The 4,707 Mazda vehicles onboard the "It almost sunk!" cargo ship Cougar Ace will not be sold, according to Mazda. The automaker had originally decided to sell the undamaged vehicles aboard the stricken vessel, but they've since reverse position on their decision, deciding the potential for problems was too great. Instead, the cars will be scrapped. Farewell, brave wee Mazdas. Farewell.

Mazda Won't Sell Cars From Troubled Ship [The Street]

Mazda Speaks on Ship Mishap: Cougar Ace Cars Won't Be Sold as New [Internal]

This is one funny-ass marketing idea. It's called "Awesome Adventures" and it's using slot car racers to demonstrate the speed of the slowly-hitting-the-market turbocharged Inline-4 Mazdaspeed3. We're not sure who did the creative on it but word to the marketing department — we doubt even a turbocharger would let it blow the doors of a Porsche, but we'll cut Mazda some slack on it cause so many of the new hot hatch 3-doors won't be sold as new after the whole Cougar Ace thing.

Related:
Mazda Speaks on Ship Mishap: Cougar Ace Cars Won't Be Sold as New [internal]

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]

"...the Cougar Ace is stable, but most decks suffered vehicle damage and all the vehicles must be resecured...spilled transmission fluid and other lubricants, from all the car decks..."

Hmm, yeah...note to selves — don't buy any 3-series at auction for the next...oh...18 months. We think you can agree — especially when you check out the tanker for yourself below.

Cougar Ace stable but Coast Guard reports vehicle damage on most decks [BYM News]

Related:
BREAKING UP! 5,000 Japanese Cars on Doomed Freighter