Ford and Mazda Have Maintained a Healthy Relationship for Many Decades

Succeeding in the automotive industry is a challenging task and often requires an immense amount of hard work and difficult decisions. Many car manufacturers have failed and become defunct in the past. Therefore, companies often form strong alliances and partnerships that span decades. These partnerships help them share developmental costs and make it easier for both companies to survive in the industry. For instance, Subaru and Toyota have formed a successful partnership, resulting in the creation of the BRZ and GT86 models.

Ford and Mazda are another example of two iconic brands that famously combined forces many years ago. While Ford has a rich and illustrious history dating back to the start of the 1900s, Mazda has a less-renowned history, particularly in the Western world. Mazda started producing cars in the early 1930s and grew from there.

To understand why the two manufacturers combined forces, it’s essential to understand the challenges faced by them at the time. During the 1960s, Mazda enjoyed much success in America and became heavily reliant on the market there. However, strict emissions regulations and rising gas prices in the 1970s caused issues for Mazda, as their rotary engines were incredibly thirsty, and this could hurt their American customer base.

So, in 1974, Mazda allowed a 24.5% stake in their business to be purchased by Ford. This enabled Ford to bolster the Japanese brand, help them develop cars cheaper, and reduce costs across the board. This partnership resulted in models such as the Ford Festiva, Ford Telstar, and Ford Escape. Although many people may assume that Ford owns Mazda outright, that is not the case. Ford purchased almost a quarter of Mazda in the mid-1970s, which is a significant portion. In 1980, Ford increased this ownership share to 33.4%, which gave them significant influence over the company’s direction during the new decade.

The partnership between Ford and Mazda was strongest in the 1980s and 1990s, where most badge-engineered models were produced. However, disagreements about direction and a significant recession led Ford to begin selling off its interest in Mazda during the 21st century. The exact reasons why will be discussed further down. As of 2014, the partnership officially ended.

It is possible that you already know about some models that share both Ford and Mazda DNA. One such model is the Mazda Tribute, which is clearly a Ford Escape wearing a slightly different outfit, as you can see in the picture above. The Tribute was manufactured between 2001 and 2005 and had two main engine options. An entry-level choice was the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which developed 122 horsepower and was more suitable for family use rather than as a serious SUV or 4×4. On the other hand, the flagship trim levels were offered with a much more capable 200 horsepower, 3.0-liter V6.

Both engines were sold in their thousands, if not millions, appearing in the most popular Ford models from the early 2000s. The 4-cylinder engine was Ford’s Zetec engine, and the V6 is another Ford unit, dubbed the Duratec. The Mazda Tribute demonstrates how the alliance could save Mazda money while making Ford more money at the same time by supplying engines, body panels, and more. Mazda was still able to put their unique touch on the model, however, by kitting it out with firmer suspension than its Ford counterpart. This enabled the Tribute to have the signature sporty handling that Mazda enthusiasts enjoyed so much.

The Mazda 121 is another model that benefited from the alliance, based upon the Ford Festiva. This popular hatchback proved to be so successful that Korean manufacturer Kia produced the Kia Pride from the same shell. Mazda was focused on developing their own sporty models at the time, such as the iconic RX-7 and dominant MX-5 Miata in production, but Ford helped to strengthen their family car range.

Ford also helped Mazda develop their B-Series pickup truck, which was essentially a Ford Ranger underneath. The B-Series pickup is considered one of the most reliable Mazdas ever made and can easily travel 500,000 miles if cared for properly.

The alliance between the two companies was a success, but it eventually came to an end. Mazda has always enjoyed doing things differently, and that has been the secret to their success. Whether it be developing cool rotary-powered coupes or reviving the traditional two-seater sports car, Mazda has always walked the path less traveled. Perhaps they thought Ford had too much influence, and in 2009, Mazda was eager to take their cars in a new direction. Mazda had developed a new design language, dubbed ‘Kodo’, which was first displayed in the 2010 Shinari concept car. The goal of Kodo is to make the design fluid, almost alive, and show motion even when standing still. If Mazda were to continue developing Ford-based models, they could not fully commit to this new direction, so in their eyes, the partnership had to end.

When the 2008 recession hit, Ford began offloading their shares in Mazda, and by 2015, all shares had been sold. Mazda has now enjoyed several years of independent success, and perhaps they can start producing some awesome rotary-powered RX sports cars again.

Photo Source: Mazda USA Newsroom