Congratulations must go to Mazda and its plucky little MX-5 for reaching a total production milestone of 900,000 vehicles. The new high-mark comes 21 years after production of the MX-5 began in April 1989.
In May 2000 total production of the MX-5 reached 531,890 which was enough to earn it the title of “Best selling two-seat sports car” as sanctioned by Guinness World Records. Since then the record has been re-sanctioned as production reached 700,000 and 800,000. Mazda is now seeking to have its new mark acknowledged.
The MX-5 badge is the longest serving in Mazda’s 90-plus year history and it seems like it will be around for a while yet. 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.”
More after the break.
900,000th Mazda Mx-5 Sets A New Guinness World Record
Total production of the Mazda MX-5 sports car reached 900,000 units on February 4, 2011.
This significant milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 commenced in April 1989.
The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s “Best selling two-seat sports car†when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000.
Guinness updated the record when production passed 700,000 and, later, 800,000 units.
Currently, Mazda is reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,000 units.
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.â€
Mazda’s 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.â€
“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.â€
The MX-5 is the recipient of many Australian motoring awards including being twice voted as Wheels Car of the Year.