Mazda Philippines is now officially an authorized distributor of AutoExe tuning parts and accessories. The partnership, formalized at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), exemplifies Mazda Philippines’ commitment to deliver a customer-centric approach that goes beyond the norm. At PIMS, a wide range of AutoExe parts were fitted onto the Mazda3, CX-60, and MX-5, showcasing the personalization potential of these Mazda vehicles.
“We are proud to be carrying AutoExe parts and accessories as an authorized distributor,” says Steven Tan, president of Mazda Philippines. “Since we soft-launched AutoExe last March with the MX-5, there has been an overwhelmingly positive response from our customers. We have made the decision to expand the AutoExe parts catalog to cover the Mazda3 and CX-60 as well.”
Initially, a total of 67 AutoExe parts — 10 for the Mazda3, 20 for the CX-60, and 37 for the MX-5 — are available. These parts are generally divided into eight categories: Exterior, Interior, Body, Suspension, Intake & Exhaust, Brakes, Drivetrain, and Utility. Mazda Philippines will study to expand the availability of more parts and models soon.
“Our decision to offer factory-installed AutoExe parts to new and existing Mazda customers is part of our commitment to become a premium brand. Luxury has gone beyond just offering high-quality finishes and a refined drive. Personalization is also seen as a luxury, and this is a trend we see not just in the automotive industry, but all around,” continues Steven Tan.
At the 9th PIMS, AutoExe representatives led by Yuuichiro Ohtomi (executive managing director), Shingo Soma (general manager), and Yuki Sakurai (marketing department) formally unveiled the Mazda3, CX-60, and MX-5 fitted with AutoExe parts, officially commencing their partnership with Mazda Philippines.
Founded in 1997, AutoExe is a tuning company and parts maker specializing in Mazda vehicles. It was founded by former Mazda works driver Yojiro Terada. Known as “Mr. Le Mans,” Terada-san has had 29 appearances — the most for a Japanese driver — at the world-famous endurance race. With his racing experience, he has treated the Circuit de la Sarthe, where the race is held annually, as a development ground.
Since Le Mans is held on general roads, AutoExe parts are not simply for flashy appearances nor are they limited to circuit use. Instead, they are parts and accessories developed with street or daily use in mind. AutoExe takes great pride in crafting parts and accessories that improve driving performance without hindering practicality or comfort. In addition, they develop parts with a holistic approach.
“The typical approach in aftermarket would be to specialize in one aspect, say mufflers or brakes. In other words, they are specialists in just one component,” says Terada. “On the other hand, AutoExe specializes in complete cars. Our goal during parts development is to achieve the level of refinement or polish as you would in a new variant or grade. We enhance performance in a well-balanced manner.”
AutoExe’s tuning concept is to bring out the full potential of Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai philosophy (oneness of man and machine) based on technology and know-how gained at racing in Le Mans. This is done by optimizing a vehicle’s transient handling characteristics, taking into account factors such as performance as well as reliability, durability, and comfort.
“Transient characteristics refer to the movement of a vehicle — in a forward-backward (acceleration and deceleration) and side-to-side (pitch and roll) motion. If a car reacts too quickly, like a purpose-built track car, it feels nervous, making it scary. If it’s too slow, it becomes dull, making it not enjoyable to drive. We aim to optimize the different characteristics to find the balance that sharpens the level of Jinba-Ittai that enthusiasts can immediately feel.”
AutoExe parts are available for order at all Mazda dealerships nationwide. Since they are designed in close collaboration with Mazda, they will not void a vehicle’s warranty when purchased and installed at authorized Mazda dealerships. They also carry a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Commemorating the partnership between Mazda Philippines and AutoExe, all orders for AutoExe parts placed on or before December 31, 2024, will be entitled to a 10% discount.
For more information, Mazda customers can visit Mazda Makati and Mazda C-5 Pasig—the first two AutoExe Performance Parts Centers in the country. Customers may also check the official website at mazda.ph.
There are 14 Mazda 3S dealerships located across the Philippines and Metro Manila: Mazda C-5 Pasig, Mazda Quezon Avenue, Mazda Makati, Mazda Alabang, Mazda Sta. Rosa, Mazda Pampanga, Mazda Dagupan, Mazda Cabanatuan, Mazda Tarlac, Mazda Cebu, Mazda Iloilo, Mazda Bacolod, Mazda Cagayan De Oro, and Mazda Davao