Mazda Motor Corporation set a new Guinness world record last month when its production of MX-5 sports car reached 900,000 units.

With this feat, the sports car (known as Mazda Roadster in Japan) reaffirms its position as world’s favorite lightweight, open-top, two-seat sports car, said a statement from Mazda.

The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s “Best selling two-seat sports car” when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000.

Guinness has constantly updated the record when production passed 700,000 (and later 800,000) units, and has updated the record to 900,000 units on February 4.

During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars offered nimble handling and free-spirited open-air motoring. In the 1980s, Mazda decided to resurrect this spirit with a new roadster for the modern age.

Using the latest engineering techniques, Mazda developed the MX-5 and announced it in February 1989 as a reminder that driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter safety and quality standards. To this day, the MX-5 remains the longest enduring nameplate in Mazda’s global lineup.

Nobuhiro Yamamoto, program manager of the current MX-5, said since Mazda launched the original MX-5, it has undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades.

'Its enduring success is due to the strong support it enjoys from MX-5 fans around the world. Going forward, I will strive to keep the MX-5’s spirit alive while evolving it into a car that will be loved by even more people,' he added.

Mazda’s senior managing executive officer in charge of development, Seita Kanai, said, “As we head toward the next production milestone of one million units, Mazda is committed to further evolving the MX-5. We will refine its fun-to-drive character and further enhance its environmental and safety capabilities.'

'As Mazda passes its 91st birthday, we are turning our sights toward our 100th anniversary. In the years ahead, we will continue to cherish the MX-5, alongside its loyal fan base, as the symbol of the Mazda brand,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service