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Mazda Reports July 2008 Sales Down


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MAZDA3 Continues Its Hot Streak, Reports Best July Ever

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 1 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported July 2008 sales of 22,418 vehicles, a 13.3 percent decrease over last year. Year-to-date, Mazda reports 175,559 vehicles sold, down a slight 1.7 percent.

"As fuel prices continue to rise and consumer confidence continues to slip, new-car buyers are honing their choices, deciding on the smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles that a company like Mazda has always made," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, MNAO. "We're in the enviable position of having trouble stocking enough MAZDA3s, MAZDA5s and MAZDA6s to meet this demand and this month's sales numbers reflect that."

The fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive MAZDA3 continues as Mazda's sales leader, with sales up 1.9 percent totaling 11,782, its best July ever. The MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle posted a 39.7 percent increase versus last July, with 1,336 units sold. Year-to-date, MAZDA5 sales are up 43.7 percent, proof-positive of consumers' changing tastes.

The all-new 2009 MAZDA6 is expected to arrive in showrooms this week. With a larger body than the outgoing car, as well as more powerful -- and more fuel efficient -- engine choices, the 2009 MAZDA6 is sure to be a hit.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever July and third-best month in its history with sales of 1,796 vehicles, up 48 percent versus last year. MAZDA3 5-door posted its best sales month ever. On a year-to-date basis, MMdM reports 11,757 total sales, accounting for a 36 percent increase versus last year.

Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) reported sales of 7,996 units, up slightly (.08 percent).

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan.

                Month-To-Date                     Year-To-Date
          July   July          %   % MTD    July    July         %   % YTD
          2008   2007     Change    DSR     2008    2007    Change    DSR

  Mazda3 11,782 11,567      1.9%   (6.0)%  73,257  74,196   (1.3)%   (1.8)%
  Mazda5  1,336    956     39.7%    22.7%  13,313   9,265    43.7%    30.0%
  Mazda6  2,470  3,672   (32.7)%  (60.6)%  35,533  36,356   (2.3)%   (2.9)%
  MX-5
   Miata  1,182  1,187    (0.4)%   (8.5)%   8,331  10,790  (22.8)%  (30.2)%
  RX-8      355    654   (45.7)%  (99.0)%   2,236   3,954  (43.4)%  (77.8)%
  CX-7    2,356  3,868   (39.1)%  (77.3)%  18,330  24,323  (24.6)%  (33.4)%
  CX-9    1,965  2,158    (8.9)%  (18.6)%  15,188  11,476    32.3%    24.0%
  Tribute   879  1,575   (44.2)%  (93.5)%   8,455   6,221    35.9%    26.0%
  B-Series
   Truck     93    219   (57.5)% (154.3)%     916   1,837  (50.1)% (101.7)%
  MPV       -       (3) (100.0)%      N/A    -        119 (100.0)%      N/A

  Total
   Vehicles

  CARS   17,125 18,036    (5.1)%  (13.7)% 132,670 134,561   (1.4)%   (2.0)%
  TRUCKS  5,293  7,817   (32.3)%  (59.5)%  42,889  43,976   (2.5)%   (3.1)%

  TOTAL  22,418 25,853   (13.3)%  (24.5)% 175,559 178,537   (1.7)%   (2.3)%

  MEMO:

  IMPORT
   CAR   14,655 14,364      2.0%           97,137  98,205   (1.1)%
  IMPORT
   TRUCK  4,321  6,023   (28.3)%           33,518  35,918   (6.7)%

  IMPORT
   TOTAL 18,976 20,387    (6.9)%          130,655 134,123   (2.6)%

  DOMESTIC
   CAR    2,470  3,672   (32.7)%           35,533  36,356   (2.3)%
  DOMESTIC
   TRUCK    972  1,794   (45.8)%            9,371   8,058    16.3%
  DOMESTIC
   TOTALS 3,442  5,466   (37.0)%           44,904  44,414     1.1%
  Selling
   Days      27     25                        181     180

  Note:  MPV is a discontinued vehicle.