Mazda Canada Announces Sales Increase For July 2012

-- Strong SUV Sales in July Leads Mazda to 3rd Consecutive Month of Sales Growth --

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Aug. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Mazda Canada once again posted an increase in sales, selling 6,671 vehicles in July 2012, which is up by 1% over July 2011. Total sales for the year are 44,278, leading 2011 sales by 7% year-to-date.

The Mazda3 continues to be the highest performer in the Mazda line-up, selling 3,666 in July, up more than 8% in year-to-date sales. Other carlines showed strong growth as well, including the Mazda MX-5 roadster, which maintained a strong sales pace for a fifth consecutive month growing sales 50% compared to last year. Mazda's CX line of SUVs continues to perform very well, up 123% over last year and 156% year-to-date, led by sales of the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact SUV.

"The entire Mazda line-up of vehicles provides unique value to Canadian consumers, from the small-but-fun Mazda2 all the way up to our 7-passenger CX-9 SUV," said Vito Paladino, Director, Sales Operations. "Mazdas carve a niche in their category with excellent driving characteristics and exceptional quality, and it's great to see these vehicles play into our continued growth in Canada this year."

SKYACTIV Technology continues to play a major role in Mazda sales, with 58% of all Mazda vehicles sold in July equipped with SKYACTIV Technology. With the recent announcement of the upcoming fully-SKYACTIV all-new Mazda6, this new technology will produce added benefits of more power, lighter, stronger vehicles, and better fuel efficiency to an even greater percentage of new Mazda owners. The all-new 2014 Mazda6 will be revealed for the first time at the Moscow International Automobile Salon 2012 at the end of August and will go on sale in Canada in early 2013.

July Highlights

• Vehicles equipped with SKYACTIV Technology accounted for 58% of all Mazda sales in July
• Mazda's CX line of SUVs continues strong growth, up 156% year-over-year
• Mazda6 sales up 185% for the month, leading to best July sales since 2006
• MX-5 sales up year-over-year for the fifth consecutive month, with best July since 2007

		July 2012		July 2011		% Change		YTD 2012		YTD 2011		% Change
Mazda2		304		954		-68.1		3,292		5,888		-44.1
Mazda3		3,666		3,623		1.2		23,889		22,070		8.2
Mazda5		395		511		-22.7		3,373		4,203		-19.7
Mazda6		666		234		184.6		2,555		2,150		18.8
MX-5		166		105		58.1		592		396		49.5
RX-8		0		48		-100.0		43		109		-60.6
Mazda Passenger Car		5,197		5,475		-5.1		33,744		34,816		-3.1
CX-5		960		0		n.a.		6,876		0		n.a.
CX-7		435		547		-20.5		2,540		3,244		-21.7
CX-9		79		113		-30.1		674		696		-3.2
Tribute		0		454		-100.0		444		1,989		-77.7
B-Series		0		0		n.a.		0		661		-100.0
Mazda Light Truck		1,474		1,114		32.3		10,534		6,590		59.8
MAZDA TOTAL		6,671		6,589		1.2		44,278		41,406		6.9

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.

Contact: Sandra Lemaitre, National Manager, Public Relations

[phone]; [email protected]