Saturday, February 5, 2011
Best selling two-seat sports car: Mazda MX-5 sets world record(Video)
IRVINE, Calif., USA -- 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 commenced, the total production of Mazda Motor Corporation's MX-5 sports car (known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan) reached 900,000 units on February 4, 2011 - setting the new world record for the Best selling two-seat sports car.
Photo: Mazda MX-5, the World's best selling two-seat sports car. (enlarge photo)
“Nearly 45 percent – more than 388,000 units – of those were sold in the United States since the car launched in 1989,” writes Mazda.
The previous Guinness world record for the Best selling two-seat sports car was first set by Mazda when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000.
Guinness World Records updated the record when production passed 700,000 and, later, 800,000 units.
Guinness World Records also recognized the largest parade of Mazda cars world record, which is 459 and was achieved by Mazda MX-5 (Germany) at Zeche Zollverein Essen, in Essen, Germany.
The MX-5 made its global debut at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show and has since received several facelifts, seen many limited and special edition versions, been named “Car of the Year” multiple times around the world and topped countless “Best Sports Car” lists.
Currently equipped with an MZR-series 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine, today’s MX-5 produces 167 horsepower (158 for automatic transmission) and delivers 140 lb-ft of torque. The soft-topped Sport model starts at $23,110 with top-level, Power Retractable Hard Top Grand Touring models starting at $28,550.
The 500,000th MX-5 Miata was produced in 1999 and sold in the United States.
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,"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."
Mazda Motor Corporation (TSE: 7261) started manufacturing tools in 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. In the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.
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