MAZDA

MAZDA 100TH ANNIVERSARY

100 Years Timeline
Chapter 9
The Skyactiv technology challenge - Global production system restructuring
Ford gradually sold its Mazda shares following the 2008 financial crisis, signaling the end of Mazda’s 12 years under the Ford umbrella. Mazda’s business also suffered due to the recession. While making cost improvements and procuring funds, the company fought for its survival as an independent manufacturer through developing vehicles with unique value. Namely, Mazda adopted next-generation Skyactiv technology and the new Kodo design theme, planned an attractive product lineup that took its vehicles’ performance and design to even greater heights, and implemented a highly efficient production method through Monotsukuri innovation, which achieves both diversity and commonality among products. Beginning with the CX-5, an SUV that went on sale in 2012, each successive new model was well-received around the world, and Mazda created a new market for clean diesel engines. The company also strengthened its business in emerging economies through starting production in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Russia. In 2014, the Mexico plant began operations as a production site to serve the North American and European market in place of AAI.
2009
Mar.
Begins leasing Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid
Jun.
Starts sale of second-generation Mazda 3 (Axela in Japan) , featuring the i-stop idling stop system
Starts introducing the environment-friendly, water-based paint system Aqua-tech
Oct.
Commences production of Mazda2 (Demio in Japan) at new passenger car plant AAT in Thailand
Nov.
With the public offering of new shares, Ford's share-holding ratio in Mazda changes from 13.8% to 11.0%
2010
Mar.
Enters an agreement with Toyota Motor Corporation on the supply of hybrid technology under license
Apr.
Announces Framework for Medium- and Long-Term Initiatives
Jul.
Starts sale of third-generation Mazda5 (Premacy in Japan)
Sep.
Announces Mazda's new design theme, "Kodo - Soul of Motion" and the design concept model, Mazda SHINARI
Oct.
Reveals next-generation Skyactiv Technologies
Nov.
Ford's stake in Mazda changes from 11.0% to 3.5%; Mazda and Ford agreed to continue the strategic partnership
2011
Mar.
Starts local assembly of Mazda3 (Axela in Japan) in Thailand and Malaysia
Introduces outside director system
Adds Skyactiv-G engine model grade to Mazda2 (Demio in Japan)
Sep.
Adds Skyactiv-G engine and Skyactiv-Drive transmission model grades to Mazda3 (Axela in Japan)
Launches Mazda Japan Facebook page
Oct.
Starts local assembly of Mazda2 (Demio in Japan) at Vina Mazda’s new plant in Vietnam
Nov.
Develops 'i-ELOOP' capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system
2012
Feb.
Announces Structural Reform Plan that strengthens Framework for Medium- and Long-Term Initiatives
Starts sale of Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV, fully adopting new-generation Skyactiv technology and Mazda's new Kodo - Soul of Motion design theme
Jun.
Starts sale of micro-mini tall-type Mazda Flairwagon (Japan exclusive)
Sep.
Establishes MAZDA SOLLOERS Manufacturing Rus, a new joint venture production company in Russia with OJSC Sollers
Oct.
Begins leasing the Demio EV (electric vehicle)
Starts sale of Flair and Flair Custom Style micro-mini passenger vehicles (Japan exclusive)
Mazda CX-5 wins Car of the Year Japan
2013
Jan.
Mazda and Fiat sign an agreement to produce an open-top two-seater sports car
Jun.
Announces support for "Support Our Kids" homestay program for child victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake
Masamichi Kogai becomes 15th president
Aug.
Mazda's Hofu plant builds 10 million units
Sep.
Announces next-generation car connectivity System 'Mazda Connect'
Nov.
Mazda6 (Atenza in Japan) receives 2014 RJC Car of the Year Japan
Launches third-generation Mazda3 (Axela in Japan), adopting Skyactiv-Hybrid for the fist time
2014
Jan.
First vehicle, Mazda3 (Axela in Japan), comes off the line at new MMVO plant in Mexico
Starts sale of SUV-type minicar, Flair Crossover (Japan exclusive)
May
A Mazda-exclusive vehicle assembly facility is completed at Inokom Corporation in Malaysia
Jul.
Announces new concept for next-generation dealer showrooms
Sep.
Starts sale of fourth-generation Mazda2 (Demio in Japan)
Oct.
Mazda2 (Demio in Japan) receives 2014-2015 Car of the Year Japan
2015
Jan.
Starts production of Skyactiv-Drive at MPMT, a new transmission plant in Thailand
Feb.
Starts sale of Mazda CX-3 compact crossover SUV
Apr.
Announces structural reform stage 2 of mid-term management plan
May
Toyota and Mazda team up to make cars better
Starts sale of fourth-generation MX-5 (Roadster in Japan)
Oct.
Hosts world premiere of Mazda RX-Vision concept model at 2015 Tokyo Motor Show
Dec.
MX-5 (Roadster in Japan) wins 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan