[benbsb29]

Mazda Motors Japan celebrated 100 years of being in business on the 30th of January, 2020.





Mazda started as a cork manufacturer back on the 30th of January, 1920 and was then taken over by an industrialist named Jujiro Matsuda in the year 1921. Matsuda’s vision transformed the company from a cork producer to a tool producer, and finally a vehicle manufacturer. The company manufactured a range of 3 wheeled vehicles, notable among them being the Mazda Go, till about World War II.

Mazda moved into making 4 wheeled trucks in the 1950s, before it built the first passenger car in 1960, called the R360, followed by the Carol in 1962.

In 1961, Mazda entered into a deal with German car maker NSU, a partnership which led to the development of the Wankel rotary engine. This was followed by cars such as the RX-4, RX-7 and RX-8 which went on to attain legendary status.

From 1974 to 2015, Mazda had a partnership with Ford Motors, however this began to fall apart after the financial crisis of 2008, finally succumbing in 2015.

The Mazda story is not one of complete success. Cash strapped, Mazda did not launch a single car in 2001, till the eventual launch of the Mazda 6 in 2002, replacing what was then known as the 626.

Looking at Mazda’s global footprint, they seem to enjoy greater success in the US and Australian markets rather than their home turf. In Australia, Mazda commands a 9-10% of the overall market, coupled with strong resale values in the market.

Here’s to Mazda continuing to attain greater heights and greater success.

Personally for me, it gives me great joy to see one of my pics featured in Mazda’s 100 year anniversary advert – one that is historic and now immortalized.

[benbsb29]

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[DicKy]

One of the auto companies that I admire for their 'punching above their weight' attitude.

As a kid, the only thing Mazda for me was the dingy Mazda van with big red Mazda badge in the front and my friend who used to boast about his dad's Mazda having digital instrument cluster.

Fast forward to teen years, the Miata, the awesome Speed6 and the fact that our Endeavour was basically a Mazda pickup in a wagon body.

But since 2015, Mazda has me awed in all fronts. The KODO design language is undoubtedly the sexiest Japanese design currently, their interiors are minimalist and driver focussed, and if reviews are to believed, they have sort of become a FWD BMW in dynamics or in other words a poor man's beemer. I just can't stop gawking at a new Mazda 6 on the road.

Their doggedness in alternative engine technology including the Wankel rotary and the new SkyActiv X ( compression based petrol engines that offer diesel like efficiency and petrol power) tech. Their persistence with the Miata/mx-5 through all thick and thin of the past three decades.

Add to that they are developing and have already shown the concept for a new inline 6 engine in a longitudinal mounted platform. Of course with the blessings of big brother 'T'.

But I guess the dynamic Indian market will see more and welcome with open arms, a company cobbled up in Chongqing rather than Mazda.

[vb-saan]

This is one Japanese auto brand I admire – more than the Toyotas and the Hondas. In this age when car brands are losing their uniqueness, Mazda have consistently stayed on with their core strengths – cheerful and reliable, good-to-drive cars. And their designs are always nice and taut. Though the partnership with Ford is now history, I always feel that Mazda is a Japanese brand with Ford DNA.

Originally Posted by benbsb29

Personally for me, it gives me great joy to see one of my pics featured in Mazda’s 100 year anniversary advert – one that is historic and now immortalized.

Can you post that picture separately?

[Eshan Joshi]

I love Mazda and appreciate them for what they have done. I thank them for the rx-7 and the Miata . I also give them my respect for trying to make the rotary motor as good as the piston ones. As they always say Miata Is Always The Answer.

[vennarbank]

Originally Posted by DicKy

Their doggedness in alternative engine technology including the Wankel rotary and the new SkyActiv X ( compression based petrol engines that offer diesel like efficiency and petrol power) tech. Their persistence with the Miata/mx-5 through all thick and thin of the past three decades.

But I guess the dynamic Indian market will see more and welcome with open arms, a company cobbled up in Chongqing rather than Mazda.

Yes. Wankel engine is the first thing that will come to my mind when Mazda name is mentioned.
Even in US and other countries, Mazda is for people who want a Japanese car with better pickup. I do not think it will even think about starting in India.

[naveenroy]

To be honest, the only Mazda I'd heard of was the Miata. But I ended up owning and driving a CX-9 and I love the car and the value it provides. It is a good car to drive and for me, it provides much more value than other similar sized cars.

[ds.raikkonen]

Mazda is one automotive firm which I've admired for a long time. They always have a different (and more innovative) view, especially on ICE.

Their 'well-to-wheel' philosophy is a revolutionary take on how to tackle global emissions (and not simply jumping on the EV band wagon).



The brilliant 'Skyactiv' and 'HCCI' tech is carrying the flag of ICE in a world slowly being dominated by the anti-ICE revolution.

[ds.raikkonen]

Here’s a photo of ETI Jun’16 edition (free subscription, BTW). The statement was made by Mazda Europe VP power train Kenichiro San. Brilliant, when oil is still readily available, better make the most use of it while emitting less using HCCI.

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by vb-san

Can you post that picture separately?

This is the image i clicked which is featured on Mazda's 100 year anniversary celebration ad. I am not sure if i can post the full resolution pic, so guess it will have to be this one.