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Mazda Reports August 2008 Sales


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CX-9 Leads the Way with Its Best Month Ever, MAZDA3 Reports Its Best August

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 3 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported August 2008 sales of 23,680 vehicles, a slight decrease over last August of 4.4 percent. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 199,239 vehicles, down 2.0 percent.

"August sales showed that customers' focus on smaller, smarter, more efficient vehicles is sharper than ever, in the face of still-steep fuel prices and continued monetary uncertainties," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "At Mazda, with record sales for MAZDA3, MAZDA5 and CX-9 this month, we continue to hammer away at the basics: the right car at the right price, sold through the right dealer network."

The highly acclaimed CX-9, reigning North American Truck of the Year, had a very solid August, selling 3,173, up 41.4 percent compared to last August, and its best month ever. Competing in one of the most popular and competitive automotive segments, the Mazda CX-9 is a clear class leader with its three-row, seven-passenger interior and powerful V6 engine.

Not to be outdone, the popular and fuel-efficient MAZDA3 had its best August sales month ever and continues to be Mazda's sales leader. MAZDA3 reported a 4.4 percent increase in sales, totaling 10,970. The MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle posted a 39.7 percent increase versus last August, with 1,324 sales, its best August since launch. Year-to-date, MAZDA5 sales are up 43.3 percent, proof-positive that the MAZDA5 is the right vehicle for today's market.

The all-new 2009 MAZDA6 is arriving at dealerships across the country now. With a larger body than the outgoing car, as well as more powerful -- and more fuel efficient -- engine choices, the 2009 MAZDA6 is sure to be a hit.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever August with sales of 1,768 vehicles, up 22 percent versus last year. On a year-to-date basis, MMdM reported 13,525 total sales, accounting for a 34 percent increase versus last year. Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) reported August sales of 7,705 units, down 10.8 percent.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan.

                 Mazda North American Operations - August
                                   2008

                    Month-To-Date                     Year-To-Date

          August  August       %    % MTD  August   August        %    % YTD
            2008    2007  Change      DSR    2008     2007   Change      DSR

  Mazda3  10,970  10,511    4.4%     0.6%  84,227   84,707   (0.6)%   (1.5)%
  Mazda5   1,324     948   39.7%    25.7%  14,637   10,213    43.3%    29.6%
  Mazda6   3,010   3,830 (21.4)%  (32.0)%  38,543   40,186   (4.1)%   (5.3)%
  MX-5
   Miata   1,052     926   13.6%     8.7%   9,383   11,716  (19.9)%  (26.1)%
  RX-8       355     463 (23.3)%  (35.3)%   2,591    4,417  (41.3)%  (72.1)%
  CX-7     2,917   4,072 (28.4)%  (44.8)%  21,247   28,395  (25.2)%  (34.9)%
  CX-9     3,173   2,244   41.4%    26.7%  18,361   13,720    33.8%    24.6%
  Tribute    795   1,542 (48.4)% (101.1)%   9,250    7,763    19.2%    15.3%
  B-Series
   Truck      84     226 (62.8)% (179.0)%   1,000    2,063  (51.5)% (108.3)%
  MPV        -       -       N/A      N/A     -        122 (100.0)%      N/A

  Total
   Vehicles

  CARS    16,711  16,678    0.2%   (3.5)% 149,381  151,239   (1.2)%   (2.2)%
  TRUCKS   6,969   8,084 (13.8)%  (20.3)%  49,858   52,063   (4.2)%   (5.4)%

  TOTAL   23,680  24,762  (4.4)%   (8.4)% 199,239  203,302   (2.0)%   (3.0)%

  MEMO:

  IMPORT
   CAR    13,701  12,848    6.6%          110,838  111,053   (0.2)%
  IMPORT
   TRUCK   6,090   6,316  (3.6)%           39,608   42,237   (6.2)%
  IMPORT
   TOTAL  19,791  19,164    3.3%          150,446  153,290   (1.9)%

  DOMESTIC
   CAR     3,010   3,830 (21.4)%           38,543   40,186   (4.1)%
  DOMESTIC
   TRUCK     879   1,768 (50.3)%           10,250    9,826     4.3%
  DOMESTIC
   TOTALS  3,889   5,598 (30.5)%           48,793   50,012   (2.4)%

  Selling
   Days       28      27                      209      207

  Note:  MPV is a discontinued vehicle.