Mazda China sales fall short of original target

Shanghai. July 1 (Gasgoo.com) Chang'an Ford Mazda Automobile Co, a three way joint venture between Chongqing Changan Automobile Co, Ford Motor and Mazda Motor Co, is reported to be falling far short of 2008 sales target judging from its sales performance year to date, a Beijing-based newspaper today.

Statistics from China's Passenger Car Association shows only a total of 21,954 Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 sedans were sold monthly since the beginning of this year, while the automaker announced to sell at least 110,000 of the two models in 2008.

The local Beijing Business Today attributes the sluggish sales to two major reasons: a division of sales channels which greatly reduced efficiency and the lack of consumer confidence on some Mazda 3 models.

The Chongqing based joint venture currently sells Mazda 2 (four-door sedan and five-door hatchback versions) and Mazda 3 sedan, while Mazda 6 and Mazda 5 are sold through FAW Car Co. The two companies decided to separate their sales network at the beginning of this year.

Also because Mazda is slow in responding to consumers' complaints about Mazda 3 sedans, which are claimed to have defect half shaft that generates strange sound when driving. The automaker have been persisting that the sound is normal and does not affect passengers' safety.

Separately, General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ) has issued safety warnings about imported Mazda 3 hatchback and Mazda 5 vehicles related to wiring harness problems.