Mazda recently sold its 10-millionth vehicle in the United States since beginning North American sales operations in 1970, according to a press release.

Lauren Carter of Glen Ellyn, Ill., was the lucky 10-millionth customer, purchasing a 2013 Mazda3 from Continental Mazda of Naperville, Ill.

To celebrate the company's achievement, Mazda has replaced Carter's recent purchase with an all-new 2014 Mazda. The 10-millionth vehicle will become a permanent part of the Mazda heritage collection, the press release said.

"The first 10 million vehicles sold in the U.S. were reached through taking the road less traveled," Jim O'Sullivan, Mazda president and CEO, said in the press release. "The next 10 million will be accomplished by defying convention, continuing to push the limits of engineering and infusing every vehicle Mazda builds with the soul of a sports car."

Carter, 26, is an accounts receivable specialist and guitar teacher who was in the market for a sporty, fun-to-drive vehicle. The 2013 Mazda3 was her first-ever new car.

"I chose a Mazda because I did the research and learned that Mazda has some of the most reliable, feature-packed cars on the market," Carter said in the press release. "The Mazda3 is fun to drive and I can fit my guitar and amplifier in the trunk. For me, there's nothing better!"

"We are honored to work with Lauren and are glad she is part of this occasion," O'Sullivan added. "We couldn't be any happier that she chose Mazda as her first new car." 

Mazda is the only car manufacturer to mass-produce the unique rotary engine, having built and sold nearly two million rotary-powered vehicles globally, according to the press release.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the U.S. and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers.

See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?