Like many of the world’s older car companies, Mazda began not as a vehicle producer, but in an entirely different field. The business started making cork products in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, under the name Toyo Kogyo Co.
After they began manufacturing automobiles around 1930, the name Mazda was adopted by inspiration from the Zoroastrian god of light and wisdom. It also helped that it sounded a lot like the last name of one of the founders, Jujiro Matsuda. The first vehicle they released was a tricycle truck named the “Mazda-go.”
Today, they continue to grow and make innovations in the auto industry. Mazda announced a best sales record for the first time in 20 years in 2015. In 2021, they released their first battery-electric vehicle, which initiated sales in California at the time.
Mazda is headquartered in Fuchū, Hiroshima, Japan, and holds a US headquarters in Irvine, California. They sit in the top tier of popular cars worldwide. But where are they made?
Verdict: Where Are Mazda Cars Made?
Mazda cars are made in Japan, Mexico, the US, and other countries.
The vast majority of manufacturing takes place in Hiroshima, Japan, where the company is headquartered. This site is actually one of the largest vehicle manufacturing facilities in the world.
At one point, Mazda held strong manufacturing ties with Ford and co-owned two American manufacturing facilities on US soil. One was in Flat Rock, Michigan, and the other was in Claycomo, Missouri.
At these locations, Toyota models were made alongside Mazda6’s. However, after a 20-year partnership, Mazda announced in 2012 that it would be discontinuing American production. Manufacturing was moved back to their Japanese plants and the new-at-the-time Mexican plant.
Mazda announced its first US manufacturing plant, which is located in Huntsville, Alabama. It became operational in 2021. This decision was likely influenced by the fact that the US is Mazda’s largest market region despite being the 15th leading car brand in 2022. China and Japan account for much of Mazda’s remaining market.
As of 2022, Mazda ceased production in Russia. The Thailand plant is responsible for exports to Australia.
Although Mazda is an independent brand, they have alliances with other major automakers like Toyota, Nissan, Ford, and others. This means they will sometimes share manufacturing facilities.
Mazda Manufacturing Plants in the USA
| Facility Name | Location | Annual Production Capacity | Primary Models | Number of Jobs |
| Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Facility / co-owned by Toyota | Huntsville, Alabama | 150,000 | Mazda CX-50 crossover SUV | 4,000 |
International Mazda Manufacturing Plants
| Facility Name | Location | Annual Production Capacity | Primary Models |
| Hiroshima – Miyoshi Ward & Ujina Plant No.1 | Hiroshima, Japan | 500,000 | Mazda5 Minivan, Mazda CX-5, MX-Roaster, MX-30 |
| Mazda Hofu Plant | Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan | 163,000 | Mazda3 |
| Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation | Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico | 250,000 | Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-30, SkyActiv engine range |
| Mazda Sollers Manufacturing Rus / Joint venture with Sollers | Vladivostok, Russia | 50,000 as of 2022 | CX5, Mazda6 |
| Thailand | 135,000 | BT-50, CX-3 | |
| Thaco-Mazda Factory / joint venture with Truong Hai Auto Corporation | Quang Nam, Vietnam | 100,000 | Mazda2 |
How to Tell Where Your Mazda Car is Made
There’s a very easy way to find out where your Mazda was manufactured: check the VIN. The VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, will tell you a lot of important information about your car, including where it was made.
The VIN of your Mazda will most likely be found on a metal plate attached to the cowl panel, which you can find by looking through your windshield from the outside of your car.
Aside from the manufacturing location, you can use a free service like faxvin.com to pull even more information from your VIN.
Other Manufacturers
- Where are Kia cars made?
- Where are Honda cars made?
- Where are Nissan cars made?
- Where are Subaru cars made?
- Where are Hyundai cars made?
- Where are Ford cars made?
- Where are Dodge trucks made?
- Where is Chrysler made?
- Where is Chevrolet made?
- Where are Tesla cars made?
- Where are Rivian cars made?
- Where are Jeep vehicles made?
- Where are Audi cars made?
- Where are BMW cars made?
- Where are Toyota cars made?
- Where are Porsche cars made?
