who makes mazda ? Who Owns Mazda?

There are and there will be many renowned Japanese motor companies. But the love car lovers have for the motor giant Mazda will remain the same. Sporty vehicles, reliable SUVs, and mighty trucks- just name it and the company will provide it. On top of that, one can get exceptional driving capabilities and aesthetic appeal at a very reasonable price. Sure, everyone is raving about the car yet do you ever wonder who makes Mazda? If so then this article is the one to know about all the little things about them. Start your engine and let us roll!

Who makes mazda

Mazda is a Japanese multinational automaker that manufactures cars and engines. Its offices are located in Fuchū, Hiroshima, Japan. In addition to producing and marketing passenger automobiles, the company manufactures and markets commercial vehicles.They export their cars globally so anyone can get their dream wheels at their doorstep.

•     Vehicles with four wheels
•     Reciprocating gasoline engines
•     Engines that run on diesel
•     Vehicle transmissions, manual and automatic
•     Trucks
•     Various engines
•     Transmission parts
•     Machine tools
•     Materials for casting, etc.

They even launched their first electric car in 2020 named Mazda MX-30 and plan to release some more electric and hybrid models in the coming years. The global company operates worldwide in more than 130 countries. It is the 15th largest automaker in the world by production volume. Moreover, they are the only major Japanese automaker not to be part of a keiretsu. This allows Mazda to be more independent and take risks. Like developing its own unique rotary engine technology.

Mazda has own many accolades including Motor Trend Car of the Year (2012, 2016, 2023) and World Car of the Year (2012, 2016). Also, they were ranked the No. 1 automotive brand in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Innovation (APEAL) Study. The Mazda CX-5 was named the 2023 Best Compact SUV for the Family by Kelley Blue Book too! The love car enthusiasts bestow upon the company is unmistakably evident in these achievements.

History of Mazda

Did you know Mazda was a cork-making industry before stepping into the automakers' world? A humble beginning but they rised with roaring engines! This is the history of who makes Mazda what they are today.

In 1920, a visionary entrepreneur named Jujiro Matsuda established Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd. in Hiroshima, Japan. The initial focus was producing cork products. However, Matsuda was ambitious and by 1927 the company transitioned to manufacturing machine tools. Thus laying the foundation for its future journey in the world of vehicles.

Jujiro Matsuda passed away in 1927. That is when his son Tsuneji Matsuda took the reins. Unfortunately, he led the company through a critical period. But he landed on some crucial partnerships and expanded the range of products including trucks and tricycles.

Matsuda’s nephew Genichi joined the company in 1931. Toyo Kogyo launched its first vehicle called the Mazda-Go that same year. The name was a nod to the Zoroastrian deity Ahura Mazda and symbolizes harmony, intelligence, and wisdom. Genichi

led the development of four-wheeled vehicles that included the iconic Mazda R360 coupe in 1960. This tiny, fuel-efficient car transformed the Japanese car industry and built the reputation of Mazda for innovative technology.

What does the mazda name mean ?

Mazda Go autorickshaws debuted in 1931. Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd. introduced the Mazda name at the model introduction. It was not until 1984 that the Mazda name became an official part of the brand. The name is derived from two sources, an amalgamation of Ahura Mazda, the Persian god of light and knowledge. The second quote comes from Jujiro Matsuda, the firm's founder, known as Mazda in Japanese.

Where is mazda made ?

Many people have inquired as to where Mazda is manufactured. Mazda manufacturers are all over the globe for manufacturing. There are several countries worldwide where Mazda cars are produced, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Russia, and Mexico. In addition, a brand new Mazda manufacturing facility will open in the United States in 2021. In collaboration with Toyota, Mazda will construct a manufacturing plant near Huntsville, Alabama, which is expected to produce more than 300,000 new cars annually.

