Overview

• Matano died on September 20, 2025 at age 76, a loss widely confirmed across the automotive press and met with tributes from fans, colleagues, and former students.
• As Mazda North America’s chief designer who later led global design, he oversaw the original NA and subsequent NB MX-5 Miatas and shaped the third-generation FD RX-7.
• His international career included early roles at General Motors, a stint with Holden in Australia, and work at BMW contributing to the development of the E36 3 Series.
• After leaving Mazda in 2002, he led the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco and later served as director emeritus.
• His teams pursued projects such as the MX-5–based M Coupe concept, and he remained a beloved presence at MX-5/Miata owner events, often engaging directly with enthusiasts.