Does Ford Own Mazda? The Truth About Their Complicated Partnership

For decades, there has been widespread confusion and misinformation about whether Ford, the American automotive giant, actually owns Mazda, the Japanese car manufacturer known for its sporty and stylish vehicles. The relationship between these two companies has been a subject of intense speculation and debate among car enthusiasts and industry observers alike.

Does Ford own Mazda? The short answer is no, Ford does not currently own Mazda. However, the two companies have had a long and intricate partnership that involved Ford owning a significant stake in Mazda for many years.

“Learn about the history of Ford and Mazda’s partnership, including Ford’s past ownership and why they teamed up. Discover why they went their separate ways and how Mazda operates today as an independent carmaker. Get an inside look at Mazda’s current ownership, partnerships, finances, and vehicle production.

Table of Contents

A Brief History of Ford and Mazda’s Partnership

The partnership between Ford and Mazda dates back to 1974, when Mazda was facing financial difficulties due to the oil crisis and strict emissions regulations that hit the Japanese automaker particularly hard. To help Mazda weather the storm, Ford acquired a 24.5% stake in the company in 1979.

Over the next 16 years, Ford gradually increased its ownership stake in Mazda, eventually holding a controlling 33.4% share by 1995. This close partnership yielded several benefits for both companies, including joint model development, shared platforms, and the exchange of technology and expertise.

One of the most notable outcomes of this partnership was the development of models like the Mazda B-Series pickup truck, which was essentially a rebadged version of the Ford Ranger, and the Ford Festiva, a small hatchback based on the Mazda 121. Additionally, the two companies shared platforms for models like the Ford Laser and Mazda Familia, as well as the Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6.

Why Did Ford Sell Its Stake in Mazda?

Despite the apparent success of their partnership, Ford’s ownership stake in Mazda was not destined to last forever. The global financial crisis of 2008 hit the automotive industry hard, and both Ford and Mazda were forced to re-evaluate their strategies and streamline their assets.

In 2008, Ford announced its intention to sell a 20% stake in Mazda, reducing its ownership to 13.4%. Mazda then bought back 6.8% of its shares from Ford for approximately $185 million. By 2010, Ford had further reduced its stake to just 3%, citing a need for greater flexibility in emerging markets.

Finally, on September 30, 2015, Ford sold its remaining shares in Mazda, officially severing their long-standing partnership. At this point, Ford’s ownership had decreased to just over 2%, marking the end of an era for the two companies.

Who Owns Mazda Now?

With Ford’s exit, Mazda is now a publicly-traded company owned by a diverse group of institutional investors and individual shareholders. According to the company’s most recent financial reports, some of Mazda’s largest shareholders include:

The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Trust Account) – 15.3% stake
Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Trust Account) – 6.7% stake
Toyota Motor Corporation – 5.1% stake
State Street Bank West Client – Treaty 505234 – 1.8% stake
SSBTC Client Omnibus Account – 1.7% stake

It’s worth noting that Toyota Motor Corporation, one of the world’s largest automakers, holds a 5.1% stake in Mazda, reflecting the companies’ strategic partnership, which we’ll explore in more detail later.

In terms of financials, Mazda reported an annual revenue of $30.1 billion in its most recent fiscal year, with global sales of 1.3 million vehicles. The company’s top-selling models include the Mazda3, Mazda CX-5, and Mazda CX-9.

Mazda’s Current Partnerships

While Ford is no longer a direct partner, Mazda has forged new strategic alliances in recent years, most notably with Toyota Motor Corporation. In 2015, Mazda and Toyota announced a long-term partnership that involved Mazda supplying Toyota with its fuel-efficient SkyActiv engine technology, while Mazda gained access to Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell systems.

One of the most ambitious projects resulting from this partnership is the construction of a new $1.6 billion assembly plant in Huntsville, Alabama, jointly operated by Mazda and Toyota. This plant, which began production in 2022, has an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles and employs up to 4,000 workers.

Beyond this joint manufacturing venture, Mazda and Toyota are also collaborating on the development of electric vehicles, connected car technologies, and advanced safety systems, leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise to stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

Where Are Mazda Vehicles Made?

While Mazda’s partnership with Toyota has resulted in a new production facility in the United States, the company continues to maintain a global manufacturing footprint. Most Mazda models are produced in Japan, with additional production facilities located in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Russia, China, and Mexico.

Mazda’s decision to open a U.S. production plant with Toyota marks a significant milestone, as the company has not manufactured vehicles in the United States since the Mazda MX-6 was produced at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan from 1987 to 1992.

