Mazda is today celebrating a major milestone in the U.S. market, as the 10 millionth vehicle is handed over to its buyer. It took them forty three years to get there, but given the scale of their U.S. operation and the gradual growth, it is still a remarkable achievement.

On this occasion Mazda decided to treat the customer who ordered the 10 millionth car. It was a 2013 Mazda3, sold from Continental Mazda of Naperville, Ill., to Lauren Carter of Glen Ellyn, Ill. Mazda replaced that with the newer 2014 Mazda3, preserving the milestone vehicle for their heritage collection and making Glen really happy.

Mazda’s reputation in America is built on their range of sporty, affordable and fun to drive cars. There are quite a few examples that reflect that, including the rotary-powered RX7 and RX8, the Speed3 models, and of course, the lovely Miata.

With the new Mazda3, the Japanese car maker in entering a new era of SKYACTIV-enabled cars, featuring Active Driving Display, i-ELOOP regenerative engine breaking system and an advanced suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies, to name but a few. Despite all that, the core value of Mazda cars that is driving fun remains intact.

“The first 10 million vehicles sold in the U.S. were reached through taking the road less traveled,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO.  “The next 10 million will be accomplished by defying convention, continuing to push the limits of engineering and infusing every vehicle Mazda builds with the soul of a sports car.We are honored to work with Lauren and are glad she is part of this occasion.  We couldn’t be any happier that she chose Mazda as her first new car.”