Mazda One of Europe's Fastest-Growing Brands in 2008

LEVERKUSEN – August 18, 2008: So far this year, Mazda has seen booming sales as the popularity of its first and second-generation Zoom-Zoom vehicles continues to grow across Europe. Last month, Mazda sold 27,700 vehicles, which is up 28 percent compared to July 2007 and the best volume in 17 years.

So far this calendar year (January-July) Mazda has been one of Europe’s fastest-growing brands. Volume for the period stands at 220,500 units, which is 20 percent higher than the same period last year, and the highest January through July volume in company history.

All markets had good months in July, achieving or exceeding their sales objectives. A total of 17 countries increased sales last month (see table below), with 15 markets reporting double-digit sales growth and five markets setting all-time records. The popularity of the Mazda brand in Russia continued to grow at a fast rate. Last month, sales in Russia were up 83 percent based on a retail volume of 6,700 units. This is Russia’s highest July volume ever and its 20th consecutive month of double or triple-digit growth. Despite a difficult market environment, Spain achieved its best July share ever, estimated at 0.9 percent, based on a volume of 1,300 units. A record was also set in Hungary for volume, at 280 units, which is up 57 percent. Record July sales volumes were also achieved in Croatia, with 230 units, up 12 percent, and in Slovenia, at 130 units, which is up 75 percent compared to last July.