Mazda

MAZDA5 Sales up 29 Percent, MAZDA3 Reports Best June Ever

IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2008 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported June 2008 sales of 23,771 vehicles, a 7.7 percent decrease over last year, but an increase of 3.7 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis. There were 24 selling days in June 2008, 27 in June 2007. Despite a tough economic state in the automotive industry, Mazda's year-to-date sales are up 0.3 percent with 153,141 vehicles sold (up 0.9 percent on a DSR basis).

2008 Mazda3

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2008 -- In the first half of 2008, sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and crossovers to retail customers were higher than a year ago. Retail sales for cars increased 3 percent and crossovers also were up (less than 1 percent). Together, cars and crossovers accounted for 59 percent of Ford's first half retail sales compared with 49 percent in the first half 2007.

2009 Lincoln MKS

Highlights:
June:
- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury June sales totaled 167,090, down 28 percent versus year ago.
- Ford Focus' sales to individual retail customers were 9 percent higher than a year ago.
- 2009 Ford Flex and 2009 Lincoln MKS debut.
First Half:

Qualified customers may delay payments

DEARBORN, Mich., June 23, 2008 – Ford Motor Credit Company is offering customers affected by the devastating floods in the Midwest the option to delay some car payments. Ford Motor Credit’s Disaster Relief Program allows qualified customers to delay one or two monthly payments, resuming their regular payment schedules when their situations improve.

"We understand that some of our customers have been affected by the terrible flooding in the Midwest. We hope our Disaster Relief Program will give them one less thing to worry about as they recover and rebuild,” said Mike Bannister, CEO and chairman.

IRVINE, Calif., June 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported its best May in 12 years with 27,921 units sold in the U.S., a 4.2 percent increase over last year. Year-to-date sales are up 1.9 percent with 129,370 vehicles sold.

2008 Mazda3

"Soaring fuel prices are driving customers to make sensible transportation choices; it's a new marketplace," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, MNAO. "We're finding more and more buyers are shopping for the stylish, fun-to-drive, and affordable to own and operate cars and crossover SUVs that we build."

Redesign, More Standard Features Result In The Ultimate Multi-Activity Vehicle

Only Mazda would have the engineering ingenuity to merge two automotive functions – a large sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a fun-to-drive sports car. Mazda demonstrates its infusion of stylish, insightful and energetic vehicles with the MAZDA5 , three-row, six-passenger multi-activity sports vehicle infused with sports car inspiration.

2008 Mazda5

But, unlike most sports cars, the MAZDA5 easily and efficiently transports six people and the equipment that goes with their busy lives. There truly is nothing like it on the market today.

As a vehicle that married sports performance with refinement and practicality, it has proven to be a huge sales success and picked up more than 70 awards for automotive excellence. Its unparalleled performance, reliable handling, sleek look and affordability make the MAZDA6 a leader in the mid-size sedan segment. The 2008 MAZDA6 continues that tradition.

2008 Mazda6

For 2008, the MAZDA6 Sports Sedan gets even better with a new standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), BOSE® stereo system (Touring models), 17-inch alloy wheels (i Sport models), security alarm system (Sport VE and Touring) and new exterior colors – Volcanic Red (4-door model) and Silver Metallic.

Since its inception in 1989, MX-5 has received more than 150 awards, including named Car and Driver “10 Best” seven times. MX-5’s success is due to its simple concept, minimal necessary weight and mechanical complexity, affordability and fun-to-drive characteristics. With more than 800,000 units sold, MX-5 continues to set sales records, making it the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster, and cementing Mazda’s place in the annals of sports car manufacturers.

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The perfect sedan for an active lifestyle, the 2008 MAZDA3 delivers a total driving experience far greater than its price tag would have buyers believe. Offering European sophistication, exhilarating driving performance, advanced technology and best-in-class safety, the MAZDA3 is a leader in the compact sedan segment and continues to be Mazda’s best-selling vehicle globally.

