| During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight
and fun-to-drive sports cars 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. Using the latest
engineering techniques, Mazda developed the MX-5 and
announced it in February 1989 as a reminder that
driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter
safety and quality standards. To this day, the MX-5
remains the longest enduring nameplate in Mazda's
global lineup. 
Nobuhiro Yamamoto, program 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, said, "More than
20 years have passed since the first-generation
Mazda MX-5 was born. During this time, society and
vehicles themselves have changed significantly.
Responding to environmental issues and the depletion
of the Earth's natural resources has become
increasingly important for all automakers. As part
of its environmental efforts, Mazda announced its
new SKYACTIV technologies last year. Currently, we
are pushing forward with development of future
products that will incorporate these technologies.
Many of the elements that go into our SKYACTIV
technologies, such as comprehensive weight reduction,
grew from the long years of development work that
have gone into the MX-5. Indeed, the guiding
principle behind the SKYACTIV technologies – to
build cars that are fun to drive – is perfectly
embodied by the MX-5."

"As we head toward the next production milestone
of one million units," Kanai continued, "Mazda is
committed to further evolving the MX-5. We will
refine its fun-to-drive character and further
enhance its environmental and safety capabilities.
As Mazda passes its 91st birthday, we are turning
our sights toward our 100th anniversary. In the
years ahead, we will continue to cherish the MX-5,
alongside its loyal fan base, as the symbol of the
Mazda brand." |