MAZDA6 Races Into Japan and Europe, Orders Surpass Expectations

IRVINE, Calif., July 9 -- Excitement is brewing for the arrival of the new MAZDA6 (Atenza) as sales orders of the sports sedan have been shattering all forecasts in Japan and Europe. Its highly anticipated U.S. launch will begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

Since the stylish MAZDA6 Sport Wagon hit showrooms in Japan on June 24, the vehicle already has sold 1,500 units -- its monthly sales target -- in just two weeks. In addition, Japanese and European orders for the MAZDA6 5-door and sedan are already six times the monthly target in little more than a month. Mazda has increased production at its Hofu Plant in Japan in an effort to answer the strong sales demand.

"Mazda engineers designed the new MAZDA6 to be more than a match for Europe's best mid-size sedans, so it's not surprising that overseas sales have taken off," said Charlie Hughes, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "We're confident American buyers will flock to the MAZDA6 in the same kinds of numbers and with the same enthusiasm as we've seen in Japan and Europe."

When it arrives in U.S. Mazda dealerships later this year, the MAZDA6 -- with its aggressive blend of sleek exterior styling, spacious and sporty interior design, sophisticated suspension system and either 160-hp four-cylinder or 220-hp V6 -- will set new standards for the mid-size class.

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.