M

Abbreviation for "mud and snow", as in "M+S tire". Also used MS and M/S abbreviations.

A combined damper (shock absorber) and spring unit. MacPherson struts are used in most front-wheel drive vehicles for compact packaging. MacPherson struts also allow relatively long springs that can increase suspension travel and increase bump absorption capability. The MacPherson (or McPherson) strut suspension was invented in the 1940s by Earl S. MacPherson of Ford. Unlike other suspension designs, in MacPherson strut suspension, the telescopic shock absorber also serves as a link to control the position of the wheel.

An electrical device which generates electrical current when it is rotated by an outside (mechanical) source of power. It is used only for firing the spark plugs of some engines. Any magneto uses a set of contact points to make and break the ignition circuit in time with the controlled engine. The word "magneto" is derived from the ancient Greek "magnetolopolous", roughly translates as "shocks the crap out of you if you're not careful".

Known Japanese maker of automobiles. The name Mazda stems from Ahura Mazda, the highest Zoroastrian God of reason who granted wisdom and united man, nature and the other gods. It also closely resembles the Japanese pronunciation of the company founder's name, Jujiro Matsuda. This started the company in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd.

Manufacture of machine tools started in 1929, shortly followed by a three-wheel truck, the Mazdago, in 1931. The first car, the Mazda R360 Coupe two-door passenger vehicle, came out in 1960, with the four-door Mazda Carol appearing in 1962. The next year cumulative automobile production topped one million.

Mazda has been at the forefront of engine development since 1961, when it first began technical cooperation with the German company NSU/Wankel on rotary engines.

Up until 1992, Mazda did not identify themselves with any sort of symbol. The only visual logo that they used was a simple display of the Mazda name, in a self-designed font. In 1992, Mazda introduced a new emblem, which would be used for the export market. It is supposed to represent a sun and a flame standing for heartfelt passion. Shortly after implementation, Mazda had to alter the logo slightly by rounding off the diamond inside the ellipse, because the previous emblem was somewhat similar to Renault's logo. In 1997, Mazda redesigned the symbol once again. This last version shows off a "V" in the center of an "M". According to Mazda, it represents creativity, flexibility, and vitality.