History

History(1980~1989)

1989

Corporate History Product History

 11

・Hokkaido Kenbuchi Proving Ground is completed

11

・Introduces commercial vehicle, Eunos Cargo(Van, Truck)

・Starts selling Citroen BX19GTi16V at Eunos dealers

 

·Introduces Eunos 100

The model featured 1800 DOHC and 1500 DOHC engines, an off-black interior and a wing-type rear spoiler.

 

・Intriduces Eunos 300

The model was available with a 2.0- or 1.8-liter DOHC engine. A sporty appearance was achieved through headlights with integrated fog lights, six in-line round rear taillights and a rear spoiler with a high mount stop lamp. A chic leather interior was also offered.


·Introduces Autozam Carol(2nd generation model)

  

Front wheel drive was adopted. Suzuki's 547cc, in-line 3-cylinder, 12-valve engine was installed.

 09

・Installs high-response driving simulator at research center in Yokohama

・Significantly extends warranty period for new vehicles

・Eunos dealer network starts business from September 1

 

09

・Introduces the first-generation Eunos Roadster (MX-5/MX-5 Miata)

This was a legitimate sportscar in which driving pleasure was throughly pursued.  Following its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, the car received a great response from across the world. In Japan, car-ordering events were held in various locations. With the affordable price of 1.7 million yen, this car became a big hit.

 

・Starts selling  Citroen BX19 at Eunos dealers.

08

・Breaks ground for an engine manufacturing plant of a newly established company in Indonesia, P.T.   MAZDA INDONESIA MANUFACTURING(MIM)

08

・Adds full-time 4WD model to 7th-generation Familia (323) (3HB, sedan) lineup
 

Sports full-time 4WD:To pursue driving pleasure, full-time 4WD with a center differential using a viscous limited slip differential was added. Japan's first unequal torque distribution of 43 : 57 was implemented. 1800 DOHC turbo engine with intercooler output a maximum of 180 horse power. 

 
Practical full-time 4WD: Planetary geared center differential with front and rear wheel torque distribution of 50 : 50 was adopted. 1600 SOHC engine was installed.

07

·Begins importing the Citroen BX to Japan
 

06

·Tokyo Branch is renamed Tokyo Head Office

・New dealer network Autozam starts operations

06

・Starts selling Ford Festiva 5 (produced by Kia) at Autorama dealers

・Introduces a small taxi car Customcab

·Starts selling 1st-generation Scrum vans and trucks (Suzuki OEM vehicles) at Autozam dealers

 05

・Holds first international Mazda Quality Control Circle in Hiroshima

・Cumulative production of transmissions for Ford reaches 5 million units

05

・Receives an Asahara Young Researcher's award from Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc. for "Study of exhaust hydrocarbon emission reduction on single-spray direct-injection diesel engine"

 

・Introduces 4th-generation Titan (T2600/3000/3500/4000)

04

·Establishes Mazda Eunos and Mazda Autozam dealership channels

 04

・Receives the Director-General's award from the Science and Technology Agency (Person of scientific and technological merits) for the development of a new air intake system for the rotary engine

 

・Introduces 7th-generation Familia Astina (323/323F)

The model featured 1600DOHC, 1500 DOHC and 1500 OHC engines and its wedge-shaped body achieved excellent enginerodynamic characteristics.
Retractable headlight was adopted on the low hood.

02 

・Displays MX-5 Miata (Eunos Roadster in Japan) at the Chicago Auto Show

02

Introduces 7th-generation sedan and 3-door hatch back Familia (323)

1988

Corporate History Product History

10

・Develops internal griding machine T-11J and T-117CNC

 

·Establishes a sales company in Europe (MME)

10

·Introduces Persona, a 4-door hard top without a center pillar


2000 DOHC and 1800 SOHC (later changed to DOHC) engines were mounted.

Unconstrained exterior appearance is coupled with simple, but well-tailored leather or fabric interior.Making a comfortable space was pursued, paying attention to achieving silky-smooth driving and operation feel.

09

・Cumulative production of Capella (626) reaches 3 million units

 

・Introduces MPV in US.

09

・Provides American network NBC with an EV to cover the marathon at the Seoul Olympic Games 

 

・Updates Luce (929)
3000cc V6 DOHC engine was added. Hi-reflex coating was adopted for some models.

