Brand History

During 1920 the Toyo Kogyo Co.Ltd was founded in Hiroshima, Japan. By the mid 30's Toyo Kogyo Co.Ltd, now known as Toyo Kogyo Co. Ltd. was exporting three wheel trucks to China... Explore the links to the decades above to find out more about Mazda's Global Heritage. 1920 Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd is founded in Hiroshima, Japan. 1927 Company becomes Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. 1929 Manufacturing of Toyo machine tools begins. 1931 Mazda begins export with 3-wheel trucks for China. 1932 Mazda begins export with 3-wheel trucks for China. 1934 This mark became registered trademark for Mazda when prodution commenced on our 8-wheel trucks. The name "Mazda" representes a combination of "Ahura-Mazda", the name of an ancient god and Mr. Jyujiro, founder of the Mazda Corporation. 1935 Production of rock drills and gauge blocks begins. 1936 Similar to the emblem of Hiroshoma City, this mark expresses Mazda's b links to its home town of Hiroshima. The "M" shaped curves symbolizeMazda Motor Manufacturer. The image of wings represents Mazda's agility, speed, and capability to soar to new heights. 1959 Mazda created this classic "M" mark to coincide with the launch of its first passenger cars. 1960 Introduces Mazda R360 Coupe and first Mazda 2-door passenger car 1961 Enters into technical cooperation with NSU/Wankel (formerly in West Germany) on rotary engines. Mazda Proceed (B-Series 1500) compact pickup is introduced. 1962 Introduces Mazda Carol 600 and first Mazda 4-door passenger car. 1963 Cumulative production reaches 1 million vehicles. 1964 First generation Mazda Familia (800/1000) is introduced. 1965 Technical cooperation begins with Perkins Services N.V. (U.K.) on diesel engines. Miyoshi Proving Ground is completed. 1966 New passenger car plant in Hiroshima is completed. 1967 Full-scale export to the European market starts. Introduces Mazda Cosmo Sports (110S), Mazda's first rotary engine vehicle. Mazda 1000/1200 is introduced. Mazda reaches a technical collaboration agreement with Kia Motors Corp. 1968 Introduces Mazda Familia Rotary Coupe (R100). 1970 Exports to the U.S. begin. Mazda Capella (RX-2) is introduced. 1971 Introduces Mazda Savanna (RX-3). 1972 Introduces Mazda Luce (RX-4). Cumulative production reaches 5 million units. Cumulative export reaches one million units. 1975 This mark was introduced at the same time as Mazda's new CIS (Corporate Indentity System) in 1975. 1977 Introduces Mazda Familia (Original GLC/323). Introduces Mazda Capella (626). 1978 Introduces Mazda Savanna RX-7 (RX-7). Cumulative production reaches one million units for rotary-engine cars. 1979 Mazda Education Center is established. Cumulative production reaches 10 million vehicles. Ford Motor Company and Mazda enter into a capital tie-up; Ford acquires a 25% equity stake in Mazda. 1980 FWD Mazda Familia (GLC/323) is introduced. Mazda Familia (GLC/323) receives "1980-1981 Japanese Car of the Year." 1981 Mazda (North America), Inc. and Mazda Motors Representative Office (Europe) are established. Introduces Mazda Cosmo/Luce (929) series. 1982 Production begins at Hofu plant. Introduces FWD Mazda Capella (626) "Japanese Car of the Year" is awarded to FWD Mazda Capella (626). 1983 Mazda Capella (626) is named Motor trend magazine's "Import Car of the Year" and receives other prestigious overseas awards. Introduces new Mazda Bongo/Bongo Brawny van and wagon series (E-Series) in Japan. Mazda enters into an 8% capital tie-up with Kia Motors. An aerodynamic testing laboratory (ATL) is completed at Miyoshi Proving Ground. 1984 Company is renamed as Mazda Motor Corporation. 1985 ˇ Opens Hiroshima Technical Research Center. Introduces all-new FWD Mazda Familia (323) series in Japan. Global Road Circuit opens at Miyoshi Proving Ground. Celebrates total cumulative production of 10 million passenger cars. Mazda Savanna RX-7 (RX-7) breaks the IMSA record for a single model car with 67 victories. Introduces all-new Mazda Savanna RX-7 (RX-7). Introduces new Mazda B-series. 