History/Origin
Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational producer of a wide range of motorized vehicles. The company's history started with the establishment of Toyo Cork Kogyo by Jujiro Matsuda in 1920. The company specialized in manufacturing cork substitutes using native plants. Over time, demand for their cork products plummeted, and the company shifted to a new revenue stream – manufacturing machine tools. In 1927, the word "cork" was dropped from the company name.
In 1930, the company started to venture in car production with the development of the Mazda-Go, a three-wheel autorickshaw that began series production the following year. It marked the first time the name "Mazda" was used. The name was derived from Ahura Mazda, ancient Persian god of light as well as wisdom and harmony. It also served as tribute to Matsuda, the organization's founder, whose name sounds like "Mazda" when pronounced in Japanese. In 1940, the company came out with its first passenger car – a four-seater family saloon.
The World War II put a halt to the company's commercial production of vehicles, as it got pulled into manufacturing machineries for the Japanese military. The Hiroshima bombing adversely impacted Toyo Kogyo's operations, which was headquartered just about five kilometers away from the center of Hiroshima. By 1949, however, the company was back on its feet, exporting three-wheeled trucks to India. Before the 1950s had ended, the organization had about 30 vehicle types in its product portfolio. The company enjoyed continued success in the next three decades. At the onset of the 1960s, the company shifted its focus to producing cars, including the Mazda R360, the first two-door coupe to come out of its factory; the Mazda Carol, its first four-door automobile. In 1967, Mazda introduced its first car to use a rotary engine – the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110s. In 1978, the sports car Mazda RX-7 debuted in the market.
The oil crisis and environment movements during the 1970s compelled the organization to give its model range a facelift. This paved way to the development of the Mazda Familia (323) and the Mazda Capella (626), which became a huge hit in the market.
In 1984, the company name formally adopted "Mazda." The 1980s also saw the birth of the MX-5 Miata, one of its most successful and most decorated models. In 1991, a Mazda 787 B became the first rotary-powered automobile and the first Japanese-made car to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
More recently, Mazda has adopted an environment-friendly stance when it comes to the development of its vehicles via the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom strategy. This led to the introduction of SKYACTIV technologies in its vehicle. From a design perspective, the KODO – Soul of Motion has been incorporated in the styling of its newer models.
History/Locally
Mazda is one of the prominent brands in the local automotive scene, with a good installed base in the sedan, compact car, and sports utility vehicle (SUV) market segments. In the Philippines, Mazda is exclusively distributed by Bermaz Auto Philippines Inc. (BAP). Mazda is exclusively distributed by Berjaya Auto Philippines (BAP). The Japanese car maker currently has 21 authorized dealers in the Philippines. Fourteen of them are in Luzon, three are in Visayas, and four are in Davao. It is currently constructing a PhP250 million-warehouse and training facility within a 2.5-hectare property in Cabuyao, Laguna. The project is slated for completion before the year 2019 ends.
Mazda has a good base of Mazda-centric clubs who occasionally hold activities and events, which are well-supported by Mazda Philippines. Such activities include gatherings to display their prized Mazda cars.
Famous Models
Mazda's best-selling models from its current lineup include the CX-5, the Mazda 3, the Mazda CX-3, and the Mazda 2. The CX-5 is crossover that scores high in practicality and safety features. Mazda offers this vehicle in three engine options: a 2.2-liter in-line four-cylinder DOHC diesel engine, and a 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter petrol version of the same. All variants are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The diesel powertrain generates up to 173 horsepower at 4,500 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a peak torque of 420 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The bigger petrol engine has a maximum output of 187 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 251 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The Mazda 3 comes in sedan and hatchback form. Both variants are available in either a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter In-line four-cylinder DOHC, 16 valve petrol engine, both mated to a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with Sport Mode. The bigger engine can unleash up to 151 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 200 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
The CX-3 is a small SUV that boasts of aerodynamic and sporty styling. It is powered by a 2.0-liter petrol engine that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode. It can produce a maximum power of 146 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 of torque at 2,800 rpm. Mazda offers this model in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive options.
Like the Mazda 3, the Mazda 2 is available in sedan and hatchback body styles and four trims. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter petrol engine paired to an automatic transmission, with a manual option for one of the sedan trims. Maximum output is pegged at 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 139 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
Other Info
Mazda has built a global network of headquarters, production facilities, research and development centers, and dealerships in several countries to reach more 130 countries. Mazda's main base is Japan, where its global headquarters and Mazda R&D Center are located. It has two overseas headquarters -- Mazda North American Operations in California and Mazda Motor Europe in Leverkusen, Germany.
The organization operates five major production plants, namely the Hiroshima Plant in Aki-gun, Hiroshima, Japan; the Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi, Japan; the Changan Mazda Automobile in Nanjing, China; the AutoAlliance in Rayong, Thailand, and the Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation in Guanajuato, Mexico.