Mazda Adds Models For Domestic Market

TOKYO February 13, 2004; Yoshio Takahashi writing for Dow Jones from Marreported that Mazda Motor Corp. said Friday it will expand product lineups at its three Japan dealer channels ch 1 in an effort to boost its domestic sales amid tough competition.

Mazda, an affiliate of Ford Motor Co., aims to offer more models across a broader regional area by expanding model lineups at its dealerships.

The latest sales strategy comes after the carmaker lifted domestic vehicle sales 5.6% on-year last year, the first rise in annual sales since 1997.

Mazda will start selling six minicar models at its Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers, which currently sell Mazda passenger cars and commercial vehicles but not minivehicles. The move will mean these channels will both have the full product lineup of Mazda models.

Minicars are vehicles with engine capacities of 660 cubic centimeters.

At its Mazda Autozam dealership, which mainly sells minivehicles, Mazda will start selling three additional passenger car models.

Japanese automakers are stepping up efforts to reorganize domestic dealership networks amid expected limited growth in the domestic market.

Toyota Motor Corp. is trying to reduce its number of dealerships and plans to introduce its Lexus brand in Japan next year. Nissan Motor Co. also recently reduced its domestic sales network to only two channels.

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