HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today celebrated reaching 40 million units of cumulative production in Japan with a commemorative ceremony at its Ujina Plant No.2 near Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima. Mazda’s Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, together with executive officers and union representatives, looked on as an all-new Mazda2 rolled off the production line to mark the 40 millionth unit production milestone. This record was achieved in the 75 years and nine months since Mazda began production of three-wheeled trucks in October 1931.

At the ceremony, President Imaki said, “Mazda was able to achieve 40 million units of cumulative production due to the great support of our customers. This milestone is also the result of the steadfast efforts of the many employees and people associated with Mazda who have been the cornerstone of our success throughout the company’s existence. Mazda’s appetite for embracing challenges and a spirited corporate culture drives us to develop new technologies and create new value. This is the reason why, of all the automakers around the world, Mazda is the only brand that produces rotary engine cars. Accomplishing 40 million units built is another breakthrough on our road to even further growth. To maintain this track record of success going forward, Mazda will continue to provide our customers with cars that ‘look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again’.”

Mazda initially established itself as a manufacturer of light trucks, beginning with three-wheeled trucks, in 1931. Mazda took a bold step into the passenger car segment in 1960 when it commenced production of the R360 Coupe minicar. Since then, Mazda has developed into a truly global corporation through production and international sales of sports cars such as the world’s first dual-rotor rotary engine car, the Cosmo Sport (known as the R110S in overseas markets) and the iconic Savanna RX-7 (RX-7), along with durable models such as the Familia (Mazda Protegé/323/323F) and Capella (Mazda 626). In 2002, Mazda began to introduce a new generation of products that clearly embodied the new Zoom-Zoom brand promise. Starting with the Atenza (Mazda6) and Axela (Mazda3), the new Zoom-Zoom vehicles have since earned worldwide acclaim.

Mazda has long been committed to adopting innovative manufacturing techniques for efficient production that is both people and environmentally friendly. Recently, wider use of initiatives such as Mazda’s Three Layer Wet Paint and Integrated Scheduled Production systems has enabled a uniquely flexible and high quality synchronized production line. In future, Mazda aims to achieve further growth by raising its brand value and enhancing business efficiency in line with the Mazda Advancement Plan. Mazda will also strive to provide excellent products and services that meet our customers’ high expectations, with product quality, safety, and environmental performance that is second to none.