Tom Matano passes away

MANILA: The automotive world is mourning for the recent passing of Tsutomu “Tom” Matano. He was 77 years old.

Recognized as the Father of the Mazda MX-5, Matano was born on October 7, 1947 in Nagasaki, Japan then transferred to United States in 1965.

The first-ever product of his “Always inspired” philosophy was the sketch of the premier version of the world’s best-selling sports car (known as the Miata in other markets) in 1984 — five years before it made its inception at the Chicago Auto Show.

 

Further, he also became the vice president of Design, vice president of Western Operations for Mazda Research and Development in North America and Executive Designer and Director of Mazda North American Operations.

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In 1992-2002, Matano held the executive designer role for Mazda Motor Corporation Japan.

Aside from the MX-5, Matano also played a role in designing the RX-7, which was created by Yoichi Sato.

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