Mazda Retails Better Than Expected in September Fuelled by All-New Mazda3 Sales

DARTFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – October 16, 2009: The European automotive industry rebounded slightly in September, with a drop of just 2.6 per cent year-on-year, but many carmakers continue to struggle and conditions remain challenging. There were some bright spots in September for the Mazda brand, fuelled by sales of the all-new Mazda3, which was launched a few months ago. 16 European countries exceeded their sales projections for the month, resulting in a European retail volume that was 8 per cent above objective.

The UK led all countries by setting two all-time monthly retail sales records in September – for volume, at 11,400 units, which is up 20 per cent, and for market share, estimated at 3.1 per cent. An all-time record was also set last month in Portugal, where the brand achieved its highest estimated monthly market share ever, at 2.9 per cent. September sales volume records were recorded for the Mazda brand in Turkey (+400 per cent) and Tunisia (+21 per cent) as well.

Four other countries booked sales increases in September. In Germany Mazda had one of its best months of 2009, registering 6,692 vehicles (KBA), which is up 26.8 per cent year-on-year. Retail sales were also up in Spain (+2 per cent), Mazda BELUX (+ 16 per cent) and Ireland (+ 2 per cent). In Switzerland, Mazda sales volume last month equalled that of last September, despite difficult market conditions