Mazda Canada Sales Climb 34.4% In March 2012

- Increase led by strong SUV sales, including the all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 crossover -

RICHMOND HILL, ON, April 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Mazda Canada Inc. today announced sales for the month of March. Sales increased 34.4% over 2011, with total sales of 7,779 units. Through the first quarter of 2012, Mazda sales are up by 19%, with year-to-date sales of 16,241. This positive sales growth can be largely attributed to strong consumer reaction to Mazda vehicles equipped with SKYACTIV Technology, which offers incredible fuel economy without sacrificing performance and Mazda's fun-to-drive characteristics. SKYACTIV Technology is available in the 2012 Mazda3 and all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 crossover.

Vehicles equipped with SKYACTIV Technology made up 46% of total Mazda sales in March, led by the all-new Mazda CX-5. In its first full month on sale in Canada, consumers have shown strong interest in the new crossover, purchasing a total of 1,649 vehicles, which is over 21% of Mazda total sales in March, making it the second-best selling nameplate for Mazda, after the compact Mazda3.

"The fuel-saving capability of SKYACTIV Technology is becoming evident to consumers, and they have overwhelmingly shown their approval through sales of the CX-5," said Don Romano, President, Mazda Canada Inc. "We believe that SKYACTIV Technology is the answer that consumers are looking for today, and we are extremely excited about the future of this technology in our vehicles."

The ever-popular Mazda3 also saw major sales increases over last year, improving 36.1% with sales of 3,886 vehicles. SKYACTIV Technology played a large role in Mazda3 sales as well, contributing to 50% of Mazda's best-selling vehicle.

Drivers are also starting to gear up for summer, as evidenced by strong sales of Mazda MX-5 and MAZDASPEED3 which were up 108.9% and 56.3%, respectively.

Mazda expects this strong growth to continue through the summer, as the price of fuel rises and consumers embrace the fuel savings that can be realized with SKYACTIV Technology.

March Highlights

• 2013 Mazda CX-5 crossover sells 1,649 units in its first full month on sale
• 2012 Mazda3 leads all Mazda vehicles with 3,886 sales and a 36.1% increase over 2011
• Mazda CX-9 sales up 290% over 2011, contributing to an all-time record SUV month
• SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY-equipped vehicles account for 46% of Mazda sales

				March			March			%			YTD			YTD			%
				2012			2011			Change			2012			2011			Change
Mazda2				463			938			-50.6			1,944			1,958			-0.7
Mazda3				3,886			2,856			36.1			8,053			6,370			26.4
Mazda5				577			677			-14.8			1,512			1,823			-17.1
Mazda6				326			299			9.0			726			879			-17.4
MX-5				94			45			108.9			143			72			98.6
RX-8				11			15			-26.7			19			22			-13.6
Mazda Passenger Car				5,357			4,830			10.9			12,397			11,124			11.4
CX5				1,649			0			n.a.			1,809			0			n.a.
CX7				417			546			-23.6			1,250			1,371			-8.8
CX9				199			51			290.2			342			305			12.1
Tribute				157			281			-44.1			443			653			-32.2
B Series 4x2				0			-2			n.a.			0			-2			n.a.
B Series 4x4				0			81			-100.0			0			194			-100.0
Mazda Light Truck				2,422			957			153.1			3,844			2,521			52.5
MAZDA TOTAL				7,779			5,787			34.4			16,241			13,645			19.0

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

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