Mazda North American Operations
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Headquarters | Irvine, California , United States |
Key people | Jeffrey Guyton (CEO) |
| Products | Automobiles |
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), which encompasses Mazda Motor of America, Inc., represents the largest Mazda Motor Corporation division outside of Japan. Its headquarters are situated in Irvine, California, with Jeffrey Guyton serving as the current CEO.
History
Mazda made its debut in the U.S. automotive market in 1970 under the name Mazda Motor America, launching with the RX-2 model. By 1972, the brand's portfolio had grown to feature various compact and larger vehicles, including the Familia-derived 1200 and 808, Capella-based 616 and 618, RX-3, as well as the B1600 pickup truck. The company became well-known for its implementation of Wankel rotary engines, introducing models such as the Rotary Pickup and RX-4 in 1974 powered by this technology. Nevertheless, due to the energy crisis and increasing concerns about fuel economy, Mazda transitioned its focus toward piston-engine cars like the 1.3 L Familia Mizer and GLC, which enhanced both sales figures and consumer acceptance.
In 1976, Mazda unveiled the Wankel-engine RX-5 Cosmo; however, most rotary models were phased out by 1978. The RX-7, launched in 1979, emerged as a high-performance icon, while the midsize 626 helped broaden Mazda’s footprint across the U.S. To facilitate expansion, Mazda established a manufacturing facility in America (currently known as Flat Rock Assembly Plant) for producing the 626 and partnered with Ford on vehicles such as the MX-6 and Ford Probe.
Throughout the 1990s, Mazda solidified its reputation with sports cars like the Miata and the third-generation RX-7, though some models were discontinued due to sales difficulties. Plans to create a luxury brand named Amati aimed at competing with Acura and Lexus were abandoned amid economic downturns.
In 1997, Mazda unified its North American operations under MNAO at its Irvine location, having moved from Compton in 1971. A relocation to a new office at 200 Spectrum Center Drive in Irvine was scheduled for early 2017.
In 2021, Mazda recorded its strongest U.S. sales performance since 1994 by selling 332,756 vehicles.
Leadership changes include Jim O'Sullivan stepping down as president and CEO in 2015, followed by Masahiro Moro until May 2021 when Jeffrey Guyton took over to steer further growth in the North American market.
Vehicles
Mazda North America's current vehicle offerings include:
- Mazda3 — compact car (2003–present)
- CX-30 — crossover SUV (2019–present)
- CX-5 — crossover SUV (2012–present)
- CX-50 — crossover SUV (2022–present)
- CX-90 — crossover SUV (2023–present)
- MX-5 / Miata — roadster / convertible (1989–present)
Former products
- RX-7 — coupe (1978–1995)
- Mazda MPV — minivan (1989–2006)
- B-Series — pickup truck (1972–2011)
- Tribute — compact SUV (2001–2011)
- CX-3 — crossover SUV (2016–2021)
- CX-7 — crossover SUV (2007–2012)
- CX-9 – crossover SUV (2007–2023)
- RX-8 — coupe (2003–2012)
- Mazda2 — subcompact car (2010–2014)
- Mazda5 — minivan (2005–2015)
- Mazda6 — sedan (2003–2021)
- MX-6 – coupe (1987–1997)