1920s
Mr. Zujiro Matsuda established the company in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd.
1930s
In 1931, the production of the Mazdago three-wheeled truck began.
In 1934, the first Mazda logo appeared. The company is renamed in honor of Ahura Mazda, the ancient god. This name is also similar in sound to the name of the founder of the company.
1960s
In 1960, the first passenger car rolled off the assembly line, the two-door Mazda R360 Coupe.
In 1962, the production of the four-door Mazda Carol began.
In 1963, the millionth car was produced by the company.
In 1967, Mazda’s first rotary-powered car, the Mazda Cosmo Sports 110S, was launched. From that moment on, rotary engines began to play an important role in the history of our company.
This year also marks the start of full scale car exports to Europe.
1970s
In 1970 Mazda starts exporting its cars to the USA.
During these years, several new models come off the assembly line. Among the cars that have strengthened the reputation are the Mazda Familia (323) and Mazda Capella (626) released in 1977.
In 1972, the total number of cars produced reaches the five million mark. In 1973, the export volume reaches 1 million.
In 1975, a new Mazda logo appears.
1980s
In 1981 Mazda opens offices in America and Europe: Mazda (North America), Inc. and Mazda Motors Representative Office (Europe).
In 1984, the company was renamed Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda releases its 10 millionth car in 1985.
By 1986, one and a half million of the produced cars are equipped with rotary engines. In 1987, the total number of cars produced doubled and reached 20 million.
In 1985, along with other new models, the Mazda B-series pickup truck was launched into mass production.
In 1987, Mazda opens production facilities in Michigan (USA).
And in 1989, a small miracle happens: our baby Mazda MX-5 debuts at the Chicago Auto Show.
1990s
In 1991 Mazda 787B wins the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This is the first “gold” taken by a Japanese-made car, and the only victory in the history of a car with a rotary engine.
In 1992, the company adopted the ‘Mazda Global Environmental Charter’.
In 1994, Mazda becomes the first Japanese car manufacturer to receive ISO 9002 certification.
In 1996, mazda was certified to the highest possible quality standard – ISO 9001. Mazda is once again ahead of other Japanese brands.
In 1997, a new current logo appears.
In 1999, the half-millionth Mazda MX-5 rolled off the assembly line.
2000s
In 2002, ‘Zoom-Zoom’ is adopted as the basis of the brand concept.
In 2003, the first serial Mazda RX-8 was released. The RENESIS engine installed on it wins the title of ‘Engine of the Year’ in 2003 and 2004.
In 2004, Mazda celebrates 25 years of partnership with Ford.
In 2005, a fundamentally redesigned Mazda MX-5, the most popular roadster in the world, was launched into production. A new edition of the ‘Mazda Global Environmental Charter’ is adopted.
Stay tuned for more.