TL;DR
- Mazda, founded in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo, became an independent automaker. It gained renown for its unique rotary engines and innovative vehicle designs.
- Ford owned a 33.4% stake in Mazda until 2015, ending its control. Mazda is now independent, with a strategic alliance with Toyota (5.05% stake).
- Koeppel Mazda serves the New York community with awesome new and used Mazdas, providing exceptional service and expert car care for all customers.
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For many car enthusiasts and prospective buyers, the question of who owned Mazda can be complex, often leading to assumptions about its current corporate structure. Mazda Motor Corporation, a globally recognized automotive brand known for blending performance, fuel efficiency, and sophisticated design, has a rich and dynamic history of ownership, partnerships, and remarkable innovation. Despite popular misconceptions, Mazda is an independent, publicly traded company. This article will delve into Mazda's complete ownership history and brand evolution, providing clarity on its past and present alliances.
From Cork to Cars
The Mazda company history began not with cars, but with cork. The company was founded in Hiroshima, Japan, on January 30, 1920, as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., initially operating as a cork-making factory. Its founder was Jujiro Matsuda. The company later acquired Abemaki Tree Cork Company. In 1927, it changed its name to Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd.
A pivotal moment in Mazda's evolution came in 1931 when Toyo Kogyo shifted its focus from manufacturing machine tools to vehicles, introducing the Mazda-Go auto rickshaw. It was with the production of these three-wheeled trucks that the name "Mazda" first emerged. The name "Mazda" was chosen from two sources: Ahura Mazda, the ancient Persian god of harmony, intelligence, and wisdom in Zoroastrianism, and the surname of the founder, Jujiro Matsuda, which is pronounced "Mazda" in Japanese. The company officially adopted the Mazda name in 1984, although every automobile sold since its inception bore that name. During World War II, Toyo Kogyo produced weapons for the Japanese military. Following the war, Mazda introduced its first passenger cars, the Mazda R360 in 1960 and the Mazda Carol in 1962.
Innovation and Global Aspirations
A defining period in the Mazda company history started in the 1960s with its pioneering efforts in developing the Wankel rotary engine. Inspired by the NSU Ro 80, Mazda invested significantly in this unique technology as a way to differentiate itself from other Japanese automakers. Mazda formed a business relationship with the German company NSU and launched the limited-production Cosmo Sport in 1967. Mazda eventually became the sole manufacturer of Wankel-type engines for the automotive market, a distinction it held mainly through attrition as other companies abandoned the design.
Mazda's commitment to the rotary engine brought international attention and propelled the company's export efforts. Both piston-powered and rotary-powered models were exported globally, with rotary models like the R100 and RX series (RX-2, RX-3, RX-4) gaining popularity for their combination of power and lightweight design. Mazda formally entered the American market in 1970. However, the 1973 oil crisis led to a decline in demand for less fuel-efficient rotary-powered vehicles, pushing the company to the brink of bankruptcy. It was saved by the intervention of the Sumitomo keiretsu group and its business partners.
Mazda then strategically refocused the rotary engine as a choice for sporting motorists rather than a mainstream powerplant. This shift led to the creation of iconic models like the lightweight RX-7 in 1978 and the piston-powered Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster in 1989, which is credited with reviving the small sports car concept worldwide.
The Ford Partnership
The question of who owned Mazda during a significant part of its modern history often points to Ford Motor Company. From 1974 until 2015, Mazda maintained a close financial and strategic partnership with Ford. Ford initially acquired a 24.5% stake in Mazda in 1979. This stake was increased to 33.4% by May 1995, giving Ford effective control over the Japanese automaker.
This period was characterized by extensive platform sharing and joint production efforts across various vehicle segments. For example, the Mazda B-Series truck was rebranded and sold as the Ford Ranger. Mazda's Familia platform was used for Ford models like the Laser and Escort, and the Capella architecture found its way into Ford's Telstar sedan and Probe sports models. Mazda even produced the Ford Probe and its own 626 sedan and MX-6 sports coupe at a new plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, from 1987 to 1992. Mazda North American Operations has been located in Irvine, California, since 1987, handling sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support for Mazda dealerships across the United States and Mexico.
Amidst the global financial crisis of 2008, Ford began to divest its shares in Mazda as a means to streamline its asset base. By November 2008, Ford reduced its stake to 13.4%, relinquishing control of the company. Ford continued to reduce its ownership, citing greater flexibility for growth in emerging markets. By September 30, 2015, Ford had completely sold its remaining shares, officially ending its ownership relationship with Mazda. This marked the conclusion of a significant chapter in Mazda company history.
The Toyota Alliance
With the conclusion of the Ford partnership, the question of who owned Mazda was decisively answered: it resumed its full independence as a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. However, Mazda quickly entered a new phase of strategic alliances to address the evolving automotive landscape, particularly the shift towards electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected mobility.
In 2015, Mazda established a strategic partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation. A key aspect of this alliance is equity sharing, with Toyota owning approximately 5.05% of Mazda, and Mazda holding a smaller reciprocal stake in Toyota. Crucially, this partnership is collaborative, not hierarchical, meaning Toyota does not own or control Mazda's decision-making.
This alliance has led to significant joint ventures. In 2021, the two companies opened Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) in Huntsville, Alabama, a substantial facility producing models like the Mazda CX-50 and Toyota Corolla Cross. This marked Mazda's return to U.S. vehicle production since 1992. Furthermore, the partnership includes technology collaboration, such as joint development of EV platforms, hybrid systems, and shared research into connected vehicle and autonomous technologies.
Experience Mazda: Visit Koeppel Mazda in Jackson Heights!
When you are ready to explore the compelling blend of independent engineering and innovative technology that defines Mazda vehicles today, we invite you to visit Koeppel Mazda in Jackson Heights! We are a dedicated member of the greater New York, NY community, serving neighbors in Brooklyn NY, Queens NY, Manhattan NY, and Bronx NY. Our team at Koeppel Mazda is committed to delivering exceptional customer service, from new Mazda sales to used vehicles, finance, and service.
At Koeppel Mazda, we strive to make your automotive journey as smooth as possible. We offer a vast selection of new and used vehicles, including popular Mazda models like the Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX-50, Mazda CX-90, and Mazda CX-90 PHEV. Our knowledgeable team can help you find the perfect fit for your needs and guide you through the financing process to secure an affordable loan or lease. Get in touch today!
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