Mazda Reports Best April Since 1995 With 12.8 Percent Sales Increase

IRVINE, Calif., May 1, 2008 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported a double-digit increase in sales for April with 23,760 units sold in the U.S., a 12.8 percent increase over last year. Year-to-date sales are up 1.3 percent with 101,391 vehicles sold.

MAZDA3, fresh off being named one of the "2008 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, reported sales of 9,234 units, up 14.8 percent.

Redesigned for 2008, the MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle reported its best-ever April with 2,011 units sold, accounting for a 65.7 percent increase, while MAZDA6 reported a 15.9 percent increase with sales of 4,856 units.

Mazda's crossover SUV lineup continues its strong sales momentum. The winner of the 2008 North American Truck of the Year and 2008 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year, CX-9, reported sales of 2,216 units, up 24.8 percent versus last year. CX-7 recorded 2,334 units sold while Tribute sold 1,192 units in April, up 58.1 percent. Combined, the Mazda crossover SUV lineup reported year-to-dates sales of 25,703 units, up nearly 25 percent versus last year.

"Having the right vehicles at the right price, at the right time, is driving our sales success this month and this year," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, MNAO. "We anticipated the possibility of rising gas prices with a very strong lineup of fuel efficient vehicles which appeal to consumers' dramatically changing lifestyles."

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever April with sales of 1,627 vehicles, up 41 percent versus last year. On a year-to-date basis, MMdM reported 6,656 total sales, accounting for a 40 percent increase.

Mazda Canada, Inc. reported sales of 9,115 units, down 11.9 percent, while its year-to-date sales are up 2.2 percent with 28,712 vehicles sold.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan.