Mazda March 2004 Sales Skyrocket

IRVINE, Calif., April 1 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported sales of 25,321 vehicles in March -- a 36.6 percent increase versus the same period last year and the company's best March since 1996. March's sales results mark Mazda's sixth consecutive month of double-digit monthly sales increases over the prior year.

Mazda's stellar March was led by its MAZDA6 sedan. Mazda's flagship posted sales of 6,428 vehicles-up 60.1 percent from a year ago. Mazda also reported a continued strong performance for its sporty Miata roadster. The popular convertible has enjoyed a prolific first quarter with sales increases of 21.1 and 34.4 percent in January and February respectively. This month, Miata sales jumped 33.3 percent from 2003.

The company's strong March also included impressive sales of its all-new MAZDA3, which has become Mazda's best-selling automobile through the first three months of 2004. The media-lauded sport compact also has continued to impress at dealerships, selling a total of 16,689 vehicles since the beginning of the year -- 7,173 vehicles in March alone.

"Mazda pays close attention to consumer spending, especially because it accounts for nearly two-thirds of all U.S. economic activity," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "Although the country's general consumer confidence has been erratic for many months, Mazda's valued customers have continued to buck the national trend, consistently making the past half-year a good one for this company."

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.

                              Month-To-Date              Year-To-Date

                        March   March     %      March    March      %
                         2004    2003   Change    2004     2003   Change

  Protege               1,166   5,803   -79.9%    5,507   15,051  -63.4%

  Mazda3                 7173       0      N/A    16689        0     N/A

  626                       4     218   -98.2%        8    1,310  -99.4%

  Mazda6                6,428   4,014    60.1%   15,448    8,988   71.9%

  Millenia                  7     304   -97.7%       15    1,263  -98.8%

  Miata                 1,153     865    33.3%    2,498    1,915   30.4%

  RX8                   2,373       0      N/A    6,027        0     N/A

  MPV                   2,153   2,413   -10.8%    5,189    6,402  -18.9%

  Mazda Truck             979   1,251   -21.7%    2,819    3,742  -24.7%

  Tribute               3,885   3,671     5.8%   10,147   12,040  -15.7%

  Total Vehicles

  CARS                 18,304  11,204    63.4%   46,192   28,527   61.9%

  TRUCKS                7,017   7,335    -4.3%   18,155   22,184  -18.2%

  TOTAL                25,321  18,539    36.6%   64,347   50,711   26.9%

  MEMO:

  IMPORT CAR           11,872   6,972    70.3%   30,736   18,229   68.6%
  IMPORT TRUCK          2,153   2,413   -10.8%    5,189    6,402  -18.9%
  IMPORT TOTAL         14,025   9,385    49.4%   35,925   24,631   45.9%

  DOMESTIC CAR          6,432   4,232    52.0%   15,456   10,298   50.1%
  DOMESTIC TRUCK        4,864   4,922    -1.2%   12,966   15,782  -17.8%
  DOMESTIC TOTALS      11,296   9,154    23.4%   28,422   26,080    9.0%