Mazda Sales Dip 2% in May

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported May 2007 U.S. sales of 26,788, down two percent versus the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 126,922 are up 8.5-percent year-over-year.

Mazda Canada, Inc., reported its best-ever May with sales of 10,312 representing an increase of 20-percent over the same period last year, and Mazda de Mexico reported its best-ever month with sales of 1,503, up 277-percent. Combined, Mazda's North American sales of 38,603 represent an increase of 5.9-percent.

"With continued uncertainties in housing, fuel prices and interest rates, consumers are cautious about big-ticket purchases," said Jim O'Sullivan, MNAO's president and CEO. "For a smaller company like Mazda, these rollercoaster times have more of an effect on us than they might for larger companies, and our sales gains and losses this year reflect that."

Leading the volume for Mazda is the MAZDA3, with sales of 11,316 off three-percent from last year. In its fourth year of production, the MAZDA3 remains a sales success for the company, even with minimal incentive support. Year-to-date, MAZDA3 sales are up 20.8-percent. As we enter the summer top-down season, the MX-5 Miata reported 1,959 sales, up 7.1-percent year-over-year, and registering its best May since 2001. Available as both a soft-top and Power Retractable Hard Top model, the MX-5 Miata is the best-selling two-seat roadster of all time, with more than 850,000 sold since 1989.