Automotive Recyclers Association - Archive

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• Mazda.com

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Mazda

Well most people have different tastes when it comes to driving a car. Some would prefer the dashy, sporty look, others would ask for luxuries interiors, and a few are concerned about thrilling performance. Above all, most all of us want these to fall within our budget. Only few companies can provide you those varying tastes together in a single package within an affordable range. If one were to list such companies, Mazda would definitely be placed at the top of that list.

The origin of Mazda is an interesting story. Established at Hiroshima, Japan in 1920, The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company produced its first three wheeler truck in 1931. The truck was named “Mazda” by the company founder Jujiro Matsuda. Mazda is the name of the Zoroastrian God of good and light. The company began its work in the late 1930. The work could not proceed because of the company’s participation in Japan’s war effort. After the Second World War, the company reconsidered the work of automobile manufacturing.

In 1960, with the development of R360 coupe, the first Mazda automobile, the company started invading the passenger vehicles market. By 1961 the company had its new technical partners in the form of NSU and Wankel with whom it went on to manufacture rotary engines. This partnership helped Mazda reach great heights as it became the sole manufacturer thus far who had the capability of manufacturing the all three engine configurations, namely the gasoline pistol, diesel and rotary engine. Later, the company went on to launch its first rotary engine vehicle – the 110s Cosmo Sport and also its first pickup, the B- Serious 1500.

Mazda prospered in U.S. markets after making a fine start in 1970. In early 1970s, it unveiled a 12A rotary powered vehicle, the Rx-2, which made Americans to appreciate the attempt of Mazda to introduce a fun driving and affordable car. In the same decade other versions of RX were also launched, those were RX-3, RX-4 and Rx-7. Towards the end of the decade Mazda faced a few economic challenges and as a consequence of it 25% of the stakes were sold to Ford Motor Company.

The decade 1980-90 is known as a decade of resurrection for the Mazda. Even though all the vehicles of the company were having the brand name but it was during this decade that the company officially accepted this name. The sales rose to high numbers which was primarily driven by the products such as 323 and 626. The 323 was regarded as GLC in the American market. The world’s best selling roadster, the MX-5 Miata, was a super hit product of Mazda in the year 1990.

Mazda marked the beginning of the decade 1990-2000 by winning Le Mans with the 787B. It was a milestone achievement in the history of Auto Racing, before this, no Japanese company had ever won such a dignified auto race. RX-7, MX-5 Miata and even the Mazda mx-3 were among the top charters in the lists of automotive journalists. The company’s fortunes declined because of the plunging down sales of their vehicles except MX-5 Miata.

After 2000, the Mazda grew firm again. The devoted amounts for new developments and projects produced the desired fruits. The customer base got enlarged with the advent of new models such as the 2010 Mazda 3 and CX-9. The company managed to win the hearts of the new generation people and has a huge fan club nowadays. The release of RX-8 and Mazdaspeed illustrates the company’s mentality which seems to be full of passion towards technical advancement.

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