Photo : - Mazda

After the presentation of the Shinari concept at the Festival Automobile International in Paris last week, Mazda is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Le Mans win at the Rétromobile show, and announces a new record for the MX-5.

Total production of Mazda Motor Corporation’s MX-5 sports car reached 900,000 units on February 4, 2011. This significant milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 commenced in April 1989. The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s “Best selling two-seater sports car” when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000. Guinness updated the record when production passed 700,000 and 800,000 units, respectively. Currently Mazda is reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,000 units.

During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars like the Lotus Elan and the Triumphs offered nimble handling and free-spirited open-air motoring. In the 1980s, Mazda decided to resurrect this spirit with a new roadster for the modern age with the MX-5, unveiled in February 1989. Nobuhiro Yamamoto, programme manager of the current MX-5, said, “Since Mazda launched the original MX-5, it has undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades. Its enduring success is due to the strong support it enjoys from MX-5 fans around the world. Going forward, I will strive to keep the MX-5’s spirit alive while evolving it into a car that will be loved by even more people.”

Mazda’s senior managing executive officer in charge of development, Seita Kanai, also stated that “As we head toward the next production milestone of one million units, Mazda is committed to further evolving the MX-5. In the years ahead, alongside its loyal fan base, we will continue to cherish the MX-5 as a symbol of the Mazda brand.”

(Based upon Mazda press information)