Mazda is one of Japan’s most renowned automobile brands, owned by major financial institutions and corporations. Over the years, Mazda has navigated financial challenges by forming strategic partnerships with major conglomerates to maintain its market position. As of 2025, Toyota Motor Corporation remains one of Mazda’s most significant shareholders.
1. Who owns Mazda?
Mazda is currently owned and operated by several major companies and financial institutions, including Toyota Motor Corporation, Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd., and The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. These shareholders play a crucial role in influencing Mazda’s operations and strategic direction.
Historically, Mazda has faced significant financial difficulties, necessitating support from strategic partners.
In 1974, Mazda began collaborating with Ford to stabilize its financial situation. Ford acquired a 24.5% stake in Mazda in 1979, increasing its shareholding to 33.4% by 1995, making it the largest shareholder. During this period, Mazda and Ford co-developed several vehicle models, such as the Mazda B-series and Ford Courier, and shared platforms for models like the Laser, Escort, Telstar, and Probe.
However, following the 2008 global financial crisis, Ford started divesting from Mazda. In 2008, Ford sold 20% of its stake, reducing its ownership to 13.4%. Subsequently, Mazda repurchased 6.8% of its shares for $185 million, signaling its intention to regain independent control. By 2010, Ford further reduced its stake to 3%, and on September 30, 2015, Ford fully exited Mazda, retaining only a minimal stake of just over 2%.
In 2011, Mazda recorded its largest loss in 11 years. To recover, the company raised nearly ¥150 billion through a stock offering. A portion of these funds was allocated to constructing an automotive manufacturing plant in Salamanca, Mexico, in collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation.
Mazda has continued to strengthen its strategic partnership with Toyota, aiming for sustainable growth in the automotive industry.
2. Alliance with Toyota
One of Mazda’s most influential shareholders today is Toyota Motor Corporation, one of the world’s leading automakers. Toyota currently holds a 5.1% stake in Mazda, while Mazda owns a 0.25% stake in Toyota. The two Japanese automakers officially formed a strategic partnership in 2015, focusing on advanced technologies and product development.
One of the most significant projects under this partnership is a $1.6 billion automobile manufacturing plant in Alabama, USA. The facility, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles, has created over 4,000 jobs. Operational since 2022, the plant specializes in manufacturing Mazda’s crossover SUVs and Toyota’s Corolla sedan. The facility is managed by Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, USA, Inc. (MTMUS), which was established in 2018.
Beyond manufacturing, Mazda and Toyota collaborate on the development of future vehicle technologies. Both companies are researching electric vehicles, connected car technologies, and advanced safety systems to align with market trends and consumer demands.
Mazda benefits from Toyota: Leveraging Toyota’s expertise in hybrid and fuel cell technology, Mazda can enhance the fuel efficiency of its future vehicle lineup.
Toyota benefits from Mazda: Toyota gains from Mazda’s signature innovation and design philosophy, helping to diversify its product portfolio and expand its market reach.
3. How much money does Mazda make?
Mazda is one of Japan’s renowned automotive brands, with its primary revenue stemming from car sales. In the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2024, Mazda reported revenue of $33.31 billion, marking a significant increase from $28.56 billion in the previous fiscal year.
In the North American market, Mazda continued to achieve impressive sales milestones. In December 2024 alone, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) sold 40,201 vehicles, reflecting a 1.7% increase compared to December 2023. For the entire year, total vehicle sales in the region reached 424,382 units, representing a 16.8% growth year-over-year.
In Canada, Mazda Canada Inc. also had a successful year. Sales in December 2024 increased by 2.4%, with 4,566 vehicles sold. Over the entire year, Mazda’s sales in Canada reached 72,226 units, up 23.2% compared to 2023.
Meanwhile, Mazda Motor de Mexico recorded outstanding results, with December 2024 sales rising by 19% to 8,677 vehicles. Throughout 2024, Mazda sold 99,797 vehicles in Mexico, reflecting a 31% increase from 2023.
In contrast to its success in North America, Mazda faced significant challenges in its home market, Japan. From January to December 2024, sales in Japan declined by 20.2% year-over-year, totaling only 141,946 units. This downturn reflects intense competition from domestic automakers and shifting consumer preferences in the Japanese market.
Despite difficulties in Japan, Mazda’s global sales maintained an upward trajectory. In 2024, the company sold 1,277,578 vehicles worldwide, marking a 2.6% increase compared to 2023. This growth underscores the effectiveness of Mazda’s international expansion strategy, particularly in North America and Mexico.
Mazda is steadily strengthening its position in the global automotive market while adjusting its strategies to remain competitive in regions experiencing sales declines.
Throughout its history, Mazda has faced various ups and downs, including a period under Ford’s control before regaining its independence. Currently, Toyota remains a strategic shareholder, playing a crucial role in Mazda’s development. Through this strong partnership, Mazda is striving toward a sustainable and promising future in the automotive industry.