Expansion into the American Market

In 1970, the well-known carmaker debuted on the American market with the release of the R100 coupe. But they truly conquered the American roads with the establishment of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) in 1979. The headquarters was in California and they became responsible for sales, marketing, and distribution of Mazda vehicles throughout the United States.

Nothing comes without struggles. That is true for this particular Japanese brand too. They faced some setbacks in the competitive American market. Its small, fuel-efficient cars were initially seen as too quirky. The American consumers preferred larger and fuel-consuming models. However, the 1973 oil crisis changed the course. The fuel-efficient vehicles of Mazda became appealing and the rotary engine technology of the company similarly set it apart.

The iconic Mazda RX-7 was launched in 1978 and it played a key role in shaping the image of the company. It established the brand as sporty and innovative. American drivers were drawn to its amazing performance, affordability, and unique rotary engine.

Mazda entered a strategic partnership with Ford Motor Company in 1979. This partnership helped with the development and growth of the automaker. They provided crucial financial support and got the right to new technologies. The key benefits of this partnership were:

•     The investment by Ford made sure Mazda weathered economic downturns and invested in research and development.
•     The partnership shared technology and the brand got the expertise on transmissions and platforms from Ford.
•     They co-produced certain models. So Mazda gained access to the manufacturing facilities from Ford and improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

 The partnership played a remarkable role in the success of the Japanese carmaker in the 1980s and 1990s. Models just like the Mazda Miata and Mazda 626 have become a massive hit in the US market during this affiliation. Nonetheless, the companies decided to dissolve the partnership to pursue their own strategic directions in 2008.

Was it the end? Most definitely not! The company thrived in the American market with a focus on its strengths like fuel efficiency, sporty handling, and driver-centric design. Mazda remains a successful player in the US market even today. With a lineup of popular SUVs and sedans, including the CX-5, CX-9, and Mazda3.

Notable Models and Innovations

Who makes Mazda what they are today? That would be about 46,000 employees and big names like Shinro Kinoshita and Shigeru Takai are the ones who did it. They worked for daring innovations, iconic models, and dedication to the pure joy of driving. Now Mazda Motor Corporation is a respected name and carved a unique niche in the automotive world. Let us explore some of their most notable ones.

Four-Rotor Mazda 787B: Dominating Le Mans Race

The world was awestruck when in 1991 four-rotor Mazda 787B roared to victory at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This marked the only win by a rotary engine and the first Japanese car to do so in Le Mans history! The feat was so monumental that it solidified the reputation of the auto company for daring engineering and motorsports prowess.

The orange and green 787B is more than just a race car. It is a legend. Take a look at the specification table of this mighty car.

Engine:

Type: R26B, quad-rotor Wankel rotary engine

Displacement: 2.6 liters (2616 cc)

Power: 515 kW (700 hp) at 9,000 rpm, with potential for 930 hp at 10,500 rpm (prototype)

Induction: Porting on the perimeter, runners with variable lengths

Ignition: A three plug electronic ignition system

Fuel system: electronic injection system from Nippon Denso

Lubrication: Sump made of dry oil

Cooling: Water

Chassis & Transmission:

Construction: Carbon fiber monocoque

Suspension: Double wishbone with pushrods, adjustable dampers, and anti-roll bars

Brakes: A front and rear set of four-piston Brembo discs

Wheels: 18-inch magnesium alloy (1990), 17-inch Speedline (1991)

Transmission: 5-speed Xtrac sequential gearbox (1990), 6-speed Xtrac sequential gearbox (1991)

Gear Ratios:

Specifications Table:

The 787B was literally an underdog in front of competitors like Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Porsche. But their powerful V12 and V10 engines could not stop Mazda. This allowed for fewer pit stops and more track time and that is a crucial advantage in a 24-hour race. Another advantage was the superior fuel efficiency compared to its competitors. This meant fewer fuel stops. Further adding to its track presence and minimizing time lost in the pits. Despite skepticism, this is how they overthrew the Mercedes-Benz. The drivers Johnny Herbert, Volker Weidler, and Bertrand Gachot made history by crossing the finish line first.

