Mazda Motor of America Inc. unveiled its Mazda Navajo sport utility vehicle here Friday and donated a 1991 model to the tribe.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mazda spokesman Duane Bowen responded to criticism that the use of the Navajo name without compensation is exploitation, saying the name was chosen as "uniquely American" and a symbol of strength and integrity.Torreon, N.M., Councilman Daniel Tso said the tribe's education committee would like to see proceeds from vehicle sales go to scholarships for Navajo students, since the Navajo name will be used in advertising campaigns.
Harvey McKerry, staff assistant to Navajo Interim President Leonard Haskie, said Haskie would determine who will get use of the donated vehicle. But Tso said the Government Services Committee would officially accept the $21,000 vehicle and help determine its use.
Bowen said a Ford Motor Co. plant in Louisville, Ky., would build the Navajo.