Overview of Mazda and its Production Models Sold in the USA
Mazda, formally known as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. Ltd., was established in Japan in 1920. The company initially focused on the production of machine tools, but during World War II, they shifted their production to military equipment. After the war, the company started producing three-wheeled trucks. In 1958, the company changed its name to Mazda, which is derived from Ahura Mazda, the god of wisdom, intelligence, and harmony in the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism.
Key Milestones
Mazda’s early years were focused on producing trucks and small cars for the Japanese market. However, in the 1960s, the company started to gain international recognition with the launch of the R360 Coupe, Mazda’s first passenger car. In 1967, Mazda launched the Cosmo Sport, which was the company’s first sports car and the first production car to use a rotary engine.
Throughout the rest of the 1960s and into the 1970s, Mazda continued to innovate with the rotary engine, using it in a range of vehicles, including the RX-2, RX-3, and RX-7. These vehicles helped Mazda establish its reputation for performance and engineering excellence.
In the years that followed, Mazda continued to expand its product line, introducing new models like the MX-5 Miata, which quickly became one of the company’s most iconic vehicles. Mazda also worked on developing new technologies, such as the SkyActiv engine and the i-Activ AWD system.
Major Company Changes
In the 1990s, Mazda became part of the Ford Motor Company when Ford purchased a 33% stake in the company. This partnership brought about some major changes for Mazda, including the development of joint platforms and shared technology. For example, the Mazda6 and Ford Fusion shared a platform, and the Mazda MX-5 and Ford Mustang shared some components.
In 2008, Mazda became independent again when Ford sold its stake in the company. Since then, Mazda has focused on developing its own unique technologies and platforms, such as the SkyActiv engine and the MX-30 electric vehicle platform.
Impact on the Automotive Industry
Mazda has had a significant impact on the automotive industry, particularly in the areas of engineering and performance. The company’s use of the rotary engine in its early years was a groundbreaking development that helped establish Mazda as a serious player in the automotive industry.
Mazda’s commitment to innovation and engineering excellence has also been evident in its recent developments. The SkyActiv engine, for example, is an innovative technology that offers performance and efficiency, while the i-Activ AWD system provides superior handling and safety.
Perhaps most importantly, Mazda has shown that a small, independent company can compete with larger, established players in the industry. Over the years, Mazda has earned a reputation for quality and performance, and its vehicles are widely regarded as some of the best in their respective segments.