Mazda 'Zooms' Into 2004 with Strong January 2004 Sales

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 3, 2004 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported sales of 18,637 units in January -- a 24.7 percent increase versus the same period last year and Mazda's best January since 1985. The increase marks Mazda's fourth consecutive month of double-digit monthly sales increases from the prior year.

Mazda's strong January was led by its sporty Miata roadster. The legendary warm-weather convertible was seemingly unaffected by the winter chill, posting a 21.1 percent increase in January sales. In addition, after a successful year-end launch toward the close of 2003, Mazda reported ramped-up January sales of 4,426 units for its all-new MAZDA3 sport compact. Last month, sales of the highly acclaimed vehicle totaled 1,921 units. Mazda also reported sales of 4,121 units for its MAZDA6 flagship sedan-nearly double last year's January total.

"Many consumers pull back on spending in the weeks following the holidays, but Mazda was able to make a strong January statement within the auto industry," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "With automotive forecasts calling for one of the best sales years ever, all vehicle manufacturers want to begin the year with the kind of sales Mazda has enjoyed this month."

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and services support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.

                       Mazda Sales for January 2004

                       Month-To-Date                 Year-To-Date
                    January January   %         January January   %
                     2004    2003   Change        2004    2003   Change

  Protege           2,582   3,988  -35.3%       2,582   3,988  -35.3%

  Mazda3             4426       0     N/A        4426       0     N/A

  626                   1     742  -99.9%           1     742  -99.9%

  Mazda6            4,121   2,254   82.8%       4,121   2,254   82.8%

  Millenia              7     509  -98.6%           7     509  -98.6%

  Miata               603     498   21.1%         603     498   21.1%

  RX8               1,789       0     N/A       1,789       0     N/A

  MPV               1,215   1,787  -32.0%       1,215   1,787  -32.0%

  Mazda Truck         929   1,172  -20.7%         929   1,172  -20.7%

  Tribute           2,964   3,998  -25.9%       2,964   3,998  -25.9%

  Total Vehicles

  CARS             13,529   7,991   69.3%      13,529   7,991   69.3%

  TRUCKS            5,108   6,957  -26.6%       5,108   6,957  -26.6%

  TOTAL            18,637  14,948   24.7%      18,637  14,948   24.7%

  MEMO:

  IMPORT CAR        9,407   4,995   88.3%       9,407   4,995   88.3%
  IMPORT TRUCK      1,215   1,787  -32.0%       1,215   1,787  -32.0%
  IMPORT TOTAL     10,622   6,782   56.6%      10,622   6,782   56.6%

  DOMESTIC CAR      4,122   2,996   37.6%       4,122   2,996   37.6%
  DOMESTIC TRUCK    3,893   5,170  -24.7%       3,893   5,170  -24.7%
  DOMESTIC TOTALS   8,015   8,166   -1.8%       8,015   8,166   -1.8%