US EditionDesigner and 'Father' of the Mazda Miata, Tom Matano, Dies at 76
Tom Matano led Mazda’s global design studios and shaped over 1.2 million MX-5 Miatas sold worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on automotive design and education.
- Mazda confirmed on September 20, 2025 that Tsutomu 'Tom' Matano, the automotive designer known as the 'Father of the Miata,' died at age 76.
- Matano joined Mazda and led the team that created the original MX-5, turning a concept into production and running Mazda North America's design studio in Irvine, California.
- Sales figures show the MX-5's global success, with more than 1.2 million sold across four generations and over 430,000 first-generation cars sold.
- Fans and events across the Miata community published condolences, noting Matano remained active at enthusiast events and the Miata Reunion until the end.
- His multi-generation Miata plan framed the car's evolution over decades, and after leaving Mazda, Matano led the Academy of Art University, School of Industrial Design, mentoring students until retiring earlier this year.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Mazda announced the disappearance of Tom Matano, the legendary designer known as the MX-5's "father" (also known as Miata), who died on September 20, 2025 at the age of 76. Born in Nagasaki in 1947, Matano built an international career that led him to work for General Motors, Holden and BMW, before arriving at Mazda North America, where he would have given life to one of the most iconic cars ever. Under his visionary guide was born the first gen…
Tom Matano is known as the father of the Mazda MX-5, one of the most popular cabriolets in the world. Tom Matano: a legendary car designer Born on October 7, 1947 in Nagasaki, Japan, Tsutomu "Tom" Matano studied engineering in Tokyo, before moving to the United States in September 1970, where he began his car career with General Motors in Detroit. He is then in charge of the design of the Holden brand in Australia, alongside Phillip Zmood, and w…
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