1986 Mazda Savanna RX-7 (RX-7) is named 1986 "Import Car of the Year" by Motor trend magazine. Cumulative production of Mazda rotary-engine vehicles reaches 1.5 million units. Cumulative total exports reach 10 million units. Mazda Savanna RX-7 (RX-7) sets Bonneville National Speed trial record of 383.724 km/h (238.442 miles/h) in the SCTA's C/Grand Touring Class. Mazda Savanna RX-7 (RX-7) breaks the IMSA record for a single model car with 67 victories. Introduces all-new Mazda Luce (929) in Japan. 1987 Cumulative production reaches 20 million vehicles in Japan. Introduces new Mazda Capella (626) series in Japan with a version equipped with Mazda's vehicle-speed-sensing four-wheel steering system. Mazda, Ford and Matsushita form a new company, Japan Climate Systems, to produce automotive air conditioners and heating units. Mazda opens a new research center in Yokohama, Japan. Introduces Mazda Savanna RX-7 (RX-7) Cabriolet in Japan to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Mazda's rotary-engine. Mazda begins vehicle production at a new U.S. facility, Mazda Motor Manufacturing (USA) Corporation (MMUC), in Flat Rock, Michigan. Introduces Mazda-produced Ford Festiva (121). Mazda and NEC form NAL-DEC to develop advanced automobile electronic technology. Mazda reaches an OEM agreement for micro-mini vehicles with Suzuki Motors Co., Ltd. 1988 Introduces Mazda Capella (626) Cargo van and wagon models in Japan. Establishes Mazda Motor of America Inc. (MMA) to consolidate importation and distribution functions in the U.S. Consolidates Mazda's U.S. R&D operations with the establishment of Mazda Research and Development of North America, Inc. (MRA). Introduces Mazda MPV into the North American market. Mazda develops Hi-Reflex coating, a new quality painting technology. 1989 Unveils Mazda MX-5 Miata at the Chicago Auto Show in the U.S. Introduces new Mazda Familia (323) series. Mazda begins importing the Citroen BX to Japan. Introduces Autozam Carol in Japan. 1990 Introduces Proceed and Mazda MPV in Japan. Mazda begins importing the Citroen AX to Japan. Holds grand opening for the European R D Representative Office (MRE) in Germany. Mazda, Ford and Sanyo establish an auto audio manufacturer FMS Audio Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia. P.T. Mazda Indonesia Manufacturing (MIM) begins manufacturing engines in Indonesia. Mazda establishes COMPREX GmbH in Austria to manufacture and market PWS's for diesel engines. Introduces Autozam Revue (Mazda 121) in Japan. A company called "M2" is created to perform off-line new vehicle planning, development and test-marketing in Tokyo. Sukosol and Mazda Engineering Co, Ltd. (SMEC) is established to manufacture transmissions in Thailand. Cumulative production reaches 25 million units. 1991 Introduces new Mazda Proceed Marvie 4x4 wagon in Japan. A universally applicable numerical coding system is implemented for plastic parts recycling. Introduces Lancia Dedra, an Italian luxury sedan in Japan. Introduces Eunos Presso (MX-3) in Japan. Introduces Mazda Sentia (929) luxury sedan in Japan. AZ-1(MX-3) is introduced in Japan. Mazda 787B No.55 wins the Le Mans 24-Hour Endurance Race claiming the first victory for a Japanese automobile and the rotary engine. Mazda, Rockwell International in the U.S. and two Japanese companies form a joint venture automotive parts and systems company (Nippon Automotive Body Systems) in Japan. Introduces Mazda Cronos (626 4-door sedan) in Japan. Cumulative production reaches 10 million commercial vehicles in Japan (since 1931). HR-X hydrogen rotary engine concept car is shown at the 29thTokyo Motor Show. Establishes Anfini sales channel (formerly Mazda Auto) in Japan. Introduces new RX-7 in Japan, named "New Car of the Year" by the Automotive Researcher and Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC). The logo shown here was introduced as the new productmark for Mazda in 1991. The shape in symbolises the characteristics of wings, sun and the circle of light. 