 

08

・Develops a new painting hi-reflex coating technology

06

·Starts import of Ford Probe from the US

06 

・Introduces the Capella (626) canvas top limited edition

05

·Mazda Innovation (MI) Plan starts


·Establishes Mazda Research and Development of North America, Inc. (MRA)

 

・Reaches production agreement for micro-mini vehicles with Suzuki

 
 

02

・Adds Capella Cargo (626 Station Wagon) - comes in wagon and van

1987

 

Corporate History

Product History

12

·Mazda reaches an OEM agreement for micro-mini vehicles with Suzuki Motors Co., Ltd.


·Kenichi Yamamoto becomes chairman and Norimasa Furuta named president respectively

 
 

11

・Develops "13J", a 4-rotor rotary engine for racing.
・Introduces "20B" (development code: 13G), a 3-rotor rotary engine for racing

09

・Begins a test run of its energy center at Hiroshima plant

·Mazda begins vehicle production at Mazda Motor Manufacturing USA Corporation(MMUC)

 09

・Introduces Capella (626) taxi

 

08

・Introduces Savanna RX-7 Cabriolet (RX-7 Convertible)


This two-seater model featured a 'three way top' system with power roof opening/closing. 

 

・Adds a 3000cc V6 to the engine lineup for Luce (929)

06

・Estabrishes a service center in Beijing

Opens a new research center in Yokohama, Japan
 
 

05

・Introduces 5th-generation Capella (626)


This model came in 3 body types: 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe "C2" (MX-6)and 5-door "CG". Adopted the world's first speed sensitive four-wheel steering system.

Models with a RF2000 diesel engine featuring a pressure wave super charger and a full-time 4WD system were introduced in July.

04

・Mazda R&D Center in Ann Arbor is opened

·Cumulative production reaches 20 million vehicles in Japan

 

03

・Cumulative sales of Familia (323) FF in Japan reach 1 million units

03

・Succeeds in developing vehicle speed sensitive 4WS

 

02

・Familia (323) with full-time 4WD becomes the first Japanese car to win the overall title at Swedish WRC (World Rally Championship).

 

01

·Introduces Etude

This model was a 3-door hatchback with a large glassed area.  It came with a 1600 DOHC engine employing a variable air intake system called "VICS". Twin-tube low-pressure gas charged shock absorber and disc brakes on all four wheels helped balance fun driving and a smooth ride.

1986

Corporate History Product History

12

·Mazda R&D Center in Ann Arbor is completed
 

11

·Cumulative production of Familia reaches 5milion units
 
 

10

・Adds a 2000 LPG engine model of Luce (929)

 

09

・Introduces 5th-generation Luce (929)


Twin scroll turbo spec was offered with Mazda's first 2000 V6 engine. In addition, a model with a turbocharged 13B rotary engine was available. Auto-adjusting suspension was adopted while type-E multi-link suspension was installed for rear.

08

・Cumulative vehicle exports reach 10 million units

 

07

・Displays cars at Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

 

06

・Cumulative production of vehicles with reciprocating engine reaches 15 million units

 

05

・Moves Osaka office to Minami-ku, Osaka. Newly establishes "Mazda rotary Midosuji" showroom

 

04

·Cumulative production of Mazda rotary-engine vehicles reaches 1.5 million units
 

03

・Cumulative production of diesel vehicles reaches 1.5 million units

03

・Added Familia Cabriolet (323 Convertible-type car)
 1500 EGI turbo engine was installed. Roll bar was adopted.

 

・3500cc direct injection diesel turbo engine with intercooler was added to Titan for the first time in the class

 

・Piston with foam nickel was developed

 

02

·Ford Festiva (Mazda 121) was introduced

1985

Corporate History Product History

 12

・Cumulative production of Savanna RX-7 (RX-7) reaches 500,000 units

12

・Introduces all-new Familia wagon (323 Wagon) and Familia van (323 Van)
  Wagon: 1500 EGI engine was installed
  Van: drive system was changed from FR (rear-wheel drive) to FF (front-wheel drive).
 1500 gasoline, 1300 gasoline and 1700 diesel engines were offered.
 

