Mazda is a rare successful example of Foreign-owned Japanese car maker. Ford took effective control of the company since 1996 after the company got into red for 2 straight years. Initially, Ford's man cut cost by terminating money-losing models and platforms, such as MX-3, the whole Eunos / Xedos brand and luxurious car 929. This reduced its production volume but improved profitability.

Then the company developed Mazda 6, Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 using the same platforms as Ford and Volvo models. This is not to say Mazda loses its own character. On the contrary, Mazda contributed a lot to the development of these platforms (for example, it led the development of the Mazda 6 platform, responsible for the MZR four-cylinder engines that to be used by various models of its mother company). On the other hand, Mazda deliberately tuned its cars sportier than competitors. This successfully established a young and exciting image.

Ford also made best use of the engineering talents of Mazda. It allowed the company to re-introduce rotary engines in the innovative RX-8 four-door coupe and promised the return of RX-7.