A new Cu-based catalyst for automotive three way catalysts has been investigated. We succeeded in the synthesis of the Ni-Cu alloy supported on Mg-Al mixed oxide catalyst, Ni0.3Cu0.2/2MgO center dot 1/2MgAl(2)O(4). On the NO-CO reaction evaluation after pretreatment in oxidation atmosphere, the Ni0.3Cu0.2/2MgO center dot 1/2MgAl(2)O(4) showed higher activity than a Cu/Al2O3 catalyst. In the evaluation by using model gas simulated automotive exhaust, the Ni0.3Cu0.2/2MgO center dot 1/2MgAl(2)O(4) catalyst showed high catalytic activity, especially for hydrocarbon oxidation in reducing atmosphere.