Mazda is one of the most popular and respected car brands in the world, known for its innovative and reliable vehicles. But where are Mazda cars made? Which countries and plants produce the Mazda models that we see on the roads? In this blog post, we will explore the history and geography of Mazda’s production sites around the world.
The Origins of Mazda Cars
Mazda began in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., a company in Hiroshima, Japan, that made things out of cork.
In 1931, the company got into the car business by making a three-wheeled motorcycle truck called the Mazdago. The name Mazda comes from the Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda, who is the god of light, knowledge, and wisdom. It also comes from the founder’s last name, Matsuda.
In 1934, the company changed its name to Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd., and it continued to make trucks, buses, and tanks, among other vehicles. During World War II, the company did a lot to help win the war, and the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima did a lot of damage to it. But the company was able to get back on its feet and start doing business again after the war.
The Rise of Rotary Engines
The R360 coupe, a compact, reasonably priced vehicle with a two-stroke engine, was Mazda’s first passenger car when it debuted in 1960.
In 1961, Mazda entered into a technical partnership with NSU Motorenwerke AG and Wankel GmbH of Germany to develop and produce rotary engines. Rotary engines are unique in that they have a triangular rotor that spins inside a chamber instead of pistons that move up and down in cylinders. Rotary engines are compact, lightweight, powerful, and smooth, but they also have drawbacks, such as high fuel consumption and emissions.
In 1967, Mazda launched its first rotary-powered car, the Cosmo Sport 110S, which was a sleek and futuristic sports car. In 1970, Mazda entered the North American market with the RX-2 sedan, which also featured a rotary engine. Mazda quickly gained popularity and a reputation in North America for its innovative and fun-to-drive vehicles. Some of the most iconic Mazda models from this era include the RX-3, RX-4, RX-7, GLC (Great Little Car), and 626.
The Alliance with Ford
In 1979, Mazda and Ford Motor Company made a deal where Ford bought a 25% stake in Mazda. The two businesses worked together on many projects, such as sharing platforms, making engines, and making things together. AutoAlliance International in the US, AutoAlliance Thailand in Thailand, and Changan Ford Mazda in China are all examples of joint partnerships between Ford and Mazda.
Officially, Toyo Kogyo became Mazda Motor Corporation in 1984. In 1989, Mazda released the MX-5 Miata, which became one of its most popular and important cars. Also called the Eunos Roadster or Mazda Roadster in Japan, the MX-5 Miata is a lightweight, cheap two-seater sports car that brought back the spirit of classic British roadsters. The MX-5 Miata is still being made, and it is the best-selling two-seater sports car in history, according to Guinness World Records.
Mazda won the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in 1991 with the 787B prototype race car, which had a four-rotor rotary engine. This was an important moment in the company’s history. This was the only time that a Japanese car company and a car with a rotary engine won the race.
The Challenges and Changes with Mazda Cars
In 1996, Ford boosted its share of Mazda to 33.4%, making it the company’s biggest owner. But this also made Mazda more dependent on what Ford did and how it ran its business. In 1997, the Asian economic downturn caused Mazda to have a financial problem. They had to cut prices and jobs to get back on their feet. Ford helped Mazda by giving them funds and helping them run their business.
In 2008, Ford sold most of its Mazda shares to pay down its own debt and focus more attention on its main brands. Ford’s share of Mazda went from 13% to 11% to 3.5% before the two companies stopped working together in 2015. Mazda got its freedom and independence back, but it also had to deal with new problems in terms of finances and being able to compete.
In 2012, Mazda came out with a new business plan called “Zoom-Zoom,” which shows how much the company cares about driving pleasure and new ideas. Zoom-Zoom is also based on a new design theory called “KODO—Soul of Motion,” which uses shape and movement to show dynamic beauty and feeling. Zoom-Zoom also has a new technology plan called “SKYACTIV” that uses modern engineering and materials to improve fuel economy, performance, and safety.
The Global Production Network
Mazda makes cars in 13 countries and regions around the world, including Japan, Mexico, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Colombia, Ecuador, and Taiwan. Mazda makes about 1.5 million cars a year and sends them to more than 130 markets around the world.
Mazda’s main place of production is still in Hiroshima, Japan, where it has two plants: Ujina Plant No. 1 and Ujina Plant No. 2. Most of Mazda’s models, like the MX-5 Miata, CX-3, CX-5, CX-9, Mazda2 (Demio), Mazda3 (Axela), Mazda6 (Atenza), and MX-30, are made at these sites. Mazda engines, transmissions, and other parts are also made at the Hiroshima plants.
