What year did Mazda stop using Ford parts?
For years, Mazda and Ford shared a close partnership, with Ford owning a significant stake in Mazda and the two companies collaborating on various vehicle platforms and parts. However, this partnership evolved over time, and Mazda eventually moved away from using Ford parts. In this article, we’ll explore the timeline and reasons behind this shift.
The History of the Mazda-Ford Partnership
Ford and Mazda began their partnership in the late 1970s, with Ford acquiring a 25% stake in Mazda in 1979. This collaboration allowed both companies to share technology, platforms, and parts, leading to the development of vehicles like the Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6, which shared many components. Over the years, this partnership expanded, with Ford increasing its stake in Mazda to 33.4% by 1996.
When Did Mazda Stop Using Ford Parts?
The turning point came in the late 2000s. In 2008, during the global financial crisis, Ford reduced its stake in Mazda to 13%, signaling a shift in their relationship. By 2015, Ford had sold off its remaining shares in Mazda, effectively ending their financial partnership. As a result, Mazda began to focus on developing its own technology and parts, moving away from reliance on Ford components.
By the mid-2010s, Mazda had fully transitioned to using its proprietary SkyActiv technology in its vehicles, which includes engines, transmissions, and chassis designs. This marked the end of Mazda's use of Ford parts in its production vehicles.
Why Did Mazda Move Away from Ford Parts?
Several factors contributed to Mazda's decision to stop using Ford parts:
- Independence: After Ford reduced its stake, Mazda sought to establish itself as an independent automaker with its own identity.
- Technological Innovation: Mazda developed its SkyActiv technology to improve fuel efficiency and performance, which required a departure from shared platforms and parts.
- Market Differentiation: By creating unique vehicles, Mazda aimed to stand out in a competitive automotive market.
Conclusion
Mazda's transition away from Ford parts was a gradual process that culminated in the mid-2010s with the adoption of its SkyActiv technology. This move allowed Mazda to innovate and establish itself as a leader in fuel-efficient and performance-oriented vehicles. Today, Mazda continues to thrive as an independent automaker, crafting cars that reflect its unique engineering philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mazda stop using Ford?
Under the administration of Alan Mulally, Ford gradually divested its stake in Mazda from 2008 to 2015, with Ford holding 2.1% of Mazda stock as of 2014 and severing most production as well as development ties.
How much of Mazda does Ford still own?
Does Ford Own Mazda? No, Ford does not own Mazda. Mazda is its own company. Ford and Mazda have had close ties over the years, including a current 50/50 joint venture in Thailand.
Does Mazda have a Ford engine?
Mazda has created three families of in-house V6 engines. As of 2000, they build and use the Ford Duratec V6 design. AJ/MZI – 2.5 L and 3.0 L V6 - The Mazda version of the Ford Duratec DOHC V6. The 3.5 L MZI is the Ford Cyclone engine.
Do Miata's have Ford parts?
And we're gonna take you through all those. Today. So we're standing in front of a MCM X 5 it features a 2.0 mg R or as some of you may know a Mazda L engine.
Who builds engines for Mazda?
Mazda manufactures both piston and Wankel “rotary” engines. The company's Mexican subsidiary is responsible for producing the gasoline and diesel engines used in Mazda vehicles.
Is the Mazda 2.5 engine a Ford engine?
Ford uses it as their 1.8 L to 2.5 L Duratec world engine and holds a license to develop engines based on the L-series in perpetuity. The L-engine uses a chain-driven DOHC, 16-valve valvetrain with an all-aluminum block construction and cast-iron cylinder liners.
When did Volvo stop using Ford engines?
2014
Until 2014, Volvo Cars used some engines of its own and others from Ford. Now, however, the Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) set of engines is found in all Volvo vehicles. This family of three- and four-cylinder engines are entirely designed by the Scandinavian company.
What percentage of Mazda did Ford own?
33.4%
The Ford Motor Company used to own a portion of Mazda. In 1974, Ford and Mazda began a partnership that eventually led to Ford acquiring a 24.5% stake in Mazda in 1979. 16 years later, Ford increased that stake to 33.4%. This partnership was responsible for products such as the Mazda B-Series pickup truck.
Does Mazda still use Ford parts?
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.
What is special about Mazda engines?
CLEANER, MORE FUEL-EFFICIENT ENGINES
With higher compression ratios than conventional engines. Simply put, SKYACTIV® engines can compress the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders to an extraordinary degree. Squeezing far more energy from every drop of fuel.
