Mazda announced that the production of the Mazda MX-5 (also known as Mazda Roadster in Japan) has reached one million units on April 22, 2016. The milestone figure was achieved over 27 years, with mass-production of the MX-5 starting at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima 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, Representative Director, President and CEO.
To celebrate this milestone and as a way of expressing thanks to MX-5 fans and owners, Mazda will display the one-millionth MX-5 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.
Since its debut in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 has consistently offered driving fun that can only be experienced in a lightweight sports car and won the admiration of people from various countries, cultures and age groups. The MX-5 is also critically acclaimed, receiving over 200 awards from around the globe to its name. The fourth-generation model released last year has won a string of awards, including 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
| Feb 1989 | Original MX-5 debuts at Chicago Auto Show |
| Oct 1997 | Second-generation MX-5 debuts at Tokyo Motor Show |
| Dec 1998 | 10th Anniversary Limited Edition MX-5 launched |
| May 2000 | Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car (531,890 units produced) |
| Jan 2002 | Production reaches 600,000 units (Guinness World Record updated) |
| Mar 2005 | Third-generation MX-5 debuts at Geneva International Motor Show |
| Apr 2005 | Production reaches 700,000 units (Guinness World Record updated) |
| Jul 2006 | Retractable hardtop model debuts at British International Motor Show |
| Jan 2007 | Production reaches 800,000 units (Guinness World Record updated) |
| Jul 2009 | 20th Anniversary Limited Edition MX-5 launched |
| Feb 2011 | Production reaches 900,000 units (Guinness World Record updated) |
| Apr 2014 | 25th Anniversary Edition MX-5 launched |
| Sep 2014 | Fourth-generation MX-5 debuts |
| Mar 2016 | Mazda MX-5 RF debuts at New York International Auto Show |
