Mazda Canada announces sales for December 2012 and full year

-- 2012 year-to-date sales increase 4 per cent --

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Jan. 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Mazda Canada today announced total sales of 71,638 vehicles in 2012, an increase of 4% over 2011.

The Mazda3 continues to be the highest volume seller in the Mazda line-up, selling 39,295 vehicles in 2012, up 6% year-to-date. In 2012, the all-new CX-5 became Mazda's second best-selling vehicle, with 11,301 units sold, boosting sales of Mazda's CX line of crossovers up 98% year-to-date over 2011. The Mazda5 rounds out the top three with 5,267 units sold in 2012.

SKYACTIV Technology continues to grow its prominence in Mazda sales, with 46% of all Mazda vehicles sold in 2012. The Mazda3 with SKYACTIV Technology also monopolized the sales figures, representing 55% of all Mazda3s sold in Canada in 2012.

The Mazda6 finished the year strong, selling 5,128 units in 2012, representing an increase of 40% year-to-date.  Anticipation for the release of the all-new 2014 Mazda6 is high, and with a just-announced starting MSRP of only $24,495, the positive momentum is expected to carry on into 2013. The 2014 Mazda6 will be on sale in a few weeks and will feature an impressive list of standard equipment, such as keyless entry and push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, 5.8" colour touch screen audio display, 17" alloy wheels, LED taillights, and heated exterior mirrors with side turn signal.

"2013 is going to be a great year for Mazda with the release of the all-new Mazda6, our second vehicle to feature our full suite of SKYACTIV Technology," said Kory Koreeda, president, Mazda Canada. "Consumers will be surprised and delighted at the value and refinement that this new flagship sedan will bring to the midsize segment, which will surely put our competitors on notice."

Sales for December 2012, which totaled 3,561, represented a decrease of 27% compared to December 2011. Sales of the Mazda6 and CX-9 increased 73% and 40%, respectively, with the CX-9 seeing the best December sales ever.

December and 2012 Full-year Highlights

• SKYACTIV Technology-equipped vehicles accounted for 46% of all Mazda sales in 2012
• Mazda6 sales jumped 73% in December and 40% YTD
• MX-5 sales increased 16% YTD
• CX-9 December sales rose 14% over 2011 for its best December ever
• Mazda Canada sales for 2012 were up 4%

	December		December		%		YTD		YTD		%
	2012		2011		Change		2012		2011		Change
Mazda2	136		472		-71.2		4,935		9,020		-45.3
Mazda3	1,655		2,748		-39.8		39,295		37,224		5.6
Mazda5	335		339		-1.2		5,267		6,084		-13.4
Mazda6	457		264		73.1		5,128		3,676		39.5
MX-5	10		19		-47.4		711		612		16.2
RX-8	0		4		-100.0		43		165		-73.9
Passenger Car	2,593		3,846		-32.6		55,379		56,781		-2.5
CX-5	786		0		n.a.		11,301		0		n.a.
CX-7	0		657		-100.0		3,102		6,710		-53.8
CX-9	182		130		40.0		1,412		1,283		10.1
Tribute	0		235		-100.0		444		3,751		-88.2
B-Series	0		0		n.a.		0		661		-100.0
Light Truck	968		1,022		-5.3		16,259		12,405		31.1
MAZDA TOTAL	3,561		4,868		-26.8		71,638		69,186		3.5

About Mazda Canada Inc.
Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 165 dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at www.media.mazda.ca 

SOURCE: Mazda Canada Inc.

Sandra Lemaitre, National Manager, Public Relations
[phone]; [email protected]