Exploring the History of the Mazda Motor Corporation

For more than 100 years, Mazda Motor Corporation, or simply Mazda, has built its reputation as one of the world’s premier automotive manufacturers. However, the history of Mazda is much more interesting than that.

The 1920s and 1930s: The Birth of Mazda

When we try to answer the question “Where is Mazda from?” the most honest way to start is to look back at 1920s Japan at a cork making factory owned by Jujiro Matsuda. From there, the story takes a few twists and turns along the path to establishing one of the best-known names in the automobile industry.

Toyo Cork Kogyo to the Mazda-Go

In January 1920, Japanese inventor, mechanist, industrialist, and businessman Jujiro Matsuda took over the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., a cork manufacturing plant in Hiroshima, Japan, which was in financial trouble. Considering that status and the dwindling demand for artificial cork following the First World War, Matsuda decided to turn the plant’s operations toward a more profitable endeavor, tool manufacturing.

Renaming the company Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd., to reflect its lack of cork production, Matsuda soon established new lines of production. This, in turn, led to the development of the company’s first motorized vehicle, the Mazda-Go auto rickshaw, which was named for Ahura Mazda, the god of harmony, intelligence, and wisdom. It was this initial invention that would one day lead to a new name for Matsuda’s company and set the stage for everything that was yet to come.

The 1940s and 1950s: Post-War Recovery and Reinvention

While the Mazda-Go was a revolutionary vehicle, believed to be the first auto rickshaw built in the world, a changing world soon dictated the young motor company’s focus. At the onset of World War II, Matsuda’s company did the same thing as most other Japanese manufacturers of the time and dedicated their capacity and efforts to producing weapons for the Japanese military. Notably, Mazda produced several series of the Type 99 bolt-action rifle.

By the end of the war, the Hiroshima-based plant remained intact, thanks to a hill that shielded it from the fallout of the nuclear bomb, but the community itself was devastated. The factory became a field hospital to treat the wounded. The company also developed a philosophy that still stands today — Mazda does things its own way, never gives up, and strives to achieve the exceptional.

The 1960s: Mazda’s Entry into the Automotive World

Mazda spent the majority of the 1950s investing in a commercial vehicle program, but the 1960s ushered in a new era for the budding automotive giant.

Mazda’s First Passenger Car: The R360

The beginning of the new Mazda era began in May 1960, when the company introduced its first mass-produced passenger car, the Mazda R360. The two-door, four-seat coupe rapidly gained popularity. In fact, in just a few years, the R360 helped increase the Japanese lightweight or “kei car” market share.

Innovations in Engineering

Mazda’s innovations did not stop with the cars themselves; they also wanted to evolve those cars’ performance. Inspired by the NSU Ro 80, a four-door German passenger sedan, the company dedicated significant time and effort into developing a new kind of engine for the Japanese market, the Wankel rotary engine. Along with a partnership with NSU, their success led to the development of the 1967 Cosmo Spot, which they continued to produce until 1996.

The 1970s: Expansion and Technological Advancements

As a new decade dawned, Mazda’s engineering advancements with the Wankel engine became a hallmark of the brand. By the early years of the 1970s, nearly half of all Mazda boasted this engineering feat. However, that innovation would just be the start of the expansion that the 1970s brought to the company.

Expanding Globally

Beginning as early as 1968, Mazda began its expansion outside of the Japanese market, first to Canada. Then, in 1970, Mazda formally entered the North American market and created a new vehicle, the Mazda Rotary Pickup, exclusively for American buyers.

The 1980s: Sports Cars and Global Recognition

The 1980s were significant for Mazda in many ways, first through its name. Although every vehicle the company made since the Mazda-Go bore that name, the company itself still operated as Toyo Kogyo. That officially changed in 1984 when the company transitioned to what we call it today, the Mazda Motor Corporation.

Along with this renaming, Mazda began to increase its focus on the sports car market, introducing classic models such as the MX-5 Miata. This sports car and performance-based mindset ultimately led to increased global recognition for Mazda, as the MX-5 entered the Guiness Book of World Records in 2000 as the bestselling two-seater sports car of all time.

The 1990s and 2000s: Embracing Change

As the dawn of the 21st century broke, Mazda continued to embrace change, making several notable alterations to its brand during this era. Notably, Mazda increased its popularity in the motorsports market, winning the 1991 Le Mans as well as claiming the first (and only) Japanese victory in Circuit de la Sarthe that same year with the 787 B sports car. On the commercial side of its business, Mazda continued to develop and change its offerings and step up its marketing efforts with iconic slogans such as “Passion for the Road,” “Get in. Be Moved,” and, of course, “Zoom-Zoom.”

The 2010s and Beyond: Mazda’s Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

In addition to these forward-facing feats, after 2000, Mazda became an icon for environmental commitment and sustainability, a promise it still maintains decades later. The Sustainable Zoom-Zoom concept debuted in 2007 and saw immediate success as it reduced the brand’s global consumption by approximately 30% by 2015.

Additionally, as is typical of Mazda, innovation was still an important part of that mix. A large part of the brand’s ability to enhance its sustainability efforts came from the 2010 development of its low-emission, high-performance SKYACTIV® technology, which is still at the heart of all Mazda vehicles today.

Sustaining Mazda into the Future

As Mazda entered the 2020s and looks beyond, this intense focus on sustainability remains at the forefront of its innovation. New models, such as the CX-90, combine Mazda’s signature drivability with new technology that helps reduce emissions even further, including PHEV engines. Further, Mazda has remade its environmental commitment with an eye toward complete carbon neutrality as part of its Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 promise.

Join the Mazda Family

As it enters its second century of life, the Mazda brand continues to innovate, inspire, and surprise, which keeps drivers and car enthusiasts excited. Are you ready to learn more about our Mazda team? At DePaula Mazda, our passion for this brand is apparent in every test drive we take and every car or SUV we sell. Call to learn more about the Mazda cars available at DePaula Mazda today.