The new eight - speed automatic transmission, licensed from ZF, will contribute to a corporate
fuel economy improvement goal of more than 25 % by 2014.
These new powertrain products — combined with weight reductions of 100 kg (220 lbs) on next - generation vehicles, improved aerodynamic design to reduce drag, and the introduction of electric devices like the fuel - saving stop / start system called i - stop (currently available in Japan and Europe)-- will contribute to meeting the Mazda's global 2015
fuel economy improvement goal of 30 %, with an accompanying drop in CO2 emissions of 23 % (compared to 2008).