Mazda Reports April Sales

Mazda North American Operations today reported U.S. sales of 21,060 in April 2007, a drop of 5.9 percent compared to the same period the year prior. Calculated on a daily selling- rate basis however, Mazda's U.S. sales were up 1.9 percent, as there were 24 selling days this month, versus 26 in April 2006. On a year-to-date basis, U.S. sales are up 11.7 percent to 100,134.

Combined U.S., Canada and Mexico sales rose five percent to 32,555 vehicles, compared to the same period a year ago. Mazda Canada had its best- ever sales month in the company's 39-year history with sales of 10,341 vehicles. Mazda Motor de Mexico reported 1,154 sales, more than double the previous year.

"Falling consumer confidence over credit and housing uncertainties made for a challenging month for us and the entire U.S. auto industry, especially compared to last month," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "At Mazda, we feel we have the right products in our showrooms to keep our incentive spending in check and help us make gains in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable market."

Individually, U.S. sales on a carline basis were led by the MAZDA3, with 8,046. Even in its fourth year of production, day's supply at the start of the month was very low (under 40 days) for MAZDA3, and incentive spending throughout the month has been virtually nonexistent. On a year-to-date basis, sales of 39,972 MAZDA3s are up 29.8 percent.

The CX-7 and CX-9 crossover SUVs continue to appeal to customers looking for car-like drivability and economy combined with SUV utility and styling. CX-7 posted sales of 2,740 for the month, bringing its year-to-date total to 12,680. CX-9 posted sales of 1,776 for the month for a total of 5,469 for the first four months of the year.

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, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.