With a history like this, it’s no wonder Mazda is considered an innovator in the automotive industry. From unique designs to advancements in aerodynamics and engineering, Mazda has always raised the standards of what qualifies as the best.
Browse through our history by clicking the thumbnails on the right or via the navigation arrows in the banner above to learn more about Mazda’s origins, key milestones and its dedication to passionate drivers around the world.”
1920 – Founder: Jujiro Matsuda
Jujiro Matsuda founded Toyo Cork Kogyo Company in Hiroshima, Japan. From this, Mazda emerges 11 years later as a promising and exciting automobile manufacturer. Most people wouldn’t think that the next step from a cork factory would be a 75-year-and-counting automotive revolution; then again, most people didn’t know there was such a thing as a cork factory.
1961 - Groundbreaking Rotary Unveiled
While other companies redesign the looks of the cars, Mazda does them all one better and redesigns the whole idea of what makes a car go. Mazda’s new rotary engine is unveiled, and it’s unlike any other production model in the world. The groundbreaking Mazda rotary engine makes its debut in the 1967 Cosmo Sport, and the lineage continues through today in the one-of-a-kind RX-8.
1963 – Millionth Mazda Produced: Mazda Carol
The way word gets around is a funny thing; one person tells a few people and they tell a few more. Like that, pretty soon the secret is out. After only 32 years in the automobile buiness, Mazda celebrates the production of its one-millionth vehicle. Superior value, design and performance – that’s a secret Mazda doesn’t mind getting around.
1967 – Mazda Cosmo Sport
Mazda develops the Wankel concept into a valid alternative engine and launches its first rotary engine vehicle, the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S.
1975 – ‘Mazda’ Typeface Unveiled
The streamlined and sophisticated “MAZDA” typeface is unveiled. It must have struck a chord with the right people because to this day, it’s still recognized as a standard-bearer by all true aficionados of the driving experience.
1978 – Revolutionary RX-7
Sometimes an idea is so simple, it’s revolutionary. The first Mazda RX-7 rolls off the line in 1978, and it incorporates a “radical” idea: someone should make a peak-performing sports car that’s also truly affordable. It’s exactly that spirit that imbues all Mazdas with the soul of a sports car, whether bearing down a speedway or cruising home along a familiar road. Maybe that’s why, in the same year, the groundbreaking rotary engine powers its one millionth Mazda.
1981 – Mazda Familia 323
The car: front-wheel drive Mazda Familia 323. The innovation: smart and compact can also be exhilarating. The proof: Familia/323 wins Japanese Car of the Year. The lesson: less is more.
1989 – MX-5 Miata
Let the love affair begin. Mazda unveils the MX-5 Miata at the Chicago Auto Show, winning affection from industry and sports car enthusiasts alike. The MX-5 Miata went on to win Automobile Magazine’s prestigious ‘Automobile of the Year’ and still holds the Guinness Book of World Record for “Best-Selling Two-Seater Sports Car of all time”.
1991 – Only Jap Brand to win the LeMans
LeMans 24-Hour Endurance is one of the most renowned and demanding races in the world. It takes a true feat of engineering and perseverance to even finish the race. But to Mazda, what’s a race if you can’t enjoy the checkered flag and the winner’s circle? Setting the racing world on its head, the Mazda 787 No.55 takes first at LeMans, becoming both the first rotary-powered and Japanese-made automobile to do so. Once again, there is nothing else like a Mazda for innovative firsts.
1997 – Mazda’s Brand Symbol
Mazda sets out to find the perfect new symbol for the company. Like all Mazda automobiles, it has to be sleek, provocative and capable of inducing a shot of straight adrenaline. It also has to start with the first letter of “Mazda”. Mazda’s current brand symbol is born. A symbolic development of the Mazda “M”, shows the company stretching its wings as it soars into the future.
2000 – Zoom-Zoom
Zoom-zoom. Mazda introduces 2 simple words which sum up its attitude to driving, life and all things in between – ‘Zoom-Zoom’. An expression of the joy, exhilaration and liberation that come from experiencing the emotion of motion first felt as a child.
2002 – Zoom-Zoom Models
‘Zoom-Zoom’ is integrated into production. The Mazda6 replaces the 626 as the first Zoom-Zoom model, followed by the Mazda2. The Zoom-Zoom models have a different naming scheme, are distinctly more stylish by retain Mazda’s characteristic of fun-to-drive handling.
2003 – RX-8, 4 Seater Sports Coupe
Mazda sends hearts pounding when it revs up, for the first time, the engine of the all-new RX08. And oh, how those hearts raced – the powerplant RENISIS rotary engine delivers 232hp at 8,500 rpm, and redlines at 9,000rpm for those determined to shake the very earth below them. Fitting then, that it would shake things up by bringing home the International Engine of the Year award.
2006 – Award-Winning Concept Cars
No one can predict the future. However, Mazda has no problem designing cars for it. Showing again their dedication to innovation and wonder, Mazda unveils its new line of concept cars at automobile shows around the world. The Kabura concept wins the Detroit Motor Show’s esteemed Aesthetics and Innovation Award. The Senku concept wins the Grand Prix Du Plus Beau Concept car at the XXI Festival Automobile Internation in Paris. Ultimately, the Kabura and Senku weren’t designed for prizes and plaques. They were made for the same reason that a child visiting an auto show would see these cars, and just instinctively know the feeling of ecstatic motion. They were made, simply put, for Zoom-Zoom.
2009 – Kiyora Unveiled
Global premiere of Mazda’s eco-friendly and powerful ‘Mazda SKY-G’ engine, which boasts 15% fuel economy and torque improvement. The Kiyora concept car, using Mazda’s next generation technologies to deliver an impressive 32km/l fuel economy is also showcased.
