Mazda's Chinese sales this year exceed 118000

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai August 5) - Mazda China sold 118,968 vehicles in China from January to July of this year, auto.163.com reported today. The official figures represent a decrease of 4 percent from last year. In July alone, 16,265 vehicles were sold in the country, 9 percent lower last July.

Both of Mazda's Chinese joint ventures saw a tough few months this year, with FAW-Mazda and Changan Mazda's sales decreasing 2 percent (77,056 units) and 9 percent (41,912 units) from January to July, respectively.

Yamada Noriaki, Mazda China chairman and CEO, hopes that the manufacturer's sales will rebound after August, with the manufacturer planning to bring over a slew of new models. "[We] hope that are annual sales will surpass last year's," Mr. Yamada said.

Mazda plans to expand the number of its Changan Mazda 4S to over 370 by the end of the year, with already 330 dealers in operation. The manufacturer also plans to introduce the compact crossover SUV CX-5 (pictured), equipped with Mazda's new SKYACTIV engine, in 2012.