mazda

A brief history about mazda: Mazda’s story began in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, when the company was founded as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., a manufacturer of machine tools. Within a decade, it shifted its focus to vehicles, introducing its first model, the Mazda-Go, a three-wheeled truck launched in 1931. A year later, the company began exporting it to China, marking the start of Mazda’s long relationship with global markets. Production of civilian vehicles halted during World War II as Mazda factories were repurposed for military manufacturing, producing rifles and equipment for the Japanese army.

In the aftermath of the war, part of Mazda’s factory was used temporarily as Hiroshima’s prefectural office while the city rebuilt. Production resumed in 1949 with the Mazda-Go, and by 1958 the company introduced its first four-wheeled truck, the Mazda Romper. Two years later, Mazda launched its first passenger car, the R360 Coupe, a compact and affordable vehicle that captured the spirit of Japan’s postwar recovery.

In 1961, Mazda entered a technical partnership with the German firm NSU/Wankel to develop rotary engines, a decision that would become central to its identity. While other manufacturers later abandoned the technology, Mazda perfected it, gaining recognition for lightweight, high-revving cars with exceptional balance and performance. The R100 and RX series, including the RX-2, RX-3, and especially the RX-7, became synonymous with the brand’s innovation and success.

By the 1970s, Mazda had expanded into the United States with the creation of Mazda North American Operations. Its rotary-powered vehicles quickly found success, offering a unique alternative to conventional engines. However, the oil crisis of 1973 shifted consumer demand toward more fuel-efficient vehicles, prompting Mazda to diversify its lineup with piston-engine models such as the Familia (323) and Capella (626).

The company’s dedication to sports cars remained unwavering. In 1978, Mazda launched the RX-7, which became one of the most iconic Japanese performance cars ever made. The MX-5 Miata followed in 1989, redefining the affordable roadster segment with its lightweight construction, perfect balance, and pure driving feel. Both models helped solidify Mazda’s reputation as a manufacturer that prioritized driving pleasure and technical innovation.

In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 27% stake in Mazda, later increasing it to nearly 40%. The partnership led to several successful collaborations, including shared platforms and joint production facilities. Mazda contributed engineering expertise while benefiting from Ford’s global reach. Together, they produced vehicles such as the Ford Probe, Mazda 626, and the Mazda Tribute SUV, among others.

The 1990s brought both challenges and breakthroughs. While joint ventures like the 1991 Ford Explorer partnership favored Ford, Mazda continued to experiment with alternative engine designs, including the Miller-cycle engine introduced in 1995. However, the Asian financial crisis of 1997 strained the company’s finances, leading Ford to increase its control. Despite these setbacks, Mazda’s spirit of innovation remained strong, leading to the development of new models and technologies that emphasized performance and efficiency.

Today, Mazda is celebrated for its distinct design philosophy and commitment to driving dynamics. Concepts such as “Jinba Ittai,” the harmony between car and driver, guide its approach to engineering. The company continues to invest in alternative fuels and rotary-based hybrid technology, including hydrogen-powered prototypes capable of reaching 200 kilometers on a single charge. From its humble beginnings as a small tool manufacturer to a global symbol of innovation and style, Mazda remains dedicated to building cars that connect emotionally and mechanically with those who drive them.

Current Models

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