Mazda promotes reading

Centennial Mazda is joining with more than 600 Mazda dealerships across the nation to support the National Education Association.

From now until April 2, the dealership will donate $25 to NEA for each test drive in a new vehicle. The campaign, promoting the release of "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax," hopes to generate $1 million during the NEA's Read Across America program.

In addition, those who test drive a Mazda during the period will automatically be entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort.

"This is all-important especially considering the state of our educational system not only in Southern Nevada but all over the nation," said Centennial Mazda General Manager Tim Donnelly . "Education is so vitally important to our future leaders and the NEA reaches out to students all over this country."

Donnelly also said that Mazda is using the Ride Across America promotion to highlight the launch of the 2013 Mazda CX5.

"The Mazda CX5 is the best in class fuel economy sport utility vehicle that delivers 35 miles to the gallon," explained Donnelly, who has been in the car business locally for 29 years. "This vehicle has a little bit of everything and has the SkyActiv technology with an engine and transmission that takes Mazda to an all new level in performance and fuel economy."

Lauren Webb, district sales manager for Mazda North American Operations in Irvine, Calif., lauded the program.

"Mazda is proud to partner with the NEA and 'The Lorax' to promote Reading Across America, but need the public's help by test driving a new Mazda at any Mazda dealership," she said.

Webb also announced that a recent promotion at Centennial Mazda resulted in a $1,500 donation to Kit Carson Elementary School in Las Vegas.

"The donation will help the school purchase additional books for their library," she said.

The NEA estimates that 45 million children and adults are expected to participate in Read Across America program this year. Among the many projects mounted by the organization is that the NEA and its members have contributed 350,000 books to restock the shelves of public school libraries devastated by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

Further information regarding the NEA can be found at www.nea.org.

Information regarding Centennial Mazda can be found at www.centennialmazda.com or by calling 951-8200. The dealership is part of Super Store Auto Group that includes a total of five dealerships in Southern Nevada and more than 26 nationwide.