Mazda offers an impressive lineup of passenger vehicles for American consumers. Let's delve into the rich history of this iconic Japanese auto brand.
A Brief History of Mazda
The Mazda Motor Corporation was originally established as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Company in the 1920s, initially producing corks in Hiroshima's industrial zones. The company rebranded to Toyo Kogyo Company in 1927 and launched its first production vehicle, the Mazda-go, a tricycle truck designed for urban use, four years later. It wasn't until nearly three decades later that Mazda entered the automobile market fully with the debut of the R360 Coupe in 1961. This two-door passenger car featured stylish exterior elements catering to urban consumers. Throughout the 1960s, Mazda rapidly expanded its production and development capabilities, including the construction of the Miyoshi Proving Ground in 1965 for research and testing of passenger cars and prototypes. A new production plant in Hiroshima was opened in 1966. The Mazda Cosmo Sports model, equipped with a rotary engine, launched during this period and had a successful run for nearly three decades, significantly impacting the auto industry.
In 1971, Mazda introduced the Savanna model, followed by the Savanna RX-7 sports car in 1978, which featured significant aesthetic and mechanical upgrades. The opening of the Hofu Transmission Plant in the Nakanoseki District in 1981 and the Hofu Plant in the Nishinoura District in 1982 bolstered the company's production capabilities and reputation. By 1984, the firm adopted the name Mazda Motor Corporation. A partnership with Ford facilitated Mazda's rapid expansion in Asia and North America, with Ford owning nearly a third of Mazda's stock by the mid-1990s.
In the 21st century, Mazda continued to expand its operations in Asia, North America, and Europe. For instance, the Changan Ford Mazda Automobile division produced the Mazda2 in China. The compact and sporty Mazda6 entered the sedan market in 2002, and the CX-5 joined the crossover SUV segment a decade later. In 2019, Mazda launched the Mazda3 hatchback, known for its athletic styling and powerful capabilities. Looking ahead, Mazda is committed to the future of electrified vehicles, with plans to produce a range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric cars.
Contact our Mazda dealership to learn more about the fascinating history of the Mazda Motor Corporation.