Mazda has a second factory in Hofu, Japan, where the Mazda3 and Mazda6 are made. The Hofu plant is known for how well it works and how well it is run.
Mazda has more than one place where it makes cars outside of Japan. These places make cars for different areas and markets. Here are some of them:
Under a deal with Toyota, Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO) in Salamanca, Mexico, makes the Mazda2, the Mazda3, and the Toyota Yaris.
AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) is based in Rayong, Thailand, and works with Ford to make the Mazda2, Mazda3, BT-50 pickup truck, and Ford Ranger.
Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA) makes the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, and CX-4 in Nanjing and Chongqing, China.
The Mazda2 and the Mazda3 are made at the Vietnam Mazda Automobile Manufacturing (VMA) plant in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.
Inokom Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (Inokom) makes products in Kedah, Malaysia.
The Future of Mazda Cars
Mazda is always trying to make its goods and services better so it can meet its customers’ changing wants and standards. Some of the things Mazda is doing now and plans to do in the future are:
Creating electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles (HVs) so that they have less of an effect on the environment and can meet tighter emission standards. Mazda’s first electric vehicle, the MX-30 crossover SUV, came out in 2020. Mazda also wants to make more electric and hybrid vehicles based on its SKYACTIV technology in the coming years.
Increasing its ability to make things and its influence on the market in key areas like North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Mazda and Toyota are building a new plant together in Huntsville, Alabama. The plant will start making a new crossover SUV type for both brands in 2022. Mazda is also spending money to improve the output and effectiveness of its plants in Mexico, Thailand, China, and Japan.
Increasing customer satisfaction and trust with services like the MyMazda app, Mazda Connected Services, Mazda Premium Club, and Mazda Connected Services
Conclusion
Mazda is a car brand with a long and varied history of making great cars and coming up with new ideas. From its poor beginnings as a cork factory in Hiroshima to its world success as a car company with a unique rotary engine, Mazda has always worked towards its goal of making cars that are fun to drive and make customers happy.
Today, Mazda has a global production network that spans 13 countries and regions and makes a lot of different models for different markets and tastes. Mazda is also planning for the future by making new technologies and goods that will help the auto industry meet its challenges and take advantage of its chances. You can be sure that there is a Mazda car made just for you, no matter where you are in the world.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a rotary engine and a piston engine?
A rotary engine has a triangular rotor that spins inside a chamber, instead of pistons that move up and down in cylinders. Rotary engines are compact, lightweight, powerful, and smooth, but they also have drawbacks, such as high fuel consumption and emissions.
Q: How can I check the age of my Mazda tires?
You can check the age of your Mazda tires by looking at the DOT code on the sidewall, which indicates the week and year of manufacture. For example, if the code is 2319, it means that the tire was made in the 23rd week of 2019.
Q: What is Zoom-Zoom?
Zoom-Zoom is Mazda’s corporate vision that reflects its passion for driving pleasure and innovation. Zoom-Zoom also encompasses a new design philosophy called “KODO: Soul of Motion”, which expresses dynamic beauty and emotion through form and movement. Zoom-Zoom also includes a new technology strategy called “SKYACTIV”, which aims to enhance fuel efficiency, performance, and safety through advanced engineering and materials.
Q: Where can I buy a Mazda car in my country?
You can find a Mazda dealer near you by visiting the official Mazda website for your region. You can also browse the available models, prices, features, and specifications on the website.
Q: How can I contact Mazda customer service?
You can contact Mazda customer service by phone, email, or online chat. You can find the contact details on the official Mazda website for your region. You can also use the MyMazda app or the Mazda Connected Services to access various features and services for your Mazda car.
Q: What are some of the awards and recognitions that Mazda has received?
Mazda has received many awards and recognitions for its products and services from various organisations and media outlets. Some of them are:
The MX-5 Miata won the World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year awards in 2016. The CX-5 won the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2020.
The Mazda3 won the Canadian Car of the Year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) in 2020. The Mazda6 won the Best Family Car award from Parents magazine in 2020. The CX-9 won the Best Large Utility Vehicle award from MotorWeek in 2020.
Q: How can I join the Mazda Premium Club?
The Mazda Premium Club is an exclusive membership programme that offers various benefits and privileges to loyal Mazda customers. To join the Mazda Premium Club, you need to own a Mazda car that is less than five years old and have a valid email address. You can register online on the official Mazda website for your region or visit your nearest Mazda dealer.
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