The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company was started in 1920 in Hiroshima and used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, which it launched in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian God of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could help with Japan's war effort. After the War the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.
By 1960, the first Mazda car - the R360 coupe - was announced. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that has lead to the new RX 8. The company produced its first pickup and its first rotary-engine vehicle
In the early 70s, the carmaker launched the RX-2 powered by the noted 12A rotary. This car introduced America to Mazda's effort to build fun-to-drive and affordable cars. The decade also saw the RX-3, RX-4 and RX-7 sports car. In 1979, the Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.
The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda with the company officially taking on the Mazda name. Sales also rose because of new products like the 323 and 626. 1990 saw the launch of the MX-5 Miata, a two-seater that was responsive and affordable.
Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B, the first time a Japanese car had won the prestigious race and the first for a rotary engine.
The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride. The automaker has invested in new development, with impressive results. New models like the Mazda 3, Mazda 6 and RX-8 have broadened the company's customer base and won over a whole new generation of fans.
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Check Mazda insurance groups - select a model to start
Whether you currently own a Mazda or you are considering buying a model from
the Mazda range, it helps if you understand insurance groups and how they affect
your premium.
Insurance group ratings take into account performance, security, damage and parts costs, new
car values, availability of body shells and repair costs and times. What you'll typically
find is that cars in lower insurance groups attract a lower premium, whilst cars in higher
insurance groups attract a higher premium - usually because they are high performance models
or have high repair or replacement costs. Just choose a model to check its insurance group ratings.