Mazda, one of Japan’s most prominent automotive brands, has recently earned a major accolade that’s been the talk of the industry: a record number of vehicles awarded the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) is widely regarded as the most authoritative safety testing body, and this recognition reinforces Mazda’s reputation for building safe, reliable vehicles.
A total of six Mazda models, including the CX-90 and CX-60, earned the Top Safety Pick+ award. The CX-50, a top seller in North America, is expected to maintain its dominant position in the market. This success reflects Mazda’s continued commitment to safety and quality, which has become a hallmark of the brand. But what exactly makes the CX-50 so popular, and what do the crash test results reveal about its safety?
Partnership with Toyota and U.S. Market Appeal
Interestingly, the models that earned the Top Safety Pick+ are not sold in Mazda’s home market of Japan, showcasing how well the brand has tailored its offerings to the North American market. Mazda’s collaboration with Toyota, a brand synonymous with reliability, plays a key role in this success. The partnership combines Mazda’s design expertise with Toyota’s engineering excellence, enhancing the brand’s appeal in North America.
Additionally, Mazda’s sleek, streamlined designs are well-suited to U.S. consumers, who often prefer larger, more spacious vehicles compared to Japanese buyers. The brand’s affordability, with lower maintenance costs than competitors, is also drawing in younger buyers in the U.S. market, much like Hyundai’s approach with its Elantra in South Korea.
CX-90: A Semi-Large SUV that Redefines Luxury
Mazda has also made strides in the luxury SUV segment with its semi-large CX-90, which earned a Top Safety Pick+ award this year. The company seems to be trying to challenge some of the more established premium brands by offering a product with high-end materials and features typically found in luxury vehicles. This model is also available in markets like the Middle East, further expanding Mazda’s global footprint.
Mazda’s Legacy of Innovation: The Rotary Engine
Mazda’s success in global markets can be attributed to its relentless pursuit of innovation, particularly in engine technology. One of the standout achievements in Mazda’s history is the development of the rotary engine, once considered a “dream technology.” The company mass-produced rotary engines and installed them in sports cars designed for performance, proving its commitment to engineering excellence.
While the rotary engine is no longer featured in Mazda’s sports cars, it made a surprising comeback in the MX-30, an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). This unexpected application of rotary technology in an electric vehicle shows that Mazda’s engineering spirit is still alive and well. With such a strong foundation in innovation, Mazda’s popularity in global markets will likely continue, setting an example for other automakers, including Hyundai Motor Group, to follow.