1992 Mazda RX-7 wins top place in the GTU class for the 11th consecutive year at the Daytona 24-Hour Endurance Race. A pilot plastic recycling project is started in Germany in November 1991 and in Japan in January 1992 to collect and process plastic bumpers for reuse. Hofu II, a new and highly advanced production facility, begins operations at Mazda's Hofu Plant. Introduces new Mazda MX-6 in Japan. Introduces Eunos 500 (Xedos 6) in Japan. A joint venture company is established with Hainan Mazda Motor & Stamping Co., Ltd. to manufacture van-type bodies for commercial vehicles in the People's Republic of China. Introduces Anfini MS-8 mid-size, four-door sedan in Japan. The 'Mazda Global Environmental Charter' is adopted. A new decomposing catalyst that recovers oil from all types of plastic is developed. Mazda develops the world's first repeatedly-recyclable plastic composite. Mazda and Ford establish an equal equity interest in Autorama, Inc. to distribute Ford models in Japan. MMUC, Mazda's wholly-owned subsidiary in Michigan, becomes AutoAlliance International, Inc., ˇan equal partnership between Mazda and Ford. Introduces the AZ-1, a new two-seater micro-mini coupe with gull-wing doors, exclusively in Japan. New Mazda 626 receives the "Car of the year" award from Wheels magazine in Australia. New Mazda RX-7 receives the "Import Car of the Year" award from Motor trend magazine. 1993 Electric-powered vehicles based on the Mazda MX-5 are developed in conjunction with Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. Mazda training Center opens in Dubai, U.A.E. Mazda enters the passenger car market in the Philippines.An agreement for technological cooperation in the production of pick-up trucks in Fuchou, China is signed. New Mazda training Center opens in Belgium. Cumulative production of Hofu-produced vehicles reaches 3 million units.Purchasing of new compact pick-up trucks from Ford for release in Canada and the U.S. starts. Operations at the highly-efficient Hofu Energy Center at the Hofu Plant begin. Introduces Mazda Lantis, an all-new sporty compact car, in Japan. Unveils HR-X2 and Eunos 800 (Xedos 9) at the Frankfurt Motor Show. ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle) concept loaded with a collision-avoidance system and other future safety technologies is developed. Introduces Eunos 800 in Japan with a Miller-cycle engine version also available. Mazda and Ford enter into a long-term strategic relationship to enhance competitive strength. Cumulative production of Mazda MX-5 reaches 300,000 units. 1994 Mazda training Center opens in South Africa. Mazda develops a compressed-natural-gas-powered truck. An electric-powered vehicles based on the E-series van is made. An LPG fueled 3-ton truck based on the 4-liter diesel-powered version is developed. Mazda Museum opens. Introduces new Mazda Familia with a new lean-burn engine version that uses a new three-way catalyst in Japan. Introduces Mazda Capella in Japan. Mazda training Center opens in Miami, Florida. Mazda training Center opens in Beijing, China. Mazda acquires the ISO 9002 certificate, first among Japanese auto makers. 1995 A new import and distribution company is established in Portugal. Mazda celebrates its 75th anniversary. Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers honors Mazda engineers for developing and mass-producing the world's first Miller-cycle engine for automotive use. Cumulative production in Japan reaches 30 million units. Marketing of passenger cars and commercial vehicles resumes in Morocco through City Zam S.A. Mazda Motor Parts Center (Europe) N.V. opens in Willebroek, Belgium. Mazda begins testing of hydrogen-fueled vehicles on public roads in Japan. Introduces Mazda Bongo Friendee in Japan. Compania Colombiana Automotoriz, S.A. (CCA), an assembler and marketer of Mazda cars and trucks in Colombia, marks cumulative production of 200,000 units. Introduces new MPV multi-purpose vehicle in Japan. Introduces new Mazda Sentia luxury sedan in Japan. Mazda and Ford jointly establish AutoAlliance (Thailand) Company Limited to manufacture pick-up trucks in Thailand beginning in mid-1998. Cumulative production of the Mazda Familia/323 series in Japan reaches 10 million units. 