Mazda MX-5 reaches production milestone with one-millionth model

The one-millionth Mazda MX-5 has been produced in Japan, adding yet another milestone to the iconic soft-top’s growing list of historic achievements.

Repeatedly recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car, the one-millionthMazda MX-5 ever produced, rolled of the Hiroshima production line on April 22 – 27 years after mass-production of the model first began in April 1989.

Evolving through four generations to date – the NA, NB, NC and ND – Mazda says the one-millionth car, a Soul Red Japanese-spec 1.5-litre soft-top, is to be displayed at events across Japan and around the world starting from May 3, “As a way of expressing thanks to MX-5 fans and owners”.

Mazda Motor Corporation president and CEO Masamichi Kogai said the marque will continue to focus on delivering “the joy of driving” to MX-5 buyers, while acknowledging the attribute “has become a symbol of our brand”.

“From the first generation through to today’s fourth-generation model, the reason we have been able to continue selling the MX-5 all these years, is due to the strong support of fans around the world,” Kogai said.

“Mazda aims to create a special bond with customers and become a ‘one-and-only’ brand they will choose again and again.”

With global sales of the all-new fourth-generation ND Mazda MX-5 already well underway, the model’s sales and production records will continue to grow as the 96-year-old Japanese car maker narrows in on its centennial year.

Since the original Mazda MX-5 debuted in February 1989 at the Chicago motor show, the hugely popular model has received over 200 awards, including taking out an unprecedented double-win at this year’s 2016 World Car of the Year Awards (claiming both World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year).

• February 1989 – First-generation NA Mazda MX-5 debuts at Chicago motor show

• October 1997 – Second-generation NB Mazda MX-5 debuts at Tokyo motor show

• March 2005 – Third-generation NC Mazda MX-5 debuts at Geneva motor show

• September 2014 – Fourth-generation ND Mazda MX-5 debuts at simultaneous events in the US, Spain and Japan