Mazda 3 achieves 5-million production mark in record time

Japanese carmaker Mazda concluded April 2016 on high as their Mazda 3 compact car saw the production of its 5-millionth unit - a record-breaking feat that’s achieved in just 12 years and 10 months.

The Mazda 3 accounts for an estimated 1/3 of Mazda’s annual sales volume. Aside from its manufacturing output that’s shared between the brand’s Hofu Plant in Japan, Changan Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. in China, AutoAlliance in Thailand, and Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation in Mexico, it’s also assembled in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Known in Japan as the Mazda Axela, the Mazda 3 replaced the Mazda Familia, which was the brand’s first car to hit the 5-million production mark. Now on its 3rd generation, the car was completely redesigned in 2013 to tie in with the rest of their new-generation models that feature the SkyActiv Technology and KODO – Soul of Motion body design.

In addition, the latest Mazda 3 became globally-recognized with awards such as the Canadian Car of the Year's Best New Small Car in 2013 and an International Red Dot Design Award a year later. Moreover, it placed 3rd in the World Car of the Year and World Design Car of the Year 2014. 

Under the leadership of the brand’s official local distributor Berjaya Auto Philippines (BAP), the Mazda 3 is available in both sedan and hatchback forms. It runs with either a 1.5L or a 2.0L SkyActiv-G gasoline engine. Drivers can control the car using a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission.