•Introduces Autozam Carol in Japan.
1993
•Electric-powered vehicles based on the Mazda MX–5 are developed in conjunction with Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc.
•Mazda enters the passenger car market in the Philippines. An agreement for
technological cooperation in the production of pick-up trucks in Fuchou, China is signed. Cumulative production of Hofu-produced vehicle reaches 3 million units.
•Purchasing of new compact pick-up trucks from Ford for release in Canada and the U.S. starts.
•Unveils HR–X2 and Eunos 800 (Xedos 9/Millenia) at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
HR–X2
•Mazda unveiled the initial prototype of its hydrogen car, the HR-X, in 1991. In 1993 it issued an improved version, with greater engine output, known as the HRX2. The particular features of the hydrogen rotary engine (RE) vehicle include the fact that it employs a rotary engine, which by virtue of its construction is extremely suitable for use with hydrogen, and the fact that it incorporates a fuel tank using hydrogen-absorbing metal alloy (metal hydride), which is uniquely configured for the safe storage of hydrogen as fuel.
•Mazda has also performed on-road tests to a total distance of 20,000 km since 1995, using an experimental hybrid based on the mass-produced Capella Cargo. These tests have been used to confirm the safety and reliability of Mazda's hydrogen vehicle system. The hydrogen RE car uses an internal combustion engine, meaning that it is impossible to reduce NOx emissions to zero, but it does emit extremely clean exhaust gas. In addition, due to the fact that the vehicle burns hydrogen in place of gasoline, the technical experience that Mazda has accrued as a vehicle manufacturer in the production of engines is being put to good use in this development work.
•ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle) concept loaded with a collision-avoidance system and other future safety technologies are developed.
•Mazda and Ford enter into a long-term strategic relationship to enhance competitive strength. Cumulative production of Mazda MX-5 reaches 300,000 units.