One of the most important models for Mazda in Europe reached a great milestone. According to the Japanese manufacturer, the Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) reached five million units at the end of April 2016.
Surprisingly it is the second Mazda to reach five million units of production, following the Mazda Familia. The Mazda3 sets a new record for Mazda by achieving the milestone figure in only twelve years and ten months since production of the model commenced in June 2003.
The Mazda3 is a core model for Mazda, accounting for approximately one third of the company’s annual sales volume. It is manufactured at the Hofu Plant in Japan, Changan Mazda in China, AutoAlliance (Thailand) and Mazda de Mexico. It is also assembled in Malaysia and Vietnam.
Currently in its third generation, the Mazda3 was fully redesigned in 2013, adopting Skyactiv technology and Kodo design to join Mazda’s new-generation lineup. The model won Canadian Car of the Year’s Best New Small Car in 2013 and the international Red Dot Design Award in 2014. It was named a Top 3 Finalist for World Car of the Year and World Design Car of the Year in 2014.