The Mazda Brand and Product Lineup

Despite its tumultuous ownership history, Mazda has remained committed to its brand identity and reputation for producing stylish, sporty, and driver-focused vehicles. The company’s current marketing slogan, “Driving Matters,” reflects this emphasis on delivering an enjoyable driving experience.

Mazda’s vehicle lineup includes a range of sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and sports cars, all characterized by the company’s distinctive “KODO Design” language, which emphasizes bold, flowing lines and a sense of motion even when the vehicle is stationary.

Some of Mazda’s most popular models include:

Mazda3: A compact sedan or hatchback that serves as Mazda’s entry-level offering, known for its sleek styling and engaging driving dynamics.
Mazda CX-5: A compact SUV that has become one of Mazda’s best-selling models, praised for its upscale interior, excellent fuel efficiency, and nimble handling.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: Mazda’s iconic two-seat roadster, renowned for its lightweight construction, precise handling, and affordability, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

Across its lineup, Mazda has implemented innovative technologies like SkyActiv, which encompasses a range of efficiency-enhancing features, including high-compression gasoline engines, lightweight materials, and advanced transmissions. Additionally, Mazda has placed a strong emphasis on safety, offering a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems under the i-Activsense umbrella.

Does Ford Still Have Any Ties to Mazda?

While Ford’s ownership stake in Mazda has been completely divested, the two companies’ long-standing partnership has left some lasting influences and potential areas for future collaboration.

For example, some Mazda models may still share certain components or platforms with Ford vehicles developed during their partnership. Additionally, the companies may continue to share certain suppliers or have cross-licensing agreements for specific technologies.

Looking ahead, there is always the possibility of Ford and Mazda rekindling their partnership in some capacity, especially as the automotive industry continues to evolve and new opportunities for collaboration arise. However, as of now, the two companies operate independently, with Mazda charting its own course as a distinct and unique automaker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes Mazda engines? Mazda manufactures its own gasoline and diesel engines at production facilities in Japan and Mexico. The company is particularly well-known for its innovative SkyActiv engines, which prioritize efficiency and performance.

What is the Mazda company history and meaning behind the name? Mazda traces its roots back to 1920, when it was founded as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Company in Hiroshima, Japan. The name “Mazda” was first used in 1931 for the company’s autorickshaw and was derived from the Persian god “Ahura Mazda,” meaning “lord of wisdom,” as well as the name of the company’s founder, Jujiro Matsuda.

What models were jointly developed by Ford and Mazda?

During their partnership, Ford and Mazda jointly developed several models, including the Mazda B-Series pickup truck (based on the Ford Ranger), the Ford Festiva (based on the Mazda 121), the Ford Laser and Mazda Familia (shared platforms), and the Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6 (also shared platforms).

Is Mazda more reliable before or after the Ford partnership? There is no definitive consensus on whether Mazda vehicles were more reliable before or after the Ford partnership. Some argue that the influence of Ford’s engineering and production standards during the partnership years improved Mazda’s overall reliability and quality control. Others contend that Mazda’s reliability has remained consistently strong, both during and after the partnership, due to the company’s commitment to manufacturing excellence.

Wrapping UP

In conclusion, while Ford and Mazda had a close and influential partnership that spanned several decades, the two companies are no longer directly affiliated or owned by one another. Mazda operates independently as a publicly-traded Japanese automaker, with a diverse group of institutional and individual investors as its shareholders.

The Ford-Mazda partnership yielded numerous benefits for both companies, including joint model development, shared platforms, and the exchange of technology and expertise. However, the pressures of the global financial crisis and the need for greater strategic flexibility ultimately led to the dissolution of their alliance, culminating in Ford’s complete divestment of its Mazda shares in 2015.

Today, Mazda’s most significant partnership is with Toyota Motor Corporation, with the two companies collaborating on a range of projects, including a new assembly plant in Alabama, the development of electric vehicles, and the sharing of advanced technologies.

Despite the changes in ownership and partnerships over the years, Mazda has remained steadfast in its commitment to producing stylish, sporty, and driver-focused vehicles that prioritize engineering excellence and an enjoyable driving experience. With its distinctive “KODO Design” language, innovative technologies like SkyActiv, and a diverse lineup of sedans, SUVs, and sports cars, Mazda continues to carve out its own unique identity in the competitive automotive landscape.

As the industry continues to evolve, driven by factors such as electrification, autonomous driving, and changing consumer preferences, it will be interesting to see how Mazda navigates these challenges and opportunities as an independent automaker. Regardless of what the future holds, the company’s rich history and the lessons learned from its past partnerships will undoubtedly shape its path forward.