Mazda 2007 Annual Report Download - page 37
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History of the Mazda2
The compact, stylish lines of the Mazda2 have long
since become a common sight on our roads. We
would like to take this opportunity to look back over
the story of this car at the rollout of its third model
revision.
1996: With a size that
makes for ease of
handling on city
streets and a
top-notch package
that leverages minimal space to the utmost,
the original Mazda2 raises the bar for
compact cars. In Japan, the car receives
much acclaim, chiefly being named the
1996-1997 RJC Car of the Year. Sales
are also strong, with 14,250 units sold
monthly in fiscal 1997, far and above the
initial monthly sales plan of 4,000 units.
2002: The all-new second
generation Mazda2
is rolled out into
the Japanese
marketplace. Part
of Mazda’s new-
generation line-up*, the car is the epitome
of the Company’s “Zoom-Zoom” slogan.
Its unification of highly efficient assembly,
dramatically designed exterior, high-quality
interior, and excellent handling and safety
earn it acclaim for being what a compact
car ought to be. Known as the Mazda
Demio in Japan, this is the first model to
go on sale elsewhere in the world under
the brand name Mazda2.
2006: Total production in Japan reaches the one
million threshold as of September 30, 2006.
This year marks the 10th anniversary since
the rollout of the original model, and the
car maintains solid sales for Mazda, selling
4,672 units in August 2006, good enough
to earn an eighth-place ranking in sales by
make and model, according to the Japan
Automobile Dealers Association.
2007: Mazda goes back to the drawing board,
reinventing the compact car as a personal
smart commuter vehicle. The all-new third
generation Mazda2, with best-in-class
performance, goes on sale worldwide.
*Referring to all-new Mazda models since the May
2002 rollout in Japan of the Mazda6.