendly initiatives. This wheelchair enables physically challenged competitors to participate in the Mazda Cup off-road bicycle races held in Japan, which are sponsored by Mazda.



The International H.C.R. Exhibition features medical and health care equipment ranging from handcrafted daily living aids to the latest special needs vehicles from all over the world. Mazda has participated in this event since 1995.



Outline of Mazda’s exhibits at the 36th Int. H. C. R. Exhibition 2009
Special needs vehicles

AZ-wagon i

The AZ-Wagon i is based on the space-efficient micro-mini, AZ-Wagon. People in wheelchairs can get in and out of the vehicle through the rear liftgate opening.



Mazda Biante Second Row Lift-up Seat

Based on the mid-size tall “high-roof” Mazda Biante, the Biante Second Row Lift-up Seat vehicle is equipped with a second row seat that automatically elevates and rotates for ease of use, and was designed to transport and assist wheelchair users. A version of this model equipped with Mazda’s unique ‘i-stop’ idling stop system is available.



Biante Front Row Lift-up Seat

Based on the Mazda Biante, the Biante Front Row Lift-up Seat version is designed to transport and assist wheelchair users with a front row seat that automatically elevates and rotates for ease of use. The lineup includes a model with Mazda’s unique ‘i-stop’ idling stop system.



Other reference exhibits

Mazda Cup Off-road Wheelchair

An off-road wheelchair will be displayed together with photographs of bicycles and wheelchairs taken during Mazda Cup races.



Independence Board-Walk (IBO) Corner*1

The IBO corner of the exhibition will feature a section of “Independence Board-Walk.” The eco- and people-friendly Independence Board-Walk organization constructs wheelchair accessible trails made of wooden planks in natural surroundings. Part of the participation fees for the Mazda Cup are used to support this program. Thirty 200 mm x 2,000 mm wooden boards will be available for visitors to paint at the Mazda booth at the HCR exhibition. The boards will later be used to build trails in the woods.


*1 The official name of the IBO organization is Independence Board-walk ORG Japan. It was established as a nonprofit corporation in 2007. Its main activities include the construction of independence boardwalks, raising awareness of off-road wheelchair possibilities, promotion of outdoor activities for physically-challenged people and the introduction of special needs support systems from foreign countries.



Mazda’s website for vehicles to be exhibited at the 36th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition 2009 (in Japanese only)
- Mazda’s special needs vehicles: http://www.welfare.mazda.co.jp/
- Mazda Cup: http://www.mazda.co.jp/carlife/msports_show/msports/mtb/index.html
- Independence Board-walk ORG Japan NPO: http://www.ibojapan.org/