Mazda's Plan Calls for Sales Increases in 1997

12/27/96

Comline reports that Mazda has released its 1997 production and sales plan. Focusing on the redesign of its mainline Capella model and the continuing popularity of its Demio, the automaker predicts a 7.8% rise in domestic sales for Japan, for a total of 365,000 vehicles. The company expects next year's exports to match this year's, but predicts a 4.1% growth in domestic production to 825,000 units.

Company president Henry Wallace says that Mazda will work to improve customer satisfaction, rebuild sales in the US and Japan, reorganize to boost its new product introduction rate, and improve the company's financial health. Wallace indicated that the issue of a shared chassis between Mazda and Ford would not be settled until after the first quarter of the year. Mazda is reportedly not considering employee downsizing.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel