Mazda Motor Corporation began life as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co, and formally adopted the Mazda name in 1984. After encountering financial problems, Mazda embarked on a relationship with the Ford Motor Company, which took a seven per cent stake in 1979, rising to 33.3 per cent by 1996. However, under the leadership of Ford CEO Alan Mulally, Ford divested its stake in Mazda, and cut production and development ties.