IRVINE, Calif. ― A day after launching its new Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program last Thursday, Mazda North American Operation announced the appointment of Mike Nakashima to the newly created position of director of retail strategy. The former director of marketing officially assumed his new role on May 1.

Eligible for the program are all 2006-2010 Mazda cars, SUVs and truck with less than 60,000 miles. Each vehicle will be required to undergo a rigorous multi-point inspection and reconditioning program before being certified.

Mazda also will offer warranty protection over and above any existing factory warranty, which means every CPO vehicle will offer either the remaining balance of the factory warranty or an additional 12-month, 12,000-mile comprehensive warranty. The automaker is also providing a seven-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Additionally, all CPO vehicles will receive roadside assistance – which includes coverage for flat-tire changing, battery jump, lock-out and fuel delivery – at no extra cost.

The new program was rolled out a day before Mazda named Nakashima as its new director of retail strategy. Nakashima, who helped spearhead MNAO’s entry in the Mexican market, will be replaced by John Abel, the former general manager of global brand management for Mazda Motor Corporation.

"Mike brings a unique talent set to this new position, and his move to oversee our retail strategy capitalizes on his analytical talents and deep understanding of what drives sales," said Keith Egawa, MNAO chief operating officer. "And John brings with him a diverse skill set and global marketing perspective that will further strengthen our marketing efforts as we move Mazda forwards.”