Mazda Produces One-Millionth Mazda MX-5

HIROSHIMA, Japan, April 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Mazda Motor Corporation announced today that production of the Mazda MX-5 (Mazda Roadster in Japan) reached one million units on April 22, 2016. The milestone figure was achieved over 27 years, with mass-production of the MX-5 starting at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima in April 1989.

"From the first generation through to today's fourth-generation model, the reason we have been able to continue selling the MX-5 all these years is due to the strong support of fans around the world," said Masamichi Kogai, Representative Director, President and CEO. "Mazda was founded in Hiroshima 96 years ago, and as we move toward our centennial year we will continue offering customers the joy of driving with this model, which has become a symbol of our brand. Mazda aims to create a special bond with customers and become a 'one-and-only' brand they will choose again and again."

As a way of expressing thanks to MX-5 fans and owners, the One-Millionth MX-5 will be displayed at fan events in Japan and around the world. The tour begins on May 3 at the Hiroshima Flower Festival where the car will participate in the Flower Parade, and will make its way to Canada towards the end of the summer.

The MX-5 is a symbol of Mazda's car-making philosophy and tireless pursuit of driving pleasure. Since its debut in 1989, the model has consistently offered driving fun that can only be experienced in a lightweight sports car and won the admiration of people from various countries, cultures and age groups. The MX-5 is also critically acclaimed, with over 200 awards from around the globe to its name. The fourth-generation model released last year has won a string of awards, including 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan, World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year 2016.

The MX-5 has held the Guinness World Record¹ for the best-selling open-top two-seater sports car for many years. With the achievement of one million units of production, Mazda will now attempt to break its own record.

History of the Mazda MX-5
Feb 1989	Original MX-5 debuts at Chicago Auto Show
Oct 1997	Second-generation MX-5 debuts at Tokyo Motor Show
Dec 1998	10th Anniversary Limited Edition MX-5 launched
May 2000	Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's best-selling two-seater sports car (531,890 units produced)
Jan 2002	Production reaches 600,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
Mar 2005	Third-generation MX-5 debuts at Geneva International Motor Show
Apr 2005	Production reaches 700,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
Jul 2006	Retractable hardtop model debuts at British International Motor Show
Jan 2007	Production reaches 800,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
Jul 2009	20th Anniversary Limited Edition MX-5 launched
Feb 2011	Production reaches 900,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
Apr 2014	25th Anniversary Edition MX-5 launched
Sep 2014	Fourth-generation MX-5 debuts
Mar 2016	Mazda MX-5 RF debuts at New York International Auto Show

Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 165 dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at www.media.mazda.ca.

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¹ Certified by Guinness World Records Limited

SOURCE Mazda Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "One-Millionth Mazda MX-5 (Japanese specs, 1.5-liter soft-top) (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160424_C6683_PHOTO_EN_673342.jpg

Chuck Reimer, Mazda Canada, [phone]; Sandra Lemaitre, Mazda Canada, [phone]