Mazda Motor Corporation Monday said that its total production volume of rotary engine vehicles has surpassed two million units.
The rotary engine is a unique type of engine that uses rotational movement of triangular rotors to generate power. Mazda was the first automaker to mass-produce rotary engines, and it continues to be the only automaker to do so.
Mazda’s first rotary engine vehicle was the Cosmo Sport, which was introduced in 1967. Since then, Mazda has produced a variety of rotary engine vehicles, including the RX-2, RX-3, RX-4, RX-7, and RX-8.
Mazda’s rotary engines are known for their smooth power delivery and high revving capabilities. They are also relatively lightweight and compact, which makes them ideal for sports cars and other lightweight vehicles.
In 2012, Mazda ended production of the RX-8, its last rotary engine vehicle. However, the company announced in 2023 that it would resume production of rotary engine vehicles with the launch of the MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV.
The MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that uses a rotary engine as a range extender. This means that the rotary engine is not used to power the vehicle directly, but rather to generate electricity to charge the battery.
Mazda says that it is committed to continuing to develop rotary engine technology. The company believes that rotary engines have the potential to be more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional piston engines.
