Mazda MX-5s Make History with Landmark Sustainable Fuel Journey

To mark 35 years of the beloved Mazda MX-5, a quartet of these iconic sports cars undertook a groundbreaking journey from Land’s End to John O’ Groats, becoming the first vehicles to complete the 1,000-mile drive using 100% sustainable fuel. This historic achievement not only celebrates the MX-5’s rich legacy but also underscores Mazda’s commitment to environmental innovation.

A Historic Drive in Classic MX-5s

The four Mazda MX-5s, each representing a key milestone in the car’s evolution, embarked on this momentous journey fueled by SUSTAIN 100 RON E5, a pioneering second-generation biofuel from Coryton. The lineup included:

  • A 1990 1.6-litre Mk1: From the year the MX-5 first graced UK roads.
  • A 10th Anniversary Mk2: Celebrating a decade of the MX-5’s success.
  • A 25th Anniversary Mk3: Marking a quarter-century of the MX-5 legacy.
  • A 30th Anniversary Mk4: Honoring three decades of the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car.

Powered entirely by SUSTAIN, which is made from agricultural waste and crop by-products, the MX-5s completed the journey without any modifications to the vehicles. This drop-in fuel, which is derived from carbon already present in the atmosphere, helps reduce CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.

A Nod to Sustainable Innovation

The 1,000-mile drive included stops at four pioneering organizations showcasing sustainable technologies. These stops highlighted the role of sustainable fuels in reducing carbon footprints and underscored Mazda’s dedication to innovation:

  1. Motor Spirit, Bicester Heritage Centre, Oxfordshire: A key distributor for SUSTAIN Classic, offering the UK’s first publicly available sustainable petrol for classic vehicles.
  2. Translational Energy Research Centre (TERC), Sheffield University: A leading facility for testing and developing green energy solutions.
  3. Windermere Boat Club (WMBRC), Lake District National Park: The world’s oldest active powerboat racing club, which has embraced sustainable technology in its events.
  4. Celtic Renewables and Caldic, Grangemouth, Scotland: A pioneer in green chemical production, contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Mazda’s Commitment to Sustainability

Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK, praised the achievement: “The MX-5 is Mazda’s brand icon, symbolizing our commitment to driving enjoyment and efficiency. It’s fitting that this celebration of the MX-5’s 35th anniversary involves demonstrating the potential of sustainable fuels in classic motoring. This event highlights how sustainable technologies can complement Mazda’s multi-solution approach to achieving climate neutrality.”

Thomson further explained Mazda’s strategy: “We believe in using all available technologies to reduce CO2 emissions, from electrification to advanced internal combustion engines. Our current range, including the Mazda MX-30, Mazda2 Hybrid, and Mazda CX-60 PHEV, showcases our multi-solution approach. Our global efforts, from research projects in Japan to joining the eFuel Alliance in Europe, reflect our commitment to sustainability.”

The Future of Sustainable Fuels

David Richardson, Director at SUSTAIN, emphasized the significance of the achievement: “Completing the Land’s End to John O’ Groats drive on 100% sustainable biofuel is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a testament to how sustainable fuel can keep vehicles like the MX-5 on the road while reducing their environmental impact. The potential for widespread adoption of such fuels is significant, and we hope this event inspires more motorists to consider sustainable alternatives.”

Join Us at CarFest 2024

The four MX-5s that made history will next appear at CarFest 2024, showcasing their journey and continuing to highlight the role of sustainable fuel in modern motoring.

For more information on SUSTAIN’s range of fuels and Mazda’s sustainability initiatives, visit SUSTAIN Fuels and stay tuned for updates on Mazda’s ongoing commitment to environmental innovation.