Today, February 4 2011, Mazda MX-5 reaches a remarkable milestone as the total production number passes the 900,000 mark. So once again Guinness World Records certifies it as the world’s “Best selling two-seat sports car”.
This is actually the third time Mazda MX-5 updates its record in the book of world records. Before this in May 2000 the Japanese Roadster had made it to the book when the production volume reached 531,890 units. They did it again when production passed 700,000 and, later, 800,000 units. The 900,000 record further approves the car’s popularity which is owed largely to the Mx-5’s honesty and simplicity.
In its 20+ years of presence in the market, Mazda MX-5 has been improved for sure but the basic recipe has hardly changed. It is still light and nimble and hugely fun to drive. It has a certain charm that is really very close to that of old British sports roadsters. It’s fantastic!
Press Release:
During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars 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 MX-5 and announced it in February 1989 as a reminder that driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter safety and quality standards. To this day, the MX-5 remains the longest enduring nameplate in Mazda’s global lineup.Nobuhiro Yamamoto, program manager of the current MX-5, said, “Since Mazda launched the original MX-5, it has undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades. Its enduring success is due to the strong support it enjoys from MX-5 fans around the world. Going forward, I will strive to keep the MX-5?s spirit alive while evolving it into a car that will be loved by even more people.”
Mazda’s senior managing executive officer in charge of development, Seita Kanai, said, “More than 20 years have passed since the first-generation Mazda MX-5 was born. During this time, society and vehicles themselves have changed significantly. Responding to environmental issues and the depletion of the Earth’s natural resources has become increasingly important for all automakers. As part of its environmental efforts, Mazda announced its new SKYACTIV technologies last year. Currently, we are pushing forward with development of future products that will incorporate these technologies. Many of the elements that go into our SKYACTIV technologies, such as comprehensive weight reduction, grew from the long years of development work that have gone into the MX-5. Indeed, the guiding principle behind the SKYACTIV technologies – to build cars that are fun to drive – is perfectly embodied by the MX-5.”
“As we head toward the next production milestone of one million units,” Kanai continued, “Mazda is committed to further evolving the MX-5. We will refine its fun-to-drive character and further enhance its environmental and safety capabilities. As Mazda passes its 91st birthday, we are turning our sights toward our 100th anniversary. In the years ahead, we will continue to cherish the MX-5, alongside its loyal fan base, as the symbol of the Mazda brand.”
