Mazda

The Mazda corporation is actually an English version for the Japanese phrase "Matsuda Kabushiki-gaisha". One of the unique features regarding this company is that the majority of the cars produced by Mazda are built and shipped directly from Japan. According to the latest figures from the automotive industry, Mazda is the fifteenth-largest automobile manufacturer in the world.

The company itself was originally founded in 1920 and introduced its first car, the Mazda-Go in 1931. With the onset of the Second World War, all factories were retooled to accommodate wartime production; specifically rifles. The name "Mazda" was first introduced in 1960 although it was not until the year 1984 when the company formally changed its name.

Due to Mazda's post-war financial difficulties within Japan, Ford Motor Company was a notable partner from 1979 until as late as 2010. Not only did this provide substantial financial backing for Mazda as well as increase its exposure within the United States, but this synergy proved wise for Ford as well. Mazda engineers helped to contribute to the design of such vehicles as the Probe and the Ford Fiesta.

Like many Japanese car manufacturers, Mazda is following a growing trend in the production of energy-efficient vehicles. This company has also specifically focused on fuel economy with the production of such models as the Mazda 3, the Mazda 6 and the Mazda CX-5. As a relatively inexpensive alternative to luxury vehicles, Mazda cars prove quite popular for young families and those who may be on limited budgets