Mazda Expects Low U.S. Sales in 1996

02/12/96

Reuters reported that in spite of the fact that Mazda expects their retail sales to rise by 10-15% in 1996, the corporation is cutting back on sales to daily rental fleets and expects their overall sales to drop. Overall Mazda sales in 1995 fell 24.4% from what they had been in 1994.

In order to fight sales declines, Mazda is remaking its image to connote style, sport, fun and value. A new All-Sport package will be offered on the MPV minivan later this year. The package includes fender flares and bumper grill protectors to make the minivan look more like a sport utility vehicle. MPV sales fell 47.6% between 1994 and 1995.

Mazda's other big push will be toward getting customers to lease Miatas. The corporation will offer subsidized lease deal on the Miata roadster starting this spring. The deal will try to entice by offering the Miata for lease in exchange for $1,000 down, and 36 Monthly payments that could be as low as $219 per month.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel