Mazda Celebrates 100 Years

HIROSHIMA, Japan— Mazda Motor Corporation celebrated its 100th anniversary of its founding on January 30, 2020.

Centenary official comment by Akira Marumoto, Representative Director, President and CEO:

“Mazda originated as a company producing cork and then took the path to manufacturing automobiles. Now, our cars have found friends with many customers from over 130 countries and regions. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the customers, dealers, suppliers, business partners and the local community, who have supported us over the years through good and bad times, to whom we owe our 100 years of existence. As we look ahead to the next 100 years, we will continue to put people first and cherish our ‘uniqueness of co-creating with others.’ As we strengthen co-creation and cooperation with all those connected with the company, we will continue to challenge ourselves to create unique products, technologies, and experiences that our customers love.”

Mazda officially began its journey in New Zealand in 1972 when Mazda New Zealand was established. It began selling rotary and piston engines to the New Zealand motoring public although the marque first arrived in the country eight years earlier when it was represented by a Wellington based company.

In the following 28 years, Mazda New Zealand has gone on to significantly increase its market share in New Zealand along with winning several awards for a number of its models including the Mazda6, Mazda2 Mazda3, MX-5, CX-5 and CX-9.

David Hodge, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealand says reaching 100 years is a fantastic achievement for the company and one that everyone at Mazda New Zealand is very proud of.

“It is also very pleasing to know that Mazda New Zealand has played a part in the success of the brand and we look forward to the next stage of the company’s growth and delivering more outstanding vehicles to the New Zealand motoring public.”                

Mazda plans to express our gratitude throughout the year taking part in Geneva International Motor Show in March, with centenary anniversary themed exhibits and during Mazda Open Day 2020, an open house event at Mazda’s headquarter from May 22 through 24, 2020.

A ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its foundation took place today at an auditorium in the company’s headquarters in Hiroshima to express appreciation to all stakeholders who supported the company and reaffirmed resolution for the next one hundred years of future. Approximately 500 people including executives, employees and representatives of workers' union and affiliated companies attended the ceremony.

Mazda' s History Timeline