Mazda celebrates 100th Anniversary with special models & offers

KUALA LUMPUR: In January 2020, Mazda completed 100 years of its foundation. On this big, happy occasion, the company has announced its 100th Anniversary Special Edition models. Though these models will not make it to the local market, it is always good to know the special edition cars', the company's heritage stories.

To begin with, the automaker started its journey as Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, est. Jan 30th, 1920. This company manufactured cork for a while, but it soon began producing tools as the cork-making business was unprofitable

• In 1931, Mazda-Go, a half-truck, half-motorcycle, was made by the company
• Till the late 50's Toyo Kogyo Company built three-wheel trucks, and it was in 1960 that it introduced its first four-wheel vehicle, the R360 Coupe
• In the following decade, the company expanded its lineup with cars like the Cosmo Sport, the Luce, the Familia. Rotary engines were also introduced for these core models
• In the 1970s, Mazda introduced more cars, and things were going right for the company until the oil crisis kicked-in, leading to a drop in sales. Also, the rotary engines weren't fuel-efficient further escalating the problem

• In the mid-70s, Ford rescued Mazda and the two continued to work together until 2015
• In the 80s, the company saw growth and expansion. It introduced the 323 and 626 with technologies that were advanced for the period. In 1989, the MX-5 sports car was launched
• From the '90s until the late 00's it was a smooth ride for the company
• Ford started selling its stake in Mazda slowly. However, the automaker continued developing models like the Mazda2, Mazda3, and Mazda6. Its first mid-size crossover, the CX-7, was also introduced. In 2015, Mazda entirely became independent of Ford Motor Company, but it didn't let its stock dwindle and went all out in R&D
• Coming to the present day, Mazda is an automaker known for stylish cars, beautifully done in Kodo design along with a little zing behind the wheels

Coming to the 100th Anniversary Special Edition models, they are designed to express gratitude to the customers who have trusted the brand over the years. The company pledges to aim for the stars, but at the same time, it is making sure not to forget its roots.

Mazda has built only 700 units of the 100th Anniversary Special Edition models, and they'll sport -

• A SnowFlake White Pearl Mica exterior finish
• 100th Anniversary logo embossed on the headrest, hubcaps, wheels centre, key fobs
• 100th Anniversary badge on the floor mats and fenders

In Malaysia, Mazda is celebrating its centenary by offering the following benefits until Dec 31st 2020 -

• 6 Years Peace Of Mind - Free maintenance & warranty
• Sales Tax Exemption - Attractive pricing
• Complimentary Sign-up Gifts - Mazda official merchandise

Also Read: 2021 Mazda CX-9 revealed, gets a new Carbon Edition trim