In 2003, the compact Mazda Protegé was replaced by the simply named Mazda 3. Available in sedan and hatchback trim, the little compact with the soul of the sporty Miata offered consumers an alternative to the boring commuter vehicle. Was launched, the car went global and has been going strong ever since. Proof of this came recently when Mazda announced that they have produced three million units over the past eight years.
The 3 also earned the claim “fastest-selling Mazda” in their current line-up with 1,152,332 units sold in North America alone. The world car is produced in three global locations: Mazda’s Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi, Japan; the Changan Ford Mazda Automobile plant in Nanjing, China; and AutoAlliance in Thailand. Sold across nearly 90 countries and regions, the three millionth Mazda 3, a Japanese spec five-door hatchback, was produced at the Hofu Plant. “Mazda3 embodies the three elements of Mazda’s DNA: distinctive design, exceptional functionality, and responsive handling and driving performance,” said Hirotaka Kanazawa, Mazda Motor Corporation’s senior managing executive officer in charge of R&D.
With numerous models, including the hot-rod turbocharged MazdaSpeed, the Mazda 3 should continue to strive and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping anytime soon.
