Mazda Motor eyes sales growth in China via two JVs

Shanghai, February 11 (Gasgoo.com) Through its two local ventures, Mazda Motor sold 179,679 vehicles in China in 2009, up 41% year-on-year, and the Japanese carmaker expects to sell 220,000 vehicles in China this year, up about 22%, media reported.

In 2009, FAW Mazda and Chang'an Mazda sold 106,982 and 72,697 vehicles separately, up 27% and 69%. Meanwhile, the two JVs set up 42 dealerships across China.

Mazda Motor recently transferred its Mazda3 imports business to Chang'an Mazda Motor Sales Co. from FAW Mazda Motor Sales Co., Ltd., to balance the profitability between the two Mazda joint ventures in China.

Chang'an Mazda is focusing on the compact sedan market, with the imported Mazda3 and the homegrown Mazda3 and Mazda2 as its pillar products. FAW Mazda's product lineup includes the Mazda6, Atenza, to-be-localized Mazda8, as well as the Mazda5, CX-7, and MX-5.

Their harmony is expected to help Mazda accelerate the achievement of its sales goal in China, with sales this year to grow 22% to 220,000 vehicles. China's auto sales for 2010 are predicted to rise 10% or more to 15 million vehicles.

FAW Mazda will increase its distributor numbers to more than 160 by 2010, when about 40 sales stores will likely be opened by Chang'an Mazda.