Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company website states that name “derives from Ahura Mazda, a god of the earliest civilizations in West Asia…the god of wisdom, intelligence and harmony…” Ahura Mazda is the Persian – Zoroastrian God. The company website also notes that the name “also derives from the name of their founder, Jujiro Matsuda.”
Mazda began as a machine tool manufacturer called Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd, which was founded in Japan in 1920.In 1927 Toyo Cork Kogyo renamed itself as Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. in 1927 and moved from manufacturing machine tools to vehicles, with the introduction of the first vehicle, Mazda-Go in 1931.During the second world war Toyo Kogyo produced weapons for the Japanese military, most notably was the series 30 through 35 Type 99 rifle. In 1959 Toyo Kogyo Co Ltd begins marketing three wheeler mini trucks in Australia. In1960 Mazda R360 Coupe, the first 2-door passenger car introduced. In 1961 One R360 Mini Car sent to Western Australia to test and evaluate in Australian road conditions. IN 1970 New 1300 Savanna 808 and E3000 Diesel truck introduced, New Capella 1600 announced in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Capella Rotary RX-2 released. 1977 New 323 series introduced. IN 1980 New Front Wheel Drive Mazda 323 series released as well as E2200 Pick-up and Van. Jack High lawn bowls tournament begins and is telecast on ABC TV. In 1987 New 121 series Hatchback, B2600 series utilities and pick-up, 929 3 litre V6 Sedan and Hardtop, 626 and MX-6 Turbo Coupe and RX-7 Convertible released. Mazda Australia begins component export programme with shipment of Ballarat-made Timken bearings to Japan.It was 1990 when Wheels Magazine awards 1989 Car of the Year to MX-5; 'Modern Motor' Magazine awards Best Car Awards 89/90 and Best Sports Car 89/90 to MX-5 and Best Small Car 89/90 to 323 series. New 121 released in November at Sydney Motor Show; Mazda Foundation launched to provide community assistance. IN 1995 New 929 and facelifted MPV models released. 12 hour endurance race moved to Eastern Creek and RX-7 again wins, beating Porsche. In 1999 New Bravo 1 tonne pick-up range released - vehicles built in new factory in Thailand and offer new turbo-diesel engine. Mazda signs major sponsorship agreement with "The Kangaroos" AFL football team. 2002 Record sales for Mazda following launch of the completely new and award winning Mazda6 car range followed by the all new Mazda2 range further defining the Mazda stylish, insightful and spirited brand DNA. IN 2006 Sales records continued to tumble as four new models were introduced to Mazda Australia’s Zoom-Zoom product range. The company’s first crossover SUV the turbocharged CX-7, Australia's fastest hot-hatch the Mazda3 MPS, the MX-5 Roaster Coupe, BT-50 and Mazda6 Diesel all entering the Australian market in the later half of the year. Tribute and one of Australia’s favourite cars, Mazda3, both received significant makeovers. In 2003 Continuing record sales have been boosted by the launch of the all new Mazda RX-8 flagship car, powered by the new RENESIS rotary engine that was awarded 2003 Engine of the Year. In 2004 Mazda continued on a bumper year, achieving record sales. The Mazda3 was launched to Australian drivers in January 2004 and received critical acclaim.2005 Yet another record year for Mazda Australia with the introduction of some very important Zoom-Zoom product including the all new MX-5 and the high performance, Mazda6 MPS. The first of our new generation Stylish, Insightful and Spirited product also received makeovers including Mazda2 and Mazda6. In 2007 Mazda was Australia’s number one full-line importer for the third year in a row. The company’s new vehicle sales grew an incredible 22.1 per cent in 2007, achieving record market share and setting new benchmarks for every calendar month. Three new models were introduced to the company’s award-winning line-up; a diesel variant of the top-selling Mazda3, a completely re-styled all-new Mazda2 and the company’s first seven-seat sports crossover SUV, CX-9.
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