Dothan, AL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/28/2012 -- SKYACTIV Technology represents Mazda’s commitment to develop, enhance, and implement new automotive concepts specifically designed to improve efficiency without sacrificing performance. Several SKYACTIV concepts can be seen at Mitchell Mazda in Enterprise, AL or online at http://mitchellmazda.com/.

Taking a different approach to improving vehicle efficiency than many competitors, Mazda intends to fully optimize existing technologies before gradually implementing supplementary components. This step-by-step approach is effectively referred to as the Building Block Strategy.

The Building Block Strategy is comprised of three major steps. The first involves the implementation of Mazda’s battery management system known as i-stop. Like similar systems,

i-stop is designed to improve fuel economy by shutting off the engine when a vehicle is idle and restarting the engine when motion resumes, but unlike comparable systems, i-stop incorporates a combustion restart, making the transition quick, quiet, and virtually unnoticeable to drivers.

The second step includes incorporating Mazda’s regenerative braking system known as

i-ELOOP. Unlike other regenerative braking systems, i-ELOOP uses a capacitor rather than a battery, resulting in faster charging. The capacitor stores electricity that is collected from the energy given off by braking, which is then used to power the vehicle’s electrical components (air-conditioning, lighting, etc.) instead of the engine.

The third step is to introduce electric drive technology. By 2015, Mazda plans to fully integrate gasoline, hydrogen, and plug-in hybrids into its existing vehicle lineup.

SKYACTIV innovations have already been integrated into several new Mazdas, like the

MAZDA3 and the CX-5 Crossover. For more information about these and other models, as well as additional details regarding Mazda SKYACTIV Technology, visit Mitchell Mazda in Enterprise, AL, call (866) 677-4069, or visit them online at http://www.mitchellmazda.com. You can also follow Mitchell Mazda on Facebook for the latest news and Mazda updates at http://www.facebook.com/MitchellMazda.

About Mitchell Mazda
Mitchell Mazda is proud to serve the Dothan, Alabama area. Carrying a full line of new and used Mazda cars, Mitchell Mazda offers the best selection when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. The knowledgeable service department at Mitchell Mazda is prepared to assist with repairs and routine maintenance and the Parts Department offers one-stop shopping on a full selection of Mazda parts and accessories. Mitchell Mazda strives for 100 percent customer satisfaction at every visit.