Mazda

The company, Mazda Motor Corporation (Japanese マツダ 株式会社, Matsuda Kabushiki-gaisha), listed on the Nikkei 225,
is a Japanese automobile manufacturer based in Fuchu. The name of the company's founder Mr Jujiro Matsuda is in Japanese
like 'Mazda' pronounced. In addition to production in Japan - the main plant in Fuchu and Hiroshima, the work Ujina
in Ujina, Minami-ku, Hiroshima and Hofu plant in Hofu - Mazda models have been and are at locations in all parts
the world made. The Ford Motor Company, the Mazda has since 1979 acquired a strategic partnership, 1996
the controlling stake of 33.4% of the ordinary shares of Mazda and has been the main shareholder of Mazda Motor Corporation.
On 18 November 2008, Ford announced that it sold 20% stake in Mazda. Ford is in a proportion
of 14.9% (as of 31 March 2009) is still by far the largest single shareholder in Mazda.

History

The name is from Mazda Ahura Mazda, the highest Zoroastrian God of wisdom and knowledge.

Today's Mazda Motor Corporation was founded in 1920 by Mr Jujiro Matsuda as Toyo Cork Kogyo Ltd.. founded and dedicated to the
Processing of cork. 1928, first made machine parts in 1930 were also produced motorcycles.

Mid-1930s, the development of motorized tricycles (Mazda-Go DA Type) and trucks driven.
There was also a business division of rock drills.

During the Second World War the company was involved in the Japanese military.

1950, Mazda's production of small trucks with three or four wheels again.

On 28 May 1960 is published in Japan, the first car on the market: a little coupe called the Mazda R360. In 1961,
a licensing agreement with German company NSU for the use and development of closed Wankel engines.
From 1967, the Mazda Cosmo 110 S was produced by a two-rotor Wankel engine.

In 1972 Mazda Mazda Motors Germany GmbH, a German subsidiary and began the construction of the German
Mazda's headquarters in Hilden. A year later began selling Mazda models in Germany.

1979 Mazda Germany moves from Hilden-hit village in order to Leverkusen, where even today (April 2009) nor the Germany-
as well as the European headquarters are located. 1984, names the company into Mazda Motor Corporation.

In 1989, it managed with its Mazda MX-5 roadster, the enthusiasm for open sports cars in Europe and North America
to revive.

In 1991, Mazda also achieved a breakthrough in motor sports. As the first and only Japanese car manufacturer
succeeded with the Mazda 787B Mazda, driven by a 700-hp four-disc rotary engine, the victory at Le Mans
carry off with 2 laps ahead of Jaguar.

 

Some Mazda models of the past

Models with rotary engine

Mazda 110 S Cosmo Sport (1967–1972) 1. Wankel series with two-wheel motor
Mazda R100 (1968–1975)
Mazda R130 (1969–1972) Coupé mit 13A Wankelmotor
Mazda RX-2 (1971–1974)
Mazda RX-3 (1972–1977) Versionen Coupé, Limousine und Caravan
Mazda RX-4 (1972–1977) Versionen Coupé, Limousine und Caravan
Mazda Rotary Pickup (1973–1977) nur in den USA verkauft
Mazda Parkway Rotary 26 (1974–1976) erster Bus mit Wankelmotor
Mazda Road Pacer AP (1975–1977)
Mazda RX-5 (1975–1981)
Mazda Luce Legato (1977–1981) Topversion 929L
Mazda Cosmo AP RX-5 (1981–1990)
Mazda Luce (1981–1986) Topversion 929
Mazda Luce (1986–1991) Topversion 929
Eunos Cosmo (1990–1995) first production car with a three-disc rotary engine
Mazda RX-7 (1978–2002) Baureihe SA (FB), FC, FD

Reciprocating engine models

Mazda R 360 (1960–1964)
Mazda Carol (seit 1960) nur in Japan
Mazda 800 / Mazda 1000 / Mazda 1300 (1963–1970)
Mazda 1500 / Mazda 1800
Mazda 121 (1988–2003)
Mazda 323 (1977–2003)
Mazda 616 (1970–1977)
Mazda 626 (1979–2002)
Mazda 818
Mazda 929 (1973–1992)
Mazda MX-3 (1991–1998)
Mazda MX-5 (seit 1989)
Mazda MX-6 (1987–1997)
Mazda Xedos 6 (1992–1999)
Mazda Xedos 9 (1993–2002)
Mazda MPV (seit 1989, in Deutschland nur bis 2005)
Mazda Premacy (1999–2005)
Mazda Tribute (2000–2008)
Mazda B-Serie (1994–2006)

Racing car

Mazda 787B, 4-rotor Wankel engine
Mazda T616, Team LOLA - 1984 Daytona 24 houer race