From 1920 to Today, Mazda Knows What It Takes to Succeed
Since the company’s inception in 1920, Mazda has made driver satisfaction its goal, and Mazda has succeeded time and time again thanks to constant innovation and making cars that are an absolute joy to drive.
Take a trip with Hall Mazda Virginia Beach as we look back on some of the brand’s greatest achievements.
The Mazda rotary engine is born
One of the automaker’s most notable accomplishments was the creation of its rotary engine in 1967. After six years of strenuous development, tenacious Mazda engineers and designers introduced the Cosmo Sport, the world’s first mass-produced sports car powered by a rotary engine. This visionary vehicle generated 110 horsepower and had a max speed of 115 mph.
The birth of the roadster
Never one to rest on its laurels, Mazda constantly continued to innovate. When the lightweight sports car segment was essentially extinct, a passionate engineer named Kenichi Yamamoto dared to be different. Yamamoto’s unwavering mission to build a sports car that was lightweight and a thrill to drive led to the creation of the first-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata. Their effort paid off, and now there are more than a million of them on the road.
Mazda conquers Le Mans
Throughout its history, Mazda has never shied away from breaking new ground, so it’s fitting that it was the first Japanese automaker to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1991. Not only that, but its 787B was the first car with a rotary engine to ever take the gold in this twenty-four-hour endurance race. This victory is also a testament to the brand's resilience, as this win was its 13th attempt. This spirit of never backing down has always been an essential aspect of Mazda and continues to define its tireless innovation.
SKYACTIV® means green and powerful
In 2010, Mazda announced its SKYACTIV® Technology, which combines efficiency and performance. The collective name for its core vehicle technologies, SKYACTIV® Technology encompasses everything from the engine, transmission, body, and chassis. With this, Mazda ensures you get the most out of every mile.
Recent achievements
Mazda clearly has an illustrious past, but it continues to shine today as well. Most recently, the Mazda MX-5 Miata received the 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year awards, which is even more exciting when you consider this was the first time a Japanese model has won the latter award.
Though Mazda is incredibly proud of its past, the team at Hall Mazda Virginia Beach knows its future has even greater accomplishments in store. To experience these automotive accomplishments for yourself (by scheduling a test drive in one), don’t hesitate to call, contact us online, or visit us in person at 4372 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 today.
Image Credit: Mazda