Mazda's October Sales Skyrocket, Company Enjoys Strong Postings to Begin Fourth Quarter

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 3, 2003 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported sales of 21,781 units in October-a 52.3 percent increase versus the same period last year.

The company's strong month was led by its sporty Miata roadster, which posted a 30.2 percent increase in sales. In addition, Mazda reported sales of 5,046 units for its fun-to-drive Protege compact -- a sales increase of 18.6 percent -- as well as a 14.8 percent sales increase for its functional and stylish MPV minivan.

"We're extremely optimistic about the way Mazda is heading into the final quarter of 2003," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "With the strong return of consumer confidence and spending, coupled with the stellar products this company delivers, Mazda is poised to continue bolstering its sales as the year winds to a close."

Overall, Mazda's year-to-date sales total 216,489 units -- down 4.0 percent from last 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 for October--2003

                   October  October     %      October  October      %
                     2003     2002    Change     2003     2002     Change

  PROTEGE           5,046    4,253     18.6%    61,067   73,079   -16.4%

  Mazda3               12        0       N/A        12

  626                  15    1,681    -99.1%     1,620   36,364   -95.5%

  Mazda6            6,194        0       N/A    51,160        0      N/A

  MILLENIA             13    1,149    -98.9%     1,799   15,926   -88.7%

  MIATA               926      711     30.2%     9,742   13,372   -27.1%

  RX8               2,510        0       N/A     8,166        0      N/A

  MPV               2,641    2,300     14.8%    26,204   29,980   -12.6%

  MAZDA TRUCK       1,162    1,064      9.2%    13,094   18,332   -28.6%

  TRIBUTE           3,262    3,139      3.9%    43,625   38,351    13.8%

  Total Vehicles

  CARS             14,716    7,794     88.8%   133,566  138,741    -3.7%

  TRUCKS            7,065    6,503      8.6%    82,923   86,663    -4.3%

  TOTAL            21,781   14,297     52.3%   216,489  225,404    -4.0%

  MEMO:

  IMPORT CAR        8,507    6,113     39.2%    80,786  102,377   -21.1%
  IMPORT TRUCK      2,641    2,300     14.8%    26,204   29,980   -12.6%
  IMPORT TOTAL     11,148    8,413     32.5%   106,990  132,357   -19.2%

  DOMESTIC CAR      6,209    1,681    269.4%    52,780   36,364    45.1%
  DOMESTIC TRUCK    4,424    4,203      5.3%    56,719   56,683     0.1%
  DOMESTIC TOTALS  10,633    5,884     80.7%   109,499   93,047    17.7%