Founded in Hiroshima by Jujiro Matsuda as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., the company initially manufactured cork products before shifting to three-wheeled trucks and eventually passenger cars. Mazda is globally unique for its engineering independence, particularly for perfecting the high-revving Wankel rotary engine used in legendary sports cars like the RX-7 and the Le Mans-winning 787B. Today, Mazda is celebrated for its premium, driver-focused design philosophy (“Jinba Ittai”—meaning the oneness of horse and rider), which shines through in everyday crossovers and the MX-5 Miata, the best-selling two-seater sports car in history.