Talk to Sales: (401) 200-6026
Slip these Mazda facts into your sales arsenal to improve numbers and impress customers
You sell Mazda vehicles, but how much do you really know about the brand? Sure, you can spout out details about the newest makes and models on the market, but if someone were to ask you for some lesser-known, interesting Mazda facts, would you have anything to tell them?
If you’re not very familiar with the company’s background and history, don’t worry. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the most fascinating Mazda facts that you can share with your customers to improve brand awareness and boost your sales.
Some of the most interesting Mazda facts you need to know
1. Mazda was founded January 30, 1920, by Jujiro Matsuda.
The company he formed, however, was called Toyo Cork Kogyo and it was a business that made corks in Hiroshima, Japan. About a decade later, his company made its first automobile and eventually changed its name to Mazda.
2. Mazda’s first vehicle was a three-wheeled truck called the Mazda-go.
It came out in March 1931, and 66 units were built. Mitsubishi’s triple-diamond logo was on the fuel tank because Mitsubishi’s sales network marketed Mazda vehicles until 1936.
3. The name “Mazda” is derived from two different places.
The first influence was Ahura Mazda, a god of the earliest civilizations of West Asia. He was the god of wisdom, intelligence and harmony and the company says it has interpreted Ahura Mazda as the symbol of the origins of both eastern and western civilization, and the primitive symbol of the automobile culture. The second influence was the name of the company’s founder, Jujiro Matsuda.
4. Mazda has had many different slogans.
You may remember more recent slogans like “Zoom Zoom,” “Driving Matters,” and “What Do You Drive?” Past slogans, however, include: “The more you look, the more you like,” “Experience Mazda,” “An intense commitment to your total satisfaction, that’s The Mazda Way,” “It Just Feels Right,” “Passion for the road,” and “Get in. Be moved.”
5. The Mazda logo has evolved quite a bit over the years.
The current logo, a stylized capital “M” which was established in 1997, symbolizes the determination of Mazda and the Mazda Group to continue revolutionizing itself to develop and grow.
6. The Mazda headquarters and factory were almost entirely unscathed after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima during World War II.
A mountain stood between Mazda and the hypocenter and ultimately protected it from most of the blast. The bomb was dropped on Jujiro Matsuda’s birthday and exploded 50 yards from the barber shop he had just left. He was almost back to the headquarters when the event occurred; the shockwave ejected him from the car he was in, but he survived.
7. Mazda was a government office for a time.
For about a year from August 20, 1945, after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Mazda provided portions of its corporate facilities to the Hiroshima Prefectural government, the local court, and NHK Hiroshima Broadcasting. For this period, Mazda was the center of government in Hiroshima.
8. Mazda’s first two-door passenger car, the R360 Coupe, was introduced in 1960.
It had four seats and included a version with an automatic transmission. It was 300,000 yen at the time (about $2,700 U.S. dollars), making it an affordable option for salaried workers. In December 1960, almost 4,100 units were purchased.
9. Mazda developed the world’s first Miller-cycle engine for practical automotive use.
This type of engine was first used in ships, stationary power-generating plants, and some railway locomotives. Mazda adapted the engine for its vehicles. The main differences are that Miller-cycle engines depend on a supercharger, and they tend to be more efficient than normal engines.
10. Ford Motors used to be the major shareholder in the Mazda company.
Ford owned up to 33.4 percent of its share. It changed its ownership stake to 13 percent in 2008 and went down to 2.1 percent in the following years. They parted ways in 2010, and many Japanese firms bought out Ford’s shares.
11. Mazda and Ford have a good relationship.
In the past, Ford and Mazda collaborated a great deal in the areas of engineering, design, and development. The Ford Explorer—one of the most popular and best-selling SUVs ever—was born from the Mazda Navajo, which was significantly less successful when it was produced from 1991 to 1994.
12. In 2015, Mazda and Toyota announced their new long-term partnership.
The companies joined forces to collaborate on products, manufacturing, and technologies.
13. Mazda is an award winner.
Most recently, the Mazda6, Mazda3, and Mazda CX-5 each were named a 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick and also named “Top Rated Vehicles” by Edmunds. Mazda was named the “2016 Best Car Brand” by U.S. News & World Report.
Sell other makes and models as well at your used car dealership? After you commit these Mazda facts to memory, read up on other brands to increase your sales arsenal: Honda, Ford, Toyota, Jeep, Nissan, Subaru, Volkswagen, Dodge and Hyundai.
Interested in an Affordable, Full-Featured Auto Dealer CRM?
Schedule an AutoRaptor Demo Now!