10

・Adds full-time four wheel drive to 3-door hatchback of 6th generation Familia (323)


A 1600 DOHC 16 valve intercooler turbo engine (maximum output: 140PS (net)) was installed. Japan's first full-time four wheel drive system was equipped. Vehicle height adjusting suspention was adopted for some models.
Practical 4WD is also available with 1500 cc engine.

 

・Introduces 2nd-generation Savanna RX-7 (RX-7)

The second-generation, or FC model, Savanna RX-7 was developed as a pure sports car with the perfect balance between driving dynamics and comfort. Its dimensions were 4,310mm (overall length) x 1,690mm (overall width) x 1,270mm (overall height). The FC was powered by the 13B rotary engine (185 horsepower) in a front midship layout, and retained a loyal fan base even after the third-generation model was introduced.

08

·Celebrates total cumulative production of 10 million passenger cars
 
 

07

・Adds Familia(323)diesel engine model

06

・Cumulative production of Bongo series (E-series) reaches one million units

 

05

・Newly established a comprehensive performance test course in the Miyoshi Proving Ground

 

03

・Cumulative production of Capella (626) reaches two million units

 

・Cumulative production of Familia (323) FF reaches two million units

 

01

·Established Mazda Motor manufacturing (USA) Corporation (MMUC)

01

・Introduces 6th-generation Familia (323)
Slanted-nose, wedge-shaped 3/5-door hatchbacks and 4-door sedan came with further sophistication through functional interior.
Increased overall height, width and wheel base realized roomy cabin space.  Engine lineup included 1300, 1500, 1500EGI and 1500EGI turbo engine with improved parts including cylinder block, cylinder head, camshaft, valve and intake/exhaust system parts . SS suspension was installed. Damping force variable damper was adopted for some models for the first time in this class.

1984

Corporate History Product History

11

·Moriyuki Watanabe becomes chairman and Kenichi Yamamoto becomes president.
 

10

·Establishes Mazda Foundation.
 

05

·Company is renamed as Mazda Motor Corporation.

 

 

01

・Introduces 3rd-generation Bongo truck (E-Series Truck)

This 850 kg truck was available with a 1.4-liter gasoline or 2.0-liter diesel engine and featured a high-tensile steel frame.

 

・Introduces Bongo  Brawny truck (E-Series)
This 1000/1500 kg truck was available with a 1.8- or 2.0-liter gasoline engine or a 2.2-liter diesel engine and featured a high-tensile steel frame.

 

1983

Corporate History Product History

10

・A wind tunnel testing laboratory for automobiles is completed within the Miyoshi Proving Ground.

10

・Introduces a turbo engine model to Capella (626) sedan and coupe lineup
2.0-liter Magnum turbo engine: maximum output of 145PS

09

・Makes an investment in Korean automaker Kia.

09

・Adds a Magnum diesel engine model to the Capella (626) sedan lineup

・Adds a new rotary turbo engine model to Savanna RX-7 (RX-7) lineup
12A rotary turbo: maximum output of 165PS

・Introduces 3rd-generation Bongo wagon (E-Series)
The model was available with a 1.8-liter gasoline or 2.0-liter diesel engine and seated nine people. A high-roof model was also offered. Some variants offered three rows of full-flat reclining seats and some featured swivel seats that could be turned around to face the rear.

・Introduces 3rd-generation Bongo van (E-Series)
The model was available with a 1.4-liter gasoline or 2.0-liter diesel engine and seated either three or six people.
Some variants offered two rows of full-flat reclining seats.

07

・Cumulative production of Mazda vehicles reaches 15 million units

 

 06

・Establishes a company, Mazdaspeed, to offer services in the field of motor-sports

06

·Introduces new Bongo Brawny wagon series (E-series) in Japan

 The model was available with a 1.8- or 2.0-liter gasoline engine or a 2.0- or 2.2-liter diesel engine. It seated nine or ten people. Ventilated disc brakes were equipped for the front wheels. Some variants offered three rows of full-flat reclining seats.

・Introduces Bongo Brawny van (E-Series)

・Adds turbo engine model to Familia (323/GLC) lineup

04

·Begins local production in Colombia.

・Introduces drilling robots, THMJ-2350AD and THCJ-2350AD

 

1982

Corporate History Product History

 12

・Establishes an auto body company, Mazda Shatai Kanto, within the Chiba distribution center

12

·"Japanese Car of the Year" is awarded to Capella (626)
 

10

・Adds a two-seater business van model to Familia van (323/GLC Station Wagon) lineup

09

·Production begins at Hofu plant (Nishinoura area).

