Mazda Goes the Distance with Unlimited Mileage Warranty Plan in Canada

During a year where automotive recalls attracted a great deal of general news related to the vehicle sector, leading automobile manufacturers are facing the growing potential of losing trust with Canadian motorists. Intent to curb the atmosphere of distrust in the new car market, some brands are having a more difficult time than other for restoring respect with customers. While not involved in any major recalls in 2014, Mazda does see a window of opportunity to potentially win over some customers by changing one major provision in their vehicle warranties.

Starting with all 2015 model year Mazda vehicles, the Japanese-derived vehicle brand will give customers an Unlimited Mileage Warranty in Canada. Phasing out their limits for distance, almost all standard vehicle warranties issued by Mazda will operate on a timed basis. A policy guaranteed to benefit long-distance commuters, Mazda Canada's new unlimited distance warranty is being applied to a almost every component of the vehicle. Basic new vehicle warranty, powertrain, original equipment battery and even roadside assistance will be covered through unlimited mileage protection. Commenting that the new warranty coverage plan is devoted to enhancing long-term customer satisfaction for the vehicles Mazda builds, Canadian operations president Kory Koreeda stated, "By offering customers an Unlimited Mileage Warranty, we believe it will enhance their ownership experience by alleviating concerns such as kilometer limitations, repair costs and resale value."

The total months for which a new Mazda is covered under warranty remains the same. For example, the new vehicle basic coverage is still 36 months and the powertrain warranty term remains 60 months under the revised customer assurance strategy. The only warranty condition where a mileage limit will remain in place is in regards to emissions defects. For this warranty, the warranty remains at a maximum 128,000 kilometers or 96 months.

Mazda Canada's rollout of the Unlimited Mileage Warranty plans may not come as a particularly costly measure. According to a 2009 Canadian Vehicle Survey, the average Canadian driver travels 15,366 kilometers per year (well within Mazda's previous maximum distance per warranty term.

In addition to new buyers of 2015 Mazda products such as the CX-5 or the Mazda3, the Unlimited Mileage Warranty is also being retroactively extended to customers who have already bought a 2015 model year vehicle.