From a cork-manufacturing workshop in Hiroshima to the pioneer of the rotary engine
QUICK FACTS
Est. 1920 — best known for cars known for rotary engines and the MX-5 Miata roadster.
HISTORY
Mazda began in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo, a cork manufacturer founded by Jujiro Matsuda in Hiroshima. The company moved into machine tools and, in 1931, built its first vehicle, the Mazda-Go, a three-wheeled truck, before launching its first passenger car, the R360, in 1960.
Mazda earned worldwide recognition for perfecting the Wankel rotary engine, launching the Cosmo Sport in 1967 as the world's first twin-rotor production car, and later the long-running RX-7 sports car in 1978. The company, known as Toyo Kogyo since 1927, adopted the Mazda name officially in 1984, and today emphasizes distinctive engineering and design through its SKYACTIV technology and Kodo design language.
PRODUCTS
1967 launch, world's first twin-rotor production car
Rotary-engine sports car produced 1978-2002
Launched 1989, the best-selling two-seat sports car in history
TIMELINE
This page is compiled from publicly available company history and is provided for general reference only. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult the brand's official website.