09

・Debuts the world's first rotary turbo engine in the Cosmo (929) and Luce (929)

12A rotary turbo engine: maximum output: 160PS; maximum torque: 23.0kg・m
Luce rotary turbo was introduced in October.

 

・Adds a 2.0-liter EGI engine to the engine lineup for Cosmo and Luce Saloons

 

・Introduces 4th-generation Capella (626) sedan and coupe


 The models were available with Mazda stable combustion 1.6-liter (90PS), 1.8-liter (100PS) and 2.0-liter MEGI (120PS) engines.

 

08

・Completes plant for the production of new engines in Ujina west

 

07

・Cumulative production of FF Familia (323/GLC) reaches 1 million units in just 27 months

 

02

・Cumulative production of internal grinding machines reaches 5,000 units, a record in Japan

 
 

01

・Introduces 2nd-generation Parkway (T2000/3000 bus)


This model featured a 2,977cc HA diesel engine with a sub-transmission enabling ten-speed gearing. It seated 26 people. High roof and air-conditioned models were added. High-back seating was offered for all variants.

1981

Corporate History Product History

12

·Start of operations at Hofu Transmission Plant (Nakanoseki area).
·Establishes Autorama (begins to supply products from October '82).
 

10

・Cumulative production of FF Familia (323/GLC) complete vehicles reaches 500,000 units in just 18 months

10

・Introduces 4th-generation Luce (929)

This model came in two body types: four-door hardtop with wrap-around rear window and four-door saloon. Five engines were available: a 12A rotary engine with six-port induction, a 2.0-liter MA EGI gasoline engine, a 2.0-liter MA gasoline engine, a 1.8-liter VC gasoline engine and a 2.2-liter diesel engine. The rotary engine variant was introduced in November.

 

09

・Introduces 2nd-generation Cosmo (929) two-door hardtop (2.0-liter EGI/2.0-liter gasoline engines)

In pursuit of higher aerodynamic performance, wedge-shaped and slanted-nose design were adopted as the basic proportions of this model. Retractable headlights were adopted. The model was developed as high-end specialty car.

Four-door hardtop was introduced in October.(2.0-liter EGI/2.0-liter reciprocating engines)

Four-door saloon was introduced in October. (2.2-liter diesel, 2.0-liter and 1.8-liter gasoline engines)

A model featuring the 12A rotary engine with six-port induction was introduced at the end of November.

 

07

・RX-7 becomes the first Japanese car to win an overall victory at the Total 24 Hours of Spa endurance race

 Overall victory: car number 40 (Driver: T.Walkinshau / P.Dieudonne)

04

·(North America passenger vehicle export regulations adopted).
·Cumulative exports reach 5 million vehicles.
·Mazda (North America), Inc. is established.
 

1980

Corporate History Product History
 

12

·Familia (GLC/323) receives "1980-1981 Car of the Year Japan".

 10

・Introduces machining center TMC-H40 and TMC-H60

 

10

・Introduces 3rd-generation Titan (T2000/2500/3000/4100 Truck)

The Titan was available with a 2.5-, 3.0- or 4.1-liter diesel engine.

Maximum output of the 3.0-liter diesel engine was improved (90PS/3800rpm).

Two-way shift (sub-transmission) was installed.

Weight was reduced by using high-tensile steel for the traditional box section frame and (truck) box. 

A comfortable cabin was achieved with reclining seats and multi-use seats.

08

・Opens Harajuku Mazda Rotary showroom in Omotesando, Tokyo

 
 

06

・Introduces 5th-generation Familia (323)

This model came in two body types: a three-door and five-door hatchback. FF (front-wheel drive) was adopted for this Familia for the first time. The model featured a 1.3-liter E3 or 1.5-liter E5 lean burn engines with EGR and three-way catalysts. Four wheel independent suspension was adopted with strut suspension in the front and SS suspension in the rear.

Some models featured full-flat reclining seats, rear lounge seats and rear reclining seats.

Four-door sedan Familia Saloon (323 GLC) was added in September 1980.

01

·Masaji Iwasawa becomes president.
 

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