MAZDA REPORTS BEST MARCH SALES SINCE 2007

• Month Marked by Strong Sales of Mazda2, Mazda3, MX-5 and CX-5

IRVINE, Calif., April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported March U.S. sales of 34,903 vehicles, representing an increase of 9.0 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through March are down 0.3 percent versus last year, with 78,282 vehicles sold.

"As March's weather signaled a warming trend from the frigid temperatures seen in January and February, the month saw customers return to a shopping mood. And in March, Mazda's sales continued to grow, not only in quantity, but in quality as well," said Ron Stettner, Vice President, Sales, MNAO. "We have taken a long-term view to the strength of our business and the future value of our vehicles, in order to bolster residual values through strong transaction prices and managed incentives. When a Mazda buyer chooses a Mazda, they are making a stronger long-term investment."

The 2014 Mazda3 is performing very well: March 2014 saw a retail sales growth of 15.8 percent over March of 2013. Year-to-date Mazda3 retail sales are up 12.7 percent, with the four-door sedan up 10.8 percent and the five-door hatchback up 32.5 percent – all in a C-segment which has been documented as being down so far this year.

And it's obviously a sound business decision: The 2014 Mazda3 was named by ALG to have the highest residual value in its segment, and the entire Mazda brand was named by KBB.com as the most affordable non-luxury brand to own over a five-year period.

Key March sales notes:

• Just over two years into CX-5's selling cycle, it has its best selling month ever with 11,855 units, an increase of 66.6 percent YOY.
• Best March for MX-5 since 2009 with 751 units sold, an increase of 31.1 percent, YOY.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported March sales of 2,794 vehicles, up 14.0 percent versus March of last year.

not impressive considering all the new acclaimed product.

CX-5 honeymoon is over....

I"m surprised the 3 isn't doing better. Clearly they started fleeting the 2... I've been seeing them in the rental lots lately.

I wish there were more engine options on the 6... it would be on my list otherwise.

They did an impressive job on the six and the three. Methinks I like teh Fiesta and Focus ST more than I like the 3 though.

If Mazda actually brought some excitement to the game and variety they might actually grow their business, but this is a one trick pony that is resting on their history and not changing to be better.