Hot Mazda Sales Continue to Melt Winter's Ice

IRVINE, Calif., March 2 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported sales of 20,389 vehicles in February-an 18.4 percent increase versus the same period last year. February's sales results mark Mazda's fifth consecutive month of double-digit monthly sales increases from the prior year.

Mazda's stellar February was led by its MAZDA6 sedan. On the same day the first 5-Door and Sport Wagon MAZDA6 derivatives rolled off the assembly line in Flat Rock, Mich., Mazda's flagship sedan posted sales of 4,899 vehicles-up 80.1 percent from a year ago. Mazda also reported a continued strong performance for its sporty Miata roadster as sales of the legendary warm-weather convertible continued to heat up the winter. Miata sales in February jumped 34.4 percent from 2003, while last month, Mazda reported increased Miata sales of 21.1 percent.

The company's strong February also included impressive sales of its all-new MAZDA3. After a successful year-end launch in 2003, Mazda reported ramped-up February sales of 5,090 units for MAZDA3. Last month, sales of the highly acclaimed vehicle totaled 4,426 units.

"In an election year, with economic fluctuations rampant, Mazda has been able to maintain a level of consistently strong performance," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "Today is a particularly good day for Mazda as we announce another great sales month and watch the birth of the newest members of the MAZDA6 family."

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 February 2004

                          Month-To-Date                 Year-To-Date

                   February    February   %   February  February    %
                     2004       2003   Change  2004      2003   Change

   Protege           1,759      5,260  -66.6%   4,341     9,248  -53.1%
   Mazda3             5090          0     N/A    9516         0     N/A
   626                   3        350  -99.1%       4     1,092  -99.6%
   Mazda6            4,899      2,720   80.1%   9,020     4,974   81.3%
   Millenia              1        450  -99.8%       8       959  -99.2%
   Miata               742        552   34.4%   1,345     1,050   28.1%
   RX8               1,865          0     N/A   3,654         0     N/A
   MPV               1,821      2,202  -17.3%   3,036     3,989  -23.9%
   Mazda Truck         911      1,319  -30.9%   1,840     2,491  -26.1%
   Tribute           3,298      4,371  -24.5%   6,262     8,369  -25.2%

   Total Vehicles
   CARS             14,359      9,332   53.9%  27,888    17,323   61.0%
   TRUCKS            6,030      7,892  -23.6%  11,138    14,849  -25.0%
    TOTAL           20,389     17,224   18.4%  39,026    32,172   21.3%

   MEMO:

   IMPORT CAR        9,457      6,262   51.0%  18,864    11,257   67.6%
   IMPORT TRUCK      1,821      2,202  -17.3%   3,036     3,989  -23.9%
   IMPORT TOTAL     11,278      8,464   33.2%  21,900    15,246   43.6%

   DOMESTIC CAR      4,902      3,070   59.7%   9,024     6,066   48.8%
   DOMESTIC TRUCK    4,209      5,690  -26.0%   8,102    10,860  -25.4%
   DOMESTIC TOTALS   9,111      8,760    4.0%  17,126    16,926    1.2%