1996 Marketing Division is created to consolidate research and strategic planning functions of the former Domestic and Overseas Marketing Sales Divisions. Mazda acquires a 32% equity stake in the Spanish importer and distributor, Tecnitrade Automocion S.A., and changes its name to Mazda Motor Espana S.A. Introduces Ford-produced Mazda 121 into major European markets. Mazda acquires ISO 9001 certification, the highest attainable quality mark in the ISO 9000 series, first among Japanese automakers. New parts distribution center opens in Mississippi, U.S. Cumulative production of passenger cars in Japan reaches 20 million units. Mazda and Ford enter into a closer tie-up with Ford increasing its equity share from 25% to 33.4%. Henry D.G. Wallace becomes president. "That's MAZDA" advertising campaign is launched. Introduces Demio "Freestyle Wagon" in Japan. Employees of Auto Alliance (Thailand) begin intensive training in Japan. Mazda participates for the first time in a job fair in Boston, Mass. U.S. Overseas sales of the Mazda Demio begin. Mazda Demio receives the '96-'97 RJC "New Car of the year" award. Cumulative production of MX-5 Miata reaches 400,000 units. Mazda launches "Mazda Digital Innovation (MDI)" which incorporates cutting edge information technology and drastically renovates all stages from planning, development, production engineering, and purchasing to manufacturing. Mazda contributes additional capital to MMA and increases it's share-holdings. Cumulative production of the 2.5-liter new diesel engine (WL type) reaches 100,000 units. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata wins"All Stars" by U.S. Automobile magazine for the seventh consecutive year. New Familia (323) 3- door hatchback is introduced in Europe. Installation of equipment and tooling begins in Auto Alliance (Thailand) Company Limited. Mazda strengthens North American operations and names Richard Beattie as president. Mazda implements a new merit-based personnel system. The all new Mazda 626, exclusive for the North American market, makes its debut at the NY auto show. Mazda inaugurates its new brand symbol, the Mazda M. Mazda resumes exports to Taiwan. Introduces an all-new Capella/626 sedan and station wagon in Japan and Europe. James E. Miller is appointed president. Mazda develops the Demio FCEV, fuel-cell electric vehicle. 1998 Mazda's new brand symbol becomes the company pin. The "Voluntary Action Plan for Recycling Promotion" is established. Mazda strengthens its drive into Europe. Mazda develops a new three-way catalyst. Mazda participates in the Ford/ Daimler-Benz/ Ballard alliance to develop fuel-cell technology for future vehicles through its close relationship with Ford Motor Company. Mazda begins production of small direct injection turbo diesel engines. Mazda introduces the "Bongo EV," an electric powered cab-over van in Japan. The logo shown here was introduced as the new product mark for Mazda in 1991. The shape symbolises the characteristics of wings, sun and the circle of light. The badge for the new millennium Capturing the spirit of Mazda, the stylized "M" evokes an image of wings in flight and symbolises Etude's flight towards the futue. The "V" in the centre of the "M" spreads out like an opening fan, representing the creativity, vitality, flexibility and passion that is Mazda. The symbol as a whole expresses the sharp, solid feeling that Mazda will be seeking in all of its products. The dynamic circle symbolises our readiless to spread our wings as we enter the 21st century.