Founded in 1920, Mazda is among the oldest and most renowned automotive brands across the globe. The Japanese auto brand has a fair share in the automotive world with innovation, race-inspired designs, technology and reliability.
From producing performance-oriented race cars, such as RX7, to family cars, the auto brand has always found the right combination of innovation and utility to meet the demands of family and race car enthusiasts.
Speaking of innovation and design, do you know that Mazda carried the idea of a rotary engine for nearly 50 years? Here are some unique and interesting Mazda facts to discover its journey of more than 100 years.
Historic Facts about Mazda Motor Corporation
In light of its success in motorsports, Mazda came up with its slogan, “Zoom-Zoom”, describing the legendary sound and motion of its cars. The current Mazda vehicle lineup features a perfect mix of family-oriented SUVs and sedans. Meanwhile, the auto brand also includes roadsters for performance enthusiasts while staying true to its design and innovation.
Alongside providing vehicles with modern features, the Japanese auto brand is well-known for its quality service and maintenance. Let’s go through brief Mazda history and facts to find out how the company has maintained its reputation for high-end technology and innovation for 100 years.
Foundation of the Company
Mazda Motors began its journey in 1920 as an artificial cork manufacturer known as Toyo Cork Kogyo Company. Headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan, the company revived after World War I and started to focus on manufacturing motorcycles and three-wheeler vehicles.
In 1960, the company officially changed its name to Mazda Motors Corporation and presented its first-ever four-wheeled passenger car. Since then, Mazda has become one of the most renowned Japanese auto brands for its innovation and design heritage.
Meaning of Mazda
Mazda comes from the ancient Zoroastrian God of Life: Ahura Mazda. Besides, the interesting Mazda fact is that its name is similar to the brand’s founder, Matsuda.
Mazda Emblem
The current Mazda logo and emblem represent the word ‘M’ as stretched wings. The designer of this logo used stretched wings providing the auto brand’s vision to spread out in the world.
Three-wheeler Mazda-Go Truck
The company introduced its first four-wheel passenger cars in 1960. However, it introduced three-wheeler Mazda-Go trucks in 1927. Alongside its three-wheel trucks, Mazda produced motorcycles.
In 1930, the Mazda motorcycle won a speed race. That said, it increased the auto brand’s reputation and recognition in the automotive world.
Company’s First Rotary Engine
Mazda partnered with the German company to build its famous rotary engines in 1964. It built the brand’s reputation as it used smaller engines with powerful performance. The following are some of the famous vehicles with rotary engines designed by Mazda:
- 1969 Mazda Luce R130 Coupe: It is an interesting fact about Mazda that Luce R130 Coupe was the company’s only front-wheel drive car.
- 1974 Mazda Rotary Pickup (REPU): Mazda only produced fifteen thousand units of this pickup truck with rotary engines.
- 1974 Mazda Parkway Rotary 26: It was a minibus featuring a rotary engine. The super deluxe model accommodated 13 passengers, whereas the deluxe model had a seating capacity of 26.
- 2003 Mazda RX-8: It is one of the most famous cars by Mazda. It featured a rotary engine and had a futuristic profile with freestyle doors.
Mazda MX-5 Roadster in Guinness Book of World Records
It is one of the lesser-known Mazda facts that the MX-5 Roadster made it to the Guinness Book of World Records in 2000 as the best-selling two-seater car. By 2015, Mazda had sold nearly one million MX-5 roadster models.
Mazda Featuring in the Fast and Furious Movies
It’s a fun fact about Mazda that among the iconic Fast and Furious Movie cars, RX-7 is also featured in two of its movies. Speaking of that, RX-7 had already proved its performance capabilities in racing competitions.
A Successful run in the Motorsports
Mazda had a successful run in the car endurance races. Speaking of its success in different car race types, it’s an interesting fact about Mazda that it became the first Japanese auto brand to win the Le Mans endurance race in 1991.
Besides, several car models, such as 787B, RX-7, RT24-P, MXR-01 and TCR are among the top sports cars that have won racing competitions. It had a successful racing campaign at the following motorsports competitions:
- 787B won the Le Mans Championship in 1991.
- RX-7 became the first Japanese car to win the Spa-Francorchamps in 1981.
- RX-3 got the fifth position in Bathurst in 1975.
Mazda cars have made historic and groundbreaking records at the race tracks with the iconic rotary engines. Moreover, it is quite a unique Mazda fact that it not only boasts the Japanese heritage of reliable and durable cars but has also designed and produced some iconic sports cars. Besides, Mazda KODO design philosophy helps the auto brand achieve high quality design and market competitive cars.
The aforementioned Mazda facts show the auto brand’s success when it comes to design and innovation. If you are looking for cars that include performance-oriented features and are suited to families as well, you can browse the listings of used Mazda cars in the UAE.
Additionally, you can find a plethora of luxury and non-luxury used cars in the UAE with modern tech and safety features.
Stay connected with the UAE’s leading auto blog to find out the history and facts about popular car brands and their iconic vehicle lineups.
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