- Ten years and seven months after production of the original Mazda3 began in June 2003
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that cumulative production of the Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) reached four million units on January 22, 2014. The landmark figure was achieved in just ten years and seven months after production of the first-generation model commenced in June 2003. No other Mazda model has reached the milestone as quickly. The Mazda3 is one of the core models in the Mazda line-up, having been sold in over 120 countries and regions, and accounting for approximately 30 percent of the company’s annual sales volume. Mazda produces the Mazda3 in its Hofu Plant (Japan), the Changan Mazda Automobile plant (China), Auto Alliance (Thailand), and Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (Mexico), where production started in January 2014.
The Mazda3 has consistently exceeded the expectations of customers since the launch of the first-generation model, and has been acclaimed for its emotional design, responsive handling, and high fun-to-drive factor. The model was fully redesigned for the third time in 2013, becoming the third in Mazda’s new generation of products adopting both SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the KODO—Soul of Motion design theme. Sales commenced in North America in autumn of the same year, followed by Europe, Japan, Australia and others. A hybrid version has been added to the model line-up in Japan in order to meet customers’ diversifying needs with both outstanding environmental and safety performance and Mazda’s hallmark driving pleasure.
Moving forward, Mazda will continue to deliver the Mazda3 at a consistently high level of quality to fans all around the world who have supported the model since its inception.