Mazda Speaks On Ship Mishap: Cougar Ace Cars Won't Be Sold As New

Mazda released a statement yesterday indicating that vehicles aboard the fubar'd car-carrying ship, Cougar Ace will not be sold at dealerships as new. But — and here's ther part where you feel around for your wallet — repairable cars would be "made available for sale as used cars through Mazda's dealer network in the U.S. and Canada." Of course, that doesn't mean the company will sell damaged goods, but it does likely mean the factory warranty won't be in effect. Still, for transparency's sake, the company is listing VINs of all affected cars on www.mazdausa.com and,www.mazda.ca. For all of those interested in buying one of the salvaged Mazda3s or CX-7s, this is what an Atlantic Salmon looks like. Click through for Mazda's account of the Cougar Ace's plight.

From Mazda Motor Corp:

The Cougar Ace sailed from Japan to North America with just over 4,700 Canadian- and U.S-bound Mazdas aboard. She became stricken when an issue during a routine ballast-water change caused her to list. Thanks to heroic efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard, all 23 crew members were transferred from the ship within hours.

After the ship was stabilized, she was towed by her owners to sheltered waters in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, where she was returned to an even keel. She is currently under tow to the Port of Portland, Ore., where she is expected to arrive on September 12 (the same date in local time). Upon arrival, her cargo will be further evaluated and unloaded.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Related:
Cougar Ace Makes It To Alaska, Mazdas Inside Did A Shake n' Bake [internal]