Turbocharged Mazda MX-5 Kits Fund Goats for Charity
US tuner Flyin’ Miata’s campaign donates a goat to a family in need for every turbo kit sold for the Mazda MX-5, linking performance upgrades with charitable giving.
Flyin’ Miata, a Colorado-based Mazda specialist, launched an unusual charity campaign in 2011: for every turbocharger kit sold for the Mazda MX-5, the company would fund the donation of a goat to a family in need through Heifer International. The scheme combines performance tuning with philanthropy, and was aimed at US customers upgrading their MX-5 (Miata) with forced induction.
The goat donation is not a direct gift to the buyer. Instead, for each turbo kit installed, Flyin’ Miata purchases a goat through the charity. Goats offer a sustainable food source for recipient families, producing milk that can be consumed or sold, and manure that can fertilise crops. Heifer International’s model is to provide livestock as a means of long-term support rather than a one-off handout.
How the campaign worked
The offer applied to Flyin’ Miata’s range of turbo kits for the Mazda MX-5, including both NA and NB generations. Buyers in the US who ordered a kit would receive confirmation that a goat was being donated in their name. The campaign was publicised as a way for car enthusiasts to contribute to a good cause while upgrading their vehicle’s performance.
The campaign was not an official Mazda promotion. Mazda had no involvement, and the scheme was entirely the initiative of Flyin’ Miata. The company is known for its aftermarket performance parts and turbo conversions, especially for the MX-5, which has a strong following among US enthusiasts. The goat donation was described by Flyin’ Miata as a way to give back, rather than a marketing gimmick.
Why goats?
Heifer International promotes goats as an effective means of supporting rural families in developing countries. Goats are hardy, require modest resources, and can be bred to provide an ongoing benefit. Their milk is a valuable source of protein, and surplus can be sold or traded for other essentials. The manure also improves soil fertility, supporting crop yields.
- Turbo kit purchase triggers goat donation, not delivery to customer.
- Goats support food security and income for recipient families.
- Flyin’ Miata’s campaign was limited to the US market.
Reception among MX-5 owners
The initiative drew attention for its novelty and charitable angle. While the average MX-5 owner in the US is unlikely to need a goat, the campaign allowed buyers to support a cause with their purchase. It also highlighted the role of small tuning firms in engaging with social issues, even in a niche market. There is no evidence that Mazda or its dealers adopted similar schemes elsewhere.
Flyin’ Miata’s turbo kits remain a popular option for MX-5 owners seeking more power, but the goat donation campaign stands out as one of the more unusual charity efforts linked to performance tuning.
