July 2008 Sales: Mazda North American Operations

[VenSeattle]

Mazda Reports July 2008 Sales, Small Cars Lead the Way

Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/

Link to Press Release

MAZDA3 Continues Its Hot Streak, Reports Best July Ever

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations

(MNAO) today reported July 2008 sales of 22,418 vehicles, a 13.3 percent

decrease over last year. Year-to-date, Mazda reports 175,559 vehicles sold,

down a slight 1.7 percent.

"As fuel prices continue to rise and consumer confidence continues to

slip, new-car buyers are honing their choices, deciding on the smaller,

more fuel-efficient vehicles that a company like Mazda has always made,"

said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, MNAO. "We're in the enviable

position of having trouble stocking enough MAZDA3s, MAZDA5s and MAZDA6s to

meet this demand and this month's sales numbers reflect that."

The fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive MAZDA3 continues as Mazda's sales

leader, with sales up 1.9 percent totaling 11,782, its best July ever. The

MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle posted a 39.7 percent increase versus last

July, with 1,336 units sold. Year-to-date, MAZDA5 sales are up 43.7

percent, proof-positive of consumers' changing tastes.

The all-new 2009 MAZDA6 is expected to arrive in showrooms this week.

With a larger body than the outgoing car, as well as more powerful -- and

more fuel efficient -- engine choices, the 2009 MAZDA6 is sure to be a hit.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever July and

third-best month in its history with sales of 1,796 vehicles, up 48 percent

versus last year. MAZDA3 5-door posted its best sales month ever. On a

year-to-date basis, MMdM reports 11,757 total sales, accounting for a 36

percent increase versus last year.

Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) reported sales of 7,996 units, up slightly (.08

percent).

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.

Month-To-Date                     Year-To-Date
            July   July          %   % MTD    July    July         %   % YTD
            2008   2007     Change    DSR     2008    2007    Change    DSR

    Mazda3 11,782 11,567      1.9%   (6.0)%  73,257  74,196   (1.3)%   (1.8)%
    Mazda5  1,336    956     39.7%    22.7%  13,313   9,265    43.7%    30.0%
    Mazda6  2,470  3,672   (32.7)%  (60.6)%  35,533  36,356   (2.3)%   (2.9)%
    MX-5
     Miata  1,182  1,187    (0.4)%   (8.5)%   8,331  10,790  (22.8)%  (30.2)%
    RX-8      355    654   (45.7)%  (99.0)%   2,236   3,954  (43.4)%  (77.8)%
    CX-7    2,356  3,868   (39.1)%  (77.3)%  18,330  24,323  (24.6)%  (33.4)%
    CX-9    1,965  2,158    (8.9)%  (18.6)%  15,188  11,476    32.3%    24.0%
    Tribute   879  1,575   (44.2)%  (93.5)%   8,455   6,221    35.9%    26.0%
    B-Series
     Truck     93    219   (57.5)% (154.3)%     916   1,837  (50.1)% (101.7)%
    MPV       -       (3) (100.0)%      N/A    -        119 (100.0)%      N/A

    Total
     Vehicles

    CARS   17,125 18,036    (5.1)%  (13.7)% 132,670 134,561   (1.4)%   (2.0)%
    TRUCKS  5,293  7,817   (32.3)%  (59.5)%  42,889  43,976   (2.5)%   (3.1)%

    TOTAL  22,418 25,853   (13.3)%  (24.5)% 175,559 178,537   (1.7)%   (2.3)%


    MEMO:

    IMPORT
     CAR   14,655 14,364      2.0%           97,137  98,205   (1.1)%
    IMPORT
     TRUCK  4,321  6,023   (28.3)%           33,518  35,918   (6.7)%

    IMPORT
     TOTAL 18,976 20,387    (6.9)%          130,655 134,123   (2.6)%

    DOMESTIC
     CAR    2,470  3,672   (32.7)%           35,533  36,356   (2.3)%
    DOMESTIC
     TRUCK    972  1,794   (45.8)%            9,371   8,058    16.3%
    DOMESTIC
     TOTALS 3,442  5,466   (37.0)%           44,904  44,414     1.1%
    Selling
     Days      27     25                        181     180

    Note:  MPV is a discontinued vehicle.