The Mazda MX-5 Miata (Mazda Roadster in Japan) reached one million units on April 22nd, 2016. Mazda Motor Corporation recently announced the milestone, saying it was achieved over 27 years. Production started 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, Mazda Corporation.
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, Mazda will now attempt to break its own record. The MX-5 is cherished among Mazda enthusiasts and Kogai underscored the significant role the vehicle has played.
“Mazda was founded in Hiroshima 96 years ago, and as we move toward our centennial year we will continue offering customers the joy of driving with this model, which has become a symbol of our brand,” he said.
As a way of expressing thanks to MX-5 fans and owners, the One-Millionth MX-5 will be displayed at events in Japan and around the world. The tour begins on May 3rd at the Hiroshima Flower Festival where the car will participate in the Flower Parade. The tour moves to the U.S. in September with its final stop at the annual “Miatas at Mazda Raceway” event on October 1st and 2nd.
Mazda MX-5 Timeline
February 1989: Original MX-5 debuts at the Chicago Auto Show
October 1997: Second-generation MX-5 debuts at the Tokyo Motor Show
December 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)
January 2002: Production reaches 600,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
March 2005: Third-generation MX-5 debuts at the Geneva International Motor Show
April 2005: Production reaches 700,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
July 2006: Retractable hardtop model debuts at the British International Motor Show
January 2007: Production reaches 800,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
July 2009: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition MX-5 launched
February 2011: Production reaches 900,000 units (Guinness World Record updated)
April 2014: 25th Anniversary Edition MX-5 launched
September 2014: Fourth-generation MX-5 debuts
March 2016: Mazda MX-5 RF debuts at the New York International Auto Show
*Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
*Photos & Source: Mazda
