Japanese carmaker Mazda is founded, initially as a cork-producing company.

Mazda’s history begins in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, when it was founded as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd. by Jujiro Matsuda. Originally, the company had nothing to do with automobiles—it produced cork products and later expanded into industrial machinery. Financial difficulties in the late 1920s pushed Matsuda to rethink the business, and by the early 1930s the company shifted toward manufacturing vehicles, starting with the Mazda-Go, a three-wheeled motorized truck. The name “Mazda” was adopted as a nod both to Matsuda’s surname and to Ahura Mazda, a Zoroastrian deity symbolizing wisdom and harmony.

After World War II, Mazda played a key role in the economic recovery of Hiroshima, a city devastated by the atomic bombing. The company resumed vehicle production quickly, focusing on small trucks and commercial vehicles that were crucial for rebuilding infrastructure. During the 1950s and early 1960s, Mazda began developing passenger cars, entering a highly competitive domestic market dominated by larger Japanese automakers. This period laid the foundation for Mazda’s identity as an engineering-driven company willing to take risks.

Mazda became internationally known in the 1960s and 1970s for its commitment to rotary engine technology, a bold and unconventional choice. While other manufacturers abandoned the rotary engine due to fuel efficiency and emissions challenges, Mazda refined it and made it a central part of its brand. This effort culminated in iconic models like the RX-7, which gained a global following for its lightweight design, high-revving performance, and unique driving character. The rotary engine became synonymous with Mazda’s reputation for innovation and individuality.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Mazda navigated financial challenges, partnerships (most notably with Ford), and a rapidly changing global auto industry. The company eventually refocused on independence, emphasizing efficient engineering and driver engagement through philosophies like “Jinba Ittai,” the unity between car and driver. Modern Mazda vehicles combine sleek design, advanced safety technology, and fuel-efficient SKYACTIV engineering, reflecting a balance between innovation and practicality. Today, Mazda stands out as a carmaker that blends distinctive design, thoughtful engineering, and a strong sense of heritage.