What a milestone Mazda has achieved this month! After 21 years and 10 months of mass production of the first-generation MX5 commenced in April 1989, the iconic MX5 set a new record when total production passed 900,000 units. Today, the Mazda MX5 continues to be the most popular Roadster in the UK.
Back in 2000, the Mazda MX5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s “Best selling two-seater sportscar” when production reached 531,890 units in May. Since then, Guinness updated the record when production passed 700,000 and 800,000 units, respectively. Currently Mazda is reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to acknowledge production of the 900,000th vehicle.
During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sportscars offered nimble handling and free-spirited open-air motoring. In the 1980s, Mazda decided to resurrect this spirit with a new roadster for the modern age. Using the latest engineering techniques, Mazda developed the MX5 and introduced it in February 1989 as a reminder that driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter safety and quality standards. To this day, the Mazda MX5 remains the longest-running model in Mazda’s global line-up.
Mazda’s senior managing executive officer in charge of development, Seita Kanai, said, “More than 20 years have passed since the first-generation Mazda MX5 was born. During this time, society and vehicles themselves have changed significantly. Responding to environmental issues has become increasingly important for all automakers. As part of its environmental efforts, Mazda is pushing forwards with the development of future products that will incorporate SKYACTIV technologies. Many of the elements that go into our SKYACTIV technologies are based on long years of development work that have gone into the MX5. Indeed, the guiding principle behind SKYACTIV – to build cars that are fun to drive – is perfectly embodied by our MX5.”
“As we head toward the next production milestone of one million units,” Kanai continued, “Mazda is committed to further evolving the MX5. We will refine its fun-to-drive character and further enhance its environmental and safety capabilities. As Mazda passes its 91st anniversary, we are turning our sights towards our 100th birthday. In the years ahead, together with our sportscars loyal fan base, we will continue to cherish the MX5 as a symbol of the Mazda brand.”
In Britain, the Mazda MX5 has enjoyed 20 years of incredible popularity, owing to UK consumers accounting for over 10 percent of global sales and 40 percent of European sales, while receiving a host of ‘best sportscar’ awards from motoring and consumer media.
“For British motorists, the Mazda MX5 is the ultimate expression of our Zoom-Zoom philosophy of creating cars that are fun to drive,” comments Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda UK. “Over 20 years, the MX5 has maintained its position as an affordable, lightweight sportscar that is responsive and rewarding to drive, while also proving itself to be ‘recession proof’. We sold 10 percent more MX5s last year than we did in 2009 and owners enjoy remarkably high residual values. The introduction of the third-generation models meant that the MX5 became much more than a ‘sunny weekend’ car and the Roadster Coupe, featuring the electric folding roof, now accounts for the majority of sales as buyers look to use their Mazda sportscar all-year round.”
For more information or to arrange a test drive on the Mazda MX5 Range call Mazda Darlington on freephone 0800 980 4532 or Mazda Durham on freephone 0800 980 4535.