Mazda Donates Prototypes to OCFA

Mazda North American Operations recently donated 10 prototype Tribute hybrid electric vehicles to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) at a ceremony at OCFA’s headquarters in Irvine, California (see photo, page 1). The hybrid SUVs will be in service for two years.

Clad in the familiar OCFA red and white, the Tribute HEVs will be driven by OCFA staff in various assignments throughout Orange County. They will mainly be used for non-emergency functions, such as travel to fire safety inspections, educational programs, and fire station maintenance activities.

On average, Mazda’s Tribute HEV is 99.4% cleaner than a conventional vehicle and delivers the performance required by SUV owners. With a combined output of 155hp, it provides plenty of power yet meets strict Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle standards in California – the strictest emission regulations a gasoline-fueled vehicle can meet.

Mazda plans to lend an additional 20 Tribute Hybrid SUVs to fire departments across Southern California.