Mazda-Go
{{Short description|Type of Three-wheeled open truck}}{{Infobox automobile
| name = Mazda-Go
| manufacturer = Mazda
| image = Mazda Type DC.JPG
| alt = Mazda-Go DC model
| caption = Mazda-Go DC model
| production = 1931–1938
| class = Auto rickshaw
| engine = {{unbulleted list
|{{convert|482|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} air-cooled single-cylinder
|{{convert|669|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} air-cooled single-cylinder
}}
}}File:Mazda auto tricycle.jpg
The Mazda-Go (Japanese: マツダ号) is a three-wheeled truck that was first produced in 1931, being the first vehicle manufactured by Mazda. It has also been considered to be the first auto rickshaw built, although the Daihatsu HB debuted in the same year.
Design
Resembling a motorcycle with an open wagon or truck bed, the Mazda-Go is steered using handlebars and powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder engine. The in-house-developed engine displaced {{Convert|482|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} and produced {{convert|9.4|PS|kW|abbr=on}}, powering the rear wheels through a three-speed transmission. Notable refinements included a rear differential and a reverse gear.{{cite web | url = https://www.mazda.com/en/innovation/stories/greatcar/mazda-go/ | title = Great Cars of Mazda: Mazda-Go 3-wheeled Trucks（1931～） | publisher = Mazda Motor Corporation | archivedate = 2019-02-09 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124028/https://www.mazda.com/en/innovation/stories/greatcar/mazda-go/ }} The original model was designated the DA, with the "Mazda-Go" brand name being used to sell it and subsequent generations. A more powerful version called the DB soon appeared, followed by a number of other Mazda-Go models like the DC and the heavier-duty KC.
The last version to appear before World War II was the 1938 GA, which re-entered production in December 1945 as Mazda's first post-war product.{{cite web | url = http://maz.daa.jp/1920/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160609141906/http://maz.daa.jp/1920/ | archivedate = 2016-06-09 | title = マツダの歴史･歴代モデル: 1920～1950年代 |trans-title = Mazda Model History: 1920s - 1950s | language = ja | work = マツダの歴史 [All Mazda] }} The GA has a {{Convert|669|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} single-cylinder sidevalve engine producing {{convert|13.7|PS|kW|abbr=on}} and a maximum cargo load of {{convert|500|kg|lb|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}, while it itself weighs {{convert|580|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite web | url = http://blognews.facm.net/?eid=1237351 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160404001237/http://blognews.facm.net/?eid=1237351 | archivedate = 2016-04-04 | title = 三輪トラック･マツダ号ＧＡ型とＧＢ型 | work=Fukuyama Auto & Clock Museum | language = ja | date = 2011-02-19 }}
History
The Mazda-Go entered the market on 3 October 1931. Development had begun in 1929, a year after Mazda's first trial production run of motorcycles.{{citation |title=The Globe: In Search of the Origins of Mazda |date=1990-01-30 |pages=94–95 |publisher=Mazda Motor Corporation}} After a July 1931 agreement, the Mazda-Go was sold by the Mitsubishi zaibatsu in Japan and later on in export markets as well. Mitsubishi retained the distribution rights in Japan until August 1936 and for export sales until December 1937.
Over the years, the Mazda-Go range would be produced in different variants, spawning other similar designs such as the HopeStar SM and Daihatsu Midget. It was replaced in the post-war era by a new range of three-wheeled Mazda trucks, including the K360 and the T2000.