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Mazda MX-5 anniversary website goes live

Leverkusen 10 February 2014. Mazda went online today with a special website to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the company's legendary MX-5 sports car. Aiming to connect with MX-5 fans and customers around the globe, the website offers a glimpse at the history and future of the most popular roadster of all time, including messages from the engineers behind its development.

Originally designed in the 1980s as a sports car for the modern age, the first MX-5 was unveiled to the world in February 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show. Inspired by the stylish roadsters of the 1960s and 1970s, Mazda stuck to the formula that made them so loved: nimble, lightweight, open-air motoring fun. But in reviving a segment considered extinct, the MX-5 also featured the latest engineering and an unprecedented level of affordable sports car quality and reliability.

Now in its third generation, the MX-5 has always kept up with ever-stricter standards for safety and emissions while preserving the pure Jinba Ittai ("rider and horse as one") driving that is synonymous with the Mazda brand today.

The MX-5 continues to be a resounding success after a quarter-century, with more than 200 awards to date from around the world including Car of the Year Japan 2005-2006. Production of the Guinness World Record holder for best-selling two-seater sports car surpassed the 920,000-unit mark in December.