Who Created MAZDA? A Short History

With its innovative technology and sophisticated designs, many people wonder who created Mazda. They actually have a rich history that dates back over 100 years. North Penn Mazda shares their origin.

MAZDA Founder

The Mazda Motor Corporation was originally founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan. It first began as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., which was a cork manufacturing plant owned by local investors. In 1921, a Japanese businessman, Jujiro Matsuda, came on to help the company. While he is officially their second president, he is credited as the founder of Mazda.

Transition to Automobiles

The company suffered a large fire, which destroyed most of its facility. While they rebuilt, Matsuda decided to shift the company’s focus to machinery. In 1927, they dropped the “Cork” from their name.

Four years later, they made an automobile plant in Fuchu Village (which is now known as Fuchu Town). This was where they designed their first tricycle truck, known as the “Mazda-go”. It quickly became one of the biggest brands in Japan’s three-wheeled truck segment.

Transition to MAZDA

As the company grew, they started investing in research and development of small passenger vehicles. They were eventually able to shift to four-wheel vehicles, beginning with their first passenger vehicle in 1960: the R360 Coupe.

After more shifts and continued growth, the company officially changed its name to Mazda Motor Corporation in 1984.

Shop Our New MAZDA Models in Colmar, PA

With their extensive history and continued growth, you know that Mazda models are vehicles you can trust. We encourage you to stop by and see what more than 100 years of innovation looks like. Visit North Penn Mazda to shop today!