Thought the following may be of interest. Shame it's not MG, eh?
Mazda Motor Corporation announced that it marked a cumulative production
of 500,000 units of the MX-5 on 8 February 1999. To commemorate the
achievement, Mazda held a ceremony at its Ujina Plant attended by
President Miller and Mazda employees. During the ceremony,
congratulatory messages were received from MX-5 Clubs around the world.
The record was reached in 9 years and 10 months after the production of
the first generation Mazda MX-5 began in April 1989. This makes the
Mazda
MX-5 the most popular two-seater, open sports car in the world. The
500,000th car, bound for the United States, is equipped with leather
seats and an exterior body colour in a special Evolution Orange Mica
paint.
The first-generation Mazda MX-5 made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show
in February 1989. It was introduced first into the U.S. market in May
1989. Sales began in the UK in March 1990. In January 1998, the second
generation model was introduced in Japan (April 1998 in the UK).
In this 10th anniversary year for the Mazda MX-5, it is being sold in
more than 50 countries. Out of the 500,000 units, about 50% were sold in
North America and 20% in Europe.
Being a lightweight sports car with front-engine rear-drive, the Mazda
MX-5 has been highly acclaimed worldwide ever since it was launched for
its "distinctive and attractive styling". Another reason for its
popularity is the "fun to drive" feeling it offers, as the driver can
enjoy a tactile relationship with the car.
The Mazda MX-5 has won more than 80 awards around the world. It is also
known globally as the car that served as the spark to re-ignite the
lightweight sports car market in the 1990s after it reached a peak in
the 1960s.
Mazda is now forging ahead with a strategy to enhance its brand
awareness. The current model introduced last year is a car that clearly
embodies the distinctive design and responsive handling and performance,
which are key areas of Mazda+s product philosophy. It has positioned the
MX-5 as Mazda's image leader to attract youthful customers, and plans to
further improve the model.
Cheers,
Philip Raby
Editor, MG World, PO Box 163, Bicester OX6 3YS, UK
Tel: 01869 340061 Fax: 01869 340063 Mobile 0467 767361 www.chp.ltd.uk
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