When it comes to the automotive industry, it's important to keep up with the latest news and changes. One question that many car enthusiasts and buyers may have is, "Who owns Mazda now?" This Japanese automaker has been around for over 100 years, producing popular models such as the Mazda3, CX-5, and MX-5 Miata. In this article, we'll dive into the history of Mazda's ownership, recent changes, and what that means for the future of the company.
The History of Mazda's Ownership
Mazda was founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd. The company originally produced cork, but soon began manufacturing machine tools and eventually moved into the automotive industry. In the 1960s, Mazda entered into a partnership with Ford Motor Company, which eventually led to Ford owning a controlling stake in Mazda in 1996.
This partnership lasted for over 30 years, during which time Mazda produced several successful models, such as the RX-7 and Miata. However, in 2008, Ford began to sell its stake in Mazda due to financial troubles. By 2015, Ford had completely divested its ownership in Mazda, leaving the Japanese automaker to find new partners.
Mazda's Current Ownership
Partnerships with Toyota and Isuzu
Since Ford's exit, Mazda has formed partnerships with a few different companies. In 2015, Mazda and Toyota announced a partnership to develop and produce electric vehicles. This partnership has since expanded to include the development of connected-car technology and a joint venture to build a $1.6 billion assembly plant in the United States.
In 2016, Mazda also formed a partnership with Isuzu Motors to develop next-generation pickup trucks. This partnership has allowed Mazda to reenter the pickup truck market, which it had exited in the early 2000s.
Majority Ownership by Sumitomo Corporation
In 2020, Mazda announced that it had sold a majority stake in the company to Sumitomo Corporation, a Japanese trading and investment company. Sumitomo now owns 33.4% of Mazda, while Mazda's founding family still owns 5.7% and other shareholders own the remaining shares.
This move was seen as a way for Mazda to secure long-term stability and growth, as Sumitomo has a diverse portfolio of businesses and investments. However, it's important to note that Mazda will still operate independently and maintain its own brand identity.
What Does the Future Hold for Mazda?
With its recent partnerships and change in ownership, Mazda is poised for growth and innovation. The company has stated that it plans to have electric vehicles make up 25% of its sales by 2030, and it has already introduced its first electric vehicle, the MX-30, in select markets.
Mazda has also been focusing on improving its existing models, such as the Mazda3 and CX-5, with updates to their design, performance, and technology. The company has received praise for its "Kodo" design language, which emphasizes simplicity and elegance, and its "Skyactiv" technology, which enhances fuel efficiency and performance.
Overall, Mazda's current ownership and partnerships show that the company is committed to adapting to the changing automotive landscape and continuing to produce high-quality, innovative vehicles. Car buyers and enthusiasts alike can look forward to seeing what Mazda has in store in the coming years.
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