When it comes to cars, we often hear the name Mazda. This Japanese car manufacturer has been around for over a century and has made quite a name for itself in the automotive industry. But have you ever wondered who is Mazda made by? In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Mazda and its ownership over the years.
The Early Years
Mazda was founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, by Jujiro Matsuda. At the time, the company was called Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and it produced cork, machine tools, and even small three-wheeled trucks. However, it wasn't until 1931 that Mazda produced its first passenger car, the Mazda-Go. This was a small three-wheeled truck that was popular in Japan at the time.
In the 1950s, Mazda started producing four-wheeled vehicles, and in 1960, it introduced its first passenger car, the R360. This was a small two-door coupe that was affordable and fuel-efficient, making it popular in Japan. From there, Mazda continued to produce a range of cars, including sports cars like the RX-7 and the MX-5.
Ford's Ownership
In the late 1970s, Mazda formed a partnership with Ford Motor Company. This partnership involved Mazda producing cars for Ford, and in return, Ford provided Mazda with technology and engineering expertise. In 1996, Ford purchased a 33.4% stake in Mazda, making it the company's largest shareholder.
Under Ford's ownership, Mazda continued to produce a range of cars, including the popular Mazda6 and the Mazda3. However, in 2008, Ford sold most of its stake in Mazda, reducing its ownership to just 13.4%. This was part of Ford's efforts to focus on its core brands and reduce its debt.
The Current Ownership
Today, Mazda is owned by a group of companies known as the Mazda Motor Corporation. This group includes various Japanese companies, such as Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Itochu Corporation, and the Japan Trustee Services Bank. Together, these companies own around 5% of Mazda.
Interestingly, Mazda is also partially owned by Toyota Motor Corporation. In 2015, Mazda and Toyota formed a partnership to develop electric vehicles and other technology. As part of this partnership, Toyota purchased a 5% stake in Mazda, while Mazda purchased a 0.25% stake in Toyota. This partnership has allowed both companies to share technology and reduce development costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mazda has had an interesting ownership history over the years. From its early days as a cork and machine tool manufacturer to its current position as a respected car manufacturer, Mazda has come a long way. While Ford was once its largest shareholder, today, Mazda is owned by a group of Japanese companies and partially owned by Toyota. Despite these ownership changes, Mazda has remained committed to producing innovative and stylish cars that appeal to drivers around the world.
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