Mazda Posts Fourth Consecutive Year-Over-Year Sales Increase

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 3 -- Led by the continued impressive sales of the Protege sedan along with the successful launch of the new and innovative Protege5, Mazda today reported an increase in sales for the fourth consecutive year. The 5.5 percent jump versus last year's total was led by Mazda's spirited Protege, which boasted a 25.2 percent increase to lead the charge. The stylish Protege also saw its sales climb 48.2 percent for the month of December.

Mazda's December sales total 19,063 vehicles, down 4.4 percent from last year, while its year-to-date sales are 269,602 units.

``To have our sales improve for the fourth consecutive year is a great tribute to Mazda's ability to consistently deliver on the brand strategy it introduced as a core business objective in 1997,'' said Charlie Hughes, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. ``As we enter the New Year in Los Angeles tomorrow with the launch of our new, more powerful MPV, and with future introductions such as our stylish MAZDA6 sports sedan and our awesome MAZDA RX-8, we will continue to offer products that reflect Mazda's stylish, insightful and spirited brand personality.''

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 DECEMBER, 2001

                           Month-To-Date               Year-To-Date
                   December  December     %      December  December     %
                     2001      2000     Change     2001      2000    Change

    PROTEGE          6,171     4,164     48.2%    78,688    62,851    25.2%
    626              2,810     4,210    -33.3%    50,997    71,046   -28.2%
    MILLENIA         1,211     1,495    -19.0%    19,849    16,558    19.9%
    MIATA            1,004     1,016     -1.2%    16,486    18,299    -9.9%
    MPV              2,209     2,417     -8.6%    32,181    35,600    -9.6%
    MAZDA TRUCK      1,750     1,709      2.4%    26,131    30,124   -13.3%
    TRIBUTE          3,908     4,922    -20.6%    45,270    21,048      N/A

    Total Vehicles

    CARS            11,196    10,885      2.9%   166,020   168,754    -1.6%
    TRUCKS           7,867     9,048    -13.1%   103,582    86,772    19.4%
    TOTAL           19,063    19,933     -4.4%   269,602   255,526     5.5%

    MEMO:

    IMPORT CAR       8,386     6,675     25.6%   115,023    97,708    17.7%
    IMPORT TRUCK     2,209     2,417     -8.6%    32,181    35,600    -9.6%
    IMPORT TOTAL    10,595     9,092     16.5%   147,204   133,308    10.4%

    DOMESTIC CAR     2,810     4,210    -33.3%    50,997    71,046   -28.2%
    DOMESTIC TRUCK   5,658     6,631    -14.7%    71,401    51,172    39.5%
    DOMESTIC TOTALS  8,468    10,841    -21.9%   122,398   122,218     0.1%