Mazda 06/07 global sales up 2.0 percent

Mazda Motor Corp. said today its global sales for the business year ended March 31 rose 2.0 percent to 1,301,581 vehicles thanks to brisk sales of the Mazda3 compact and Mazda5 minivan.

Sales in North America, including Mexico, grew 8.0 percent to 380,002 units, marking the best result in 12 years, the Hiroshima-based automaker, held one-third by Ford Motor Co., said in a statement.

European sales rose 6.7 percent to 301,167 units, the highest in 15 years, as Mazda posted record sales in Britain, Russia, Spain and Portugal.

Domestic sales, however, fell 8.6 percent to 260,610 units amid tough competition and a shrinking market.

Chinese sales fell 0.7 percent to 129,128 units.