Mazda B-Series: Pickup Trucks for Versatility

In the period 1998 to 2010, Mazda offered the B-Series with a variety of engine choices and combinations to suit a range of demands and price points.The car was known for its affordability, value, performance, and the versatility of 2WD and 4WD options.

Body Styles and Trims:

Cab styles: Regular Cab and Cab Plus (4-door)

Bed lengths: 6 ft. and 7 ft.

Trim levels: SE, SE-5, Sport, and LE

Engine Options:

2.3L I4: 143 hp, 154 lb-ft torque (B2300)

3.0L V6: 170 hp, 185 lb-ft torque (B3000)

4.0L V6: 207 hp, 238 lb-ft torque (B4000)

Drivetrain:

•     Rear-wheel drive (2WD) standard
•     Four-wheel drive (4WD) available on B3000 and B4000

Transmission:

•     5-speed manual standard
•     4-speed automatic optional

Additional Specifications:

Towing capacity: Up to 5,600 lbs. (B4000)

Payload capacity: Up to 2,585 lbs.

Fuel economy: 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (2.3L I4, 2WD)

Sadly the truck is no longer available as new. But it remains a popular choice for used Japanese car buyers who appreciate its versatility and driving dynamics.

Piston-Powered Mazda MX-5 Miata: Iconic Roadster

The Miata was developed in 1989 to revive the spirit of classic, affordable, and fun-to-drive roadsters like the British MGB and Triumph TR6. The success was inevitable and it held the Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seater sports car ever since. The piston-powered Mazda has been capturing hearts for almost 30 years now. If the question is who makes Mazda this famous then Miata would be one of the reasons for it.

MX-5 Miata (2023 30th Anniversary Edition) specification

Standard Features

•     LED headlights
•     17-inch wheels
•     Brembo brakes
•     Limited-slip differential
•     Bose sound system
•     Heated seats
•     Leather-wrapped steering wheel
•     Shift knob

Optional Features

•     Recaro sports seats
•     Brembo brakes with larger rotors
•     BBS forged wheels
•     Strut tower brace
•     Aero package

Star Mazda: Developing Young Racing Talent

The Star Mazda Championship was an American open-wheel racing series that ran from 1991 to 2012. It was an important step for young drivers aspiring to reach the top of open-wheel racing such as IndyCar. The program offered scholarships and opportunities for champions to advance to higher series. They launched the careers of many successful drivers, including Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti, and Graham Rahal.

The championship had a very heartfelt core value. All the drivers competed in identical cars that emphasized driving skill over financial backing. They typically included 11-13 races held on renowned tracks alongside prestigious events like IndyCar and American Le Mans Series. The Mazda championship had to close in 2012 due to financial challenges but the admiration remained the same for it.

2-Door Only Mazda Navajo: Compact SUV

Another noteworthy SUV we need to talk about is the Mazda Navajo. It was available in a 2-door configuration from 1991 to 1994. The car was a rebadged Ford Explorer Sport and it was only sold in the United States.

Future Release - 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Exciting Updates

The MX-5 Miata got some exciting updates in 2023 which make the legendary compact sports car even more thrilling. This warm, metallic shade adds depth and character to the design of the roadster.Additionally, there are some tech-savvy upgrades. For all Miata model levels, Mazda made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. That ensures a more user-friendly infotainment experience. The price starts at $29,215 and goes up to $40,710 depending on the trim and options.

Conclusion

The brand Mazda is not just a name; it is a statement. They brought cars to the doorstep of many dreamers who dream of having a vehicle with cutting-edge features and is wallet-friendly. But they did not do it alone. The fanbase of the company also deserves credit for Mazda's success with their ardent love and respect. Who makes Mazda then? Well, let us just say it is a harmonious blend of ingenious engineering, passionate enthusiasts, and a dash of that Zoom-Zoom magic!