Miata Owners Club - didn't last long

[zorruno]

For anyone that is interested, the US Miata Owners Club lasted about 18
months. This was just sent out to some US clubs:

Throughout the last few months the Mazda Miata Owners Club (MOC) has been

very busy supporting some exciting events around the country. Events such
as those held at the Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, Northern Exposure in
Ottawa, Washington D.C., and the other regional sponsored events are a
chance for Miata enthusiasts to come together, see old friends, share
stories, and most importantly check out the latest cars. We hope this
support from Mazda reinforces how important we feel the local clubs are to
the Miata community.

As you know, the original intent of MOC was to build a national club that

would eventually reach a membership in excess of 25,000 so that we could
provide direct value to the Miata community. In fact, our recent actions --
bringing on a new Executive Director and returning the Club to an
independent organization were designed to achieve that goal. However, after
exhausting several possibilities and trying to work through future plans, it
has become increasingly clear that a shift in direction is needed. Here are
some factors to consider from the past year:

a. MOC infrastructure requires funds that could otherwise be used to

directly support the Miata community and events.

b. Initial renewal rates indicate that we will be unable to achieve

sustainable support for the local communities moving forward

c. While MOC offers some unique benefits (Miata Magazine, Mazda

discounts), the local clubs continue to see limited value in the remaining
offerings

Due to the current state of the club, the Mazda Team and the MOC Advisory

Council have unanimously agreed to discontinue operations of the national
Miata Owners Club and redirect our support to the local Miata communities.

So what does this mean? Well, Mazda is developing some exciting new plans

that will be available to the entire community and you'll notice that
they're not that different from what is offered today:

d. Miata Magazine: Mazda will work with the magazine as a key benefit

moving forward.

e. Event Sponsorship: Mazda will take formal requests for supporting local

club events (e.g. dinners, Mazda merchandise, etc.) and review regional and
national event submissions based on an agreed upon list of criteria. The
process will be similar to the one followed earlier this year.

f. Special Offers/Discounts: While current benefits like the travel

discounts will no longer be offered, Mazda will continue working on special
offers for merchandise, parts, and service.

g. Other benefits/support: Mazda plans to promote local club information

both in the new owner welcome kit and on our website. Also, we will continue
to work with the Miata Advisory Council to review suggestions for additional
support/benefits.

And, on that note, we do plan to continue working very closely with the

Advisory Council. The Council will be an asset in helping us communicate
with the local club base and they will play an important role in defining
event sponsorship opportunities. They will also help with the phase-out of
the national club so that we ensure we fulfill on all existing obligations.
Our goal is to ensure all members receive and retain a positive opinion of
Mazda and recognize the company's commitment to continued support.

We are very excited about this decision and the positive effect it will

have on our ability to provide direct support to the local Miata community.
And remember to keep a look out for upcoming details on event sponsorship
opportunities.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call us at

1-800-968-4980.

Dave Sanabria
Mazda Relationship Marketing Manager



With the phase-out announcement of the MOC we have developed the attached

list of FAQs to address questions that may arise.

Q1. Can I renew my current membership?
A1. No. Although the club will continue to fulfill on existing

memberships the renewal process has been stopped as of October 18, 2002.

Q2. I am a current member. Will I continue to receive all my benefits?
A2. Some benefits will continue like the Miata Magazine subscription, the

$30 Mazda Genuine Accessories rebate, and the Preferred Dealer Network (20%
discount on parts and service) at participating dealerships. The travel,
insurance, and Car and Driver/Road and Track discount subscription rate
benefits will no longer be available.

Q3. I am a current member. Can I get a refund?
A3. Yes. You can choose to get a refund that will be prorated by calling

customer support at 1-800-968-4980.

NOTE: New 2002/2003 Miata buyers who receive a complimentary membership

are not eligible for a refund.

Q4. I am thinking of purchasing a new Miata or just purchased one and

wondered if I will be able to become a member?

A4. As noted on our 2003 Mazda Miata brochures, you have the option to

receive a complementary membership, however, please note the changes to the
current benefits (see Q2 above). If you would like to receive the remaining
benefits, please contact customer support at 1-800-968-4980.

Q5. If I can't renew my membership can I still get the magazine?
A5. Yes. You will be able to subscribe to the magazine. The annual

subscription rate will be $19.95 and you can subscribe by calling Miata
Magazine at 1-877-CARMAGZ (1-877-227-6249) or by sending in the subscription
card that will be included in future issues of Miata Magazine.

Q6. I purchased a new Miata in 2002 and was a current member of MOC.

Will I get benefits for my complete complementary membership?

A6. Every current member will receive all remaining benefits (Miata

Magazine, Accessories Rebate, Preferred Dealer Discount) until the end of
your complete membership term. This will include your current membership
and your added complementary membership.

Q7. When will the club officially end operations?
A7. The Miata Owners Club will be phased out over the next year so that

we ensure a smooth transition and will officially cease operations when the
last membership expires.

Q8. Will there be another national club?
A8. Mazda has no plans to start another national club.

Q9. How will Mazda continue to support the Miata community?
A9. Mazda is still committed to continued support of the Miata community

including event sponsorship and promotion of local clubs in various Mazda
communications.

Q10. When will local clubs be able to apply for event support?
A10. Mazda plans to have the application ready for distribution in the

November/December timeframe. Mazda will work with the Advisory Council to
distribute the forms to the local clubs.

Q11. How do I get my Club listed in the Mazda Owners Welcome Kit?
A11. Please confirm your local club contact information by calling

customer support at 1-800-968-4980.