Where Are Mazdas From? Our Origin Story From Japan
Where are Mazdas made? It's a common question among drivers expanding their horizons. Automobiles, like other products, are made worldwide today, so you might be curious about where a car is made before purchasing one.
Join the Berge Mazda team as we look at where modern Mazda vehicles are manufactured and delve into the history of this well-respected automaker.
Where Are Mazdas Made? The Answer, At a Glance
- Mazda is a Japanese company with a rich history and worldwide manufacturing facilities, including in Japan, the United States, and Mexico
- Headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda makes many of its cars in this historic city, and also in the nearby city of Hofu
- The name Mazda comes from the company's founder Jujiro Matsuda, whose name also sounds like the Zoroastrian god of harmony, Ahura Mazda
- Of special note, much investment has been made into the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing factory in Madison, Alabama, where the Mazda CX-50 is currently built
The Mazda Japanese Car Brand
Mazda, a Japanese company, has manufacturing facilities in several countries and operates its sales and service networks globally in even more nations. While the global Mazda Japan headquarters is located in Hiroshima, the Mazda company's origin and home city, the automaker also has U.S. headquarters in Irvine, California.
Mazda is a truly global company, with manufacturing plants in Japan, Mexico, the United States, and several other countries. But how did Mazda begin, from choosing a name to producing its first few cars? Let's investigate further.
Mazda Company Origin
The company Mazda from Japan was founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, but under a different name. It was initially called Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. and produced cork and other non-automotive products. While you'll find a different sort of Japanese Mazda parts being manufactured at its factories today, a commitment to quality and craftsmanship was instilled from the very beginning.
When the company first began making three-wheel "autorickshaws" and later automobiles, there were only Japanese Mazda cars for many years. Not until the 1970s did the automaker start expanding to markets globally, including the United States.
Mazda: Origin of a Name
An early civilization of West Asia and the surname of Jujiro Matsuda, the second president and contributing founder of Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd., inspired the Mazda name.
Jujiro Matsuda's surname sounds much like Ahura Mazda, the Zoroastrian god of light, harmony, intelligence, and wisdom. The founders of the auto manufacturer saw the Mazda name as a symbol of early civilization. They also decided to use it to honor Jujiro's significant contributions and the company's origins.
Where Are Mazdas Made Today?
To this day, the most significant Mazda Japan factory is still in Hiroshima. However, the automaker has several other facilities in the country, including the Mazda Hofu Plant in Hofu, a part of Yamaguchi prefecture.
Looking outside the major production facilities in Japan, you'll find some Mazda automobiles for the North American market built in Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico, and the company's new joint manufacturing facility in Alabama here in the United States.
Opening in late 2021, the modern Mazda Toyota Manufacturing facility in Madison, AL, near Huntsville, is a collaboration of two top producers to build quality cars and SUVs in America for the U.S. market.
The adventurous Mazda CX-50 crossover SUV is built at the new Mazda factory in Alabama. At the time of writing, most other new Mazda vehicles sold in the United States are currently still manufactured at one of the automaker's plants in Japan, including the Hofu and Hiroshima locations.
Explore Modern Mazda Cars for Sale
Now that you know a bit more about where Mazda cars are made and the Mazda company's origin, would you like to learn about the company's latest automobiles for sale? Our Mazda dealer in Gilbert, AZ, is the area's local source for Mazda auto sales, financing, parts, and service.
New SUV models like the Mazda CX-5 for sale at our car dealership provide style, substance, quality, and versatility. This popular compact crossover SUV remains a top choice for motorists who prefer an engaging drive, a premium interior, and advanced technology wrapped in an attractive exterior.
The Mazda brand is committed to providing quality vehicles for drivers of all needs, preferences, and lifestyles. If your family is growing, consider a new Mazda CX-90 or a used Mazda CX-9 for sale; these models sport three-row seating, dynamic performance, and peace of mind presented by intelligent safety systems.
Shop for a New or Pre-Owned Mazda Now
Car shoppers in the Gilbert, AZ, area can always count on our local Mazda dealership when it's time to upgrade to a new Mazda CX-30, pre-owned Mazda3, or another Mazda automobile. We also have financing specialists to help you secure your dream Mazda with affordable monthly payments.
Don't forget to view our current new Mazda specials for a chance to save money on your preferred Mazda car or SUV.
Whether you're looking to finance or lease a new Mazda or your current model requires routine auto maintenance, we're here for you.
As always, you can contact Berge Mazda online or by phone or visit us at your convenience for more details on Mazda cars, specials, parts, and services.
Our Mazda dealership team looks forward to assisting you soon with all your automotive questions, concerns, and needs. Please don't wait to explore our vehicles and services online before you visit us in Gilbert, AZ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mazda models are built in Mexico?
As of our writing, the Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30 are built in Mexico at the Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation factory in Salamanca, Guanajuato. Additionally, the Mexican factory produces the Mazda2, but this model is not sold in the United States. The factory is held to high standards like those of the brand's Japanese and American factories, which can be found in Hiroshima and Hofu, Japan, and Madison, Alabama.
Who makes Mazda engines?
All Mazda engines are made by Mazda, for Mazda, in either Japan, Mexico, or the United States. Some still believe that Ford makes Mazda engines, but this has not been the case for over a decade. Once that partnership ended, Mazda began investing heavily into the in-house creation of exclusive Skyactiv® engines; today, all of those new Skyactiv® engines are indeed made in-house by official Mazda factory workers.
What is the best-selling Mazda model?
As of September 2025, the Japanese-made Mazda CX-5 remains the best-selling Mazda model, accounting for around one-third of all Mazda vehicles sold in North America. Coming in second place is the bold Mazda CX-50 (made in Alabama), which has also sold in the year so far. As for third place, that would be the Mazda CX-30, a crossover that's made in Mexico.
