One million MX-5s built and counting.
Mazda’s accumulative production of the MX-5 (also marketed as Miata in the US and simply Roadster in Japan) reached one million units on April 22, 2016. The milestone figure was achieved over 27 years, with mass production of the MX-5 started at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima back in April 1989.
“From the first generation through to today’s fourth-generation model, the reason we have been able to continue selling the MX-5 all these years is due to the strong support of fans around the world,” said Masamichi Kogai, CEO of Mazda Corporation.
“Mazda was founded in Hiroshima 96 years ago, and as we move toward our centennial year, we will continue offering customers the joy of driving with this model, which has become a symbol of our brand. Mazda aims to create a special bond with customers and become a ‘one-and-only’ brand they will choose again and again.”
As a way of expressing thanks to MX-5 fans and owners, Mazda’s one millionth MX-5 (a Japanese-spec 1.5-litre model of the current ND generation) will be displayed at fan events in Japan and around the world. The tour begins on May 3 at the Hiroshima Flower Festival where the car will participate in the Flower Parade, and the tour ends at the annual “Miatas at Mazda Raceway” event in the US on October 1-2, after making scheduled stops around the country.
The MX-5 is a symbol of Mazda’s car-making philosophy and tireless pursuit of driving pleasure. Since its debut in 1989, the model has consistently offered driving fun in the form of a lightweight sports car and won the admiration of people from various countries, cultures and age groups.
The MX-5 is also critically acclaimed, with over 200 awards from around the globe to its name, including the fourth-generation model’s accolades as 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan, World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year 2016.
The MX-5 has held the Guinness World Record for the best-selling open-top two-seater sports car for many years. With the achievement of one million units of production, Mazda will now attempt to break its own record.
History of the Mazda MX-5
1989 Feb Original MX-5 (model code NA) debuts at Chicago Auto Show
1997 Oct Second-generation MX-5 (model code NB) debuts at Tokyo Motor Show
1998 Dec 10th Anniversary Limited Edition MX-5 launched
2000 May Recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car (531,890 units produced)
2002 Jan Production reaches 600,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
2005 Mar Third-generation MX-5 (model code NC) debuts at Geneva International Motor Show
2005 Apr Production reaches 700,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
2006 Jul Retractable hard-top model debuts at British International Motor Show
2007 Jan Production reaches 800,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
2009 Jul 20th Anniversary Limited Edition MX-5 launched
2011 Feb Production reaches 900,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
2014 Apr 25th Anniversary Edition MX-5 launched
2014 Sep Fourth-generation MX-5 (model code ND) debuts
2016 Mar MX-5 RF debuts at New York International Auto Show
2016 Apr Production reaches 1,000,000 units
Mazda’s NA, NB, NC (left to right, above) and ND (top) generations of the MX-5.
