May 2004: Mazda Sales See Double-Digit Increase for Eighth Consecutive Month

IRVINE, Calif., June 2 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported sales of 27,548 vehicles in May -- a 19.1 percent increase versus the same period last year. May's sales results -- Mazda's best single month this year and the company's best May since 1996 -- mark the company's eighth consecutive month of double-digit sales increases over the prior year. Overall, Mazda's year-to-date sales total 93,514 vehicles -- a 21.5 percent increase from 2003.

Mazda's strong May was led by impressive sales of its all-new MAZDA3. The media-lauded sport compact also has continued to impress at dealerships where consumer demand continues to outstrip supply, selling a total of 32,890 vehicles since the beginning of the year -- 8,866 vehicles in May alone.

Also posting strong gains was Mazda's versatile and fun-to-drive MPV. With family-vacation season underway, Mazda reported a 40.8 percent monthly increase for the seven-passenger minivan. In addition, Mazda saw impressive sales of its sporty MAZDA6. The company's flagship posted sales of 6,310 vehicles for the month-up 28.0 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date, MAZDA6 sales of 26,875 represent an increase of 46.1 percent.

"With rising gas prices, an ongoing war in Iraq and overall market instability, consumers are looking for safety and stability in their investments," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "Mazda is entering the summer selling season with the kind of momentum most automakers dream about, and we look forward to continued growth through the second quarter and the entire year."

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 -- May 2004

                       Month-To-Date                 Year-To-Date

                 May       May        %         May       May       %
                2004      2003     Change      2004      2003    Change

   Protege       234      7,025     -96.7%      6,207     27,946   -77.8%

   Mazda3      8,866          0        N/A     32,890          0      N/A

   626             0         70    -100.0%          8      1,493   -99.5%

   Mazda6      6,310      4,930      28.0%     26,875     18,398    46.1%

   Millenia        1        139     -99.3%         16      1,594   -99.0%

   Miata         857      1,400     -38.8%      4,478      4,662    -3.9%

   RX8         2,321          0        N/A     10,555          0      N/A

   MPV         3,860      2,742      40.8%     10,711     11,614    -7.8%

   Mazda Truck 1,040      1,460     -28.8%      4,747      6,533   -27.3%

   Tribute     4,059      5,363     -24.3%     17,087     21,274   -19.7%

   Total Vehicles

   CARS       18,589     13,564      37.0%     81,029     54,093    49.8%

   TRUCKS      8,959      9,565      -6.3%     32,545     39,421   -17.4%

   TOTAL      27,548     23,129      19.1%    113,574     93,514    21.5%

   MEMO:

   IMPORT
     CAR      12,279      8,564      43.4%     54,146     34,202    58.3%
   IMPORT
     TRUCK     3,860      2,742      40.8%     10,711     11,614    -7.8%
   IMPORT
     TOTAL    16,139     11,306      42.7%     64,857     45,816    41.6%

   DOMESTIC
     CAR       6,310      5,000      26.2%     26,883     19,891    35.2%
   DOMESTIC
     TRUCK     5,099      6,823     -25.3%     21,834     27,807   -21.5%
   DOMESTIC
     TOTALS   11,409     11,823      -3.5%     48,717     47,698     2.1%