HIROSHIMA, Japan— The iconic Mazda MX-5 sports car, globally recognized as the MX-5 Miata and known as the Mazda Roadster in its home market of Japan, has achieved a remarkable production milestone, reaching 900,000 units on February 4, 2011. This achievement marks 21 years and 10 months since mass production began in April 1989, solidifying its place as a truly popular sports car among enthusiasts worldwide.
The MX-5’s popularity isn’t just anecdotal; it’s officially recognized. In May 2000, Guinness World Records certified the MX-5 as the “Best-selling two-seater sports car” when production surpassed 531,890 units. This record was further updated as production numbers climbed past 700,000 and then 800,000 units. Mazda is currently in the process of reapplying to Guinness World Records to update this prestigious title to reflect the new 900,000-unit milestone.
The story of the MX-5, a beloved and popular sports car, is rooted in a desire to recapture the joy of classic, lightweight roadsters from the 1960s and 1970s. During those decades, nimble handling and the thrill of open-air driving were hallmarks of numerous sports cars. In the 1980s, Mazda envisioned bringing back this spirit for a new generation. By employing cutting-edge engineering, Mazda developed the MX-5, unveiling it in February 1989. It was designed as a clear message that driving could still be an exhilarating experience, even amidst increasingly stringent safety and quality regulations. Today, the MX-5 stands as the longest-running model nameplate in Mazda’s global vehicle lineup, a testament to its enduring appeal as a popular sports car.
Nobuhiro Yamamoto, the program manager for the current generation MX-5, emphasized the car’s passionate global fanbase. “Since Mazda introduced the original MX-5, it has evolved through two complete redesigns and numerous upgrades. Its continued success is deeply attributed to the unwavering support from MX-5 enthusiasts around the world. Looking ahead, my commitment is to preserve the MX-5’s core essence while further developing it into a car that resonates with an even wider audience,” Yamamoto stated.
Seita Kanai, Mazda’s senior managing executive officer in charge of development, reflected on the MX-5’s journey in a changing world. “More than two decades have passed since the birth of the first-generation Mazda MX-5. In that time, both society and automobiles have undergone significant transformations. Addressing environmental concerns and the responsible use of Earth’s resources has become paramount for all automakers. Mazda, in response to these challenges, announced its innovative SKYACTIV technologies last year. We are actively advancing the development of future vehicles incorporating these technologies. Many of the foundational principles of our SKYACTIV technologies, such as comprehensive weight reduction, are deeply rooted in the extensive development work carried out over many years for the MX-5. In fact, the core philosophy driving SKYACTIV technologies – to create cars that are genuinely fun to drive – is perfectly embodied by the MX-5, a quintessential popular sports car.”
Kanai further added, “As we set our sights on the next major production milestone of one million units, Mazda is dedicated to the continued evolution of the MX-5. We are committed to refining its celebrated fun-to-drive nature and further enhancing its environmental performance and safety features. As Mazda celebrates its 91st anniversary, we are also looking forward to our 100th anniversary. In the years to come, we will continue to cherish the MX-5, along with its devoted global community of fans, as a symbol of the Mazda brand and a truly popular sports car.”