2008 Mazda3

Redesigned for the 2007 model year, the 2008 MAZDA3 adds standard side air bags and side air curtains to the “s” Sport models.

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has confirmed that its all-new MAZDA6 sports sedan will launch later this year, with an expected on-sale date in late summer, 2008. The highly anticipated 2009 MAZDA6 is the first of Mazda’s “Zoom-Zoom Evolution” second-generation vehicles, building on a heritage of sports sedans and sports cars that no other manufacturer can boast, and bringing a combination of sports sedan, sophistication, build quality and product insight not currently found in the market.

2009 Mazda6

Ford’s New 6-Speed Automatic Transmission Offers 4-6 Percent Fuel Economy Improvement

DEARBORN, May 7, 2008 – The big shift is on at Ford Motor Company, as the automaker plans to more than double the number – to 1.4 million – of fuel-efficient, 6-speed automatic transmissions in its North American cars and trucks by the end of 2009.

2009 Ford Escape

Highlights:
* Ford will more than double the number of North American vehicles equipped with fuel-efficient, 6-speed automatic transmissions by the end of next year.
* By the end of 2012, 98 percent of Ford’s North American transmissions will be advanced 6-speed gearboxes.

Retail Sales for New Ford Focus Up 88 Percent, Pacing Strong Car and Crossover Results

DEARBORN, Mich., May 1, 2008 /PRNewswire - FirstCall/ -- Ford's new Focus continues to defy gravity -- and the U.S. economy -- with a 88 percent jump in retail sales versus last April and the highest total Ford Focus April sales since 2000.

2008 Ford Focus

Highlights:
- Ford's new Focus posted an 88 percent increase in retail sales compared with a year ago; highest April sales for Focus since 2000.
- Retail sales for mid-size sedans also were higher; Ford Fusion up 31 percent, Mercury Milan up 19 percent, and Lincoln MKZ up 20 percent; Fusion and Milan set April sales records.

12.8 Percent Sales Increase

IRVINE, Calif., May 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported a double-digit increase in sales for April with 23,760 units sold in the U.S., a 12.8 percent increase over last year. Year-to-date sales are up 1.3 percent with 101,391 vehicles sold.

MAZDA3, fresh off being named one of the "2008 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, reported sales of 9,234 units, up 14.8 percent.

Redesigned for 2008, the MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle reported its best-ever April with 2,011 units sold, accounting for a 65.7 percent increase, while MAZDA6 reported a 15.9 percent increase with sales of 4,856 units.

Record profits with revenues and all profit levels increasing for the seventh consecutive year

HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation today reported its financial results for fiscal year (FY) 2007 and announced its projections for FY2008.

FY2007 Consolidated Full Year Highlights:

* Global retail volume increases by nearly 5 percent to 1,363,000 units
* Consolidated sales revenue increases by 7 percent to a record 3,475.8 billion yen
* Consolidated operating profit up 2 percent reaching a record 162.1 billion yen
* Consolidated net income increases 25 percent to a best-ever 91.8 billion yen

FY2008 Projections Highlights:

* Global retail volume to reach 1.48 million units, a 9 percent increase

DEARBORN, Michigan , April 7, 2008 – When it comes to initial vehicle quality, no automaker performs better than Ford.

Highlights:
* Ford catches Honda in initial quality, putting it in statistical tie at the top with Toyota and Honda.
* Ford’s vehicle quality improved 8 percent versus last year.
* Every new car and truck, including the 2008 Ford Focus, launched with improved quality versus its predecessor

The quality of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brand vehicles soared to the top of the charts equaling that of Toyota and Honda, according to the first quarter 2008 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study conducted by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Ford Focus and Ford Edge Buck Turbulent Economy

DEARBORN, Mich., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire - FirstCall/ -- Sales for Ford's redesigned small car and acclaimed crossover utility continued to buck economic trends during March.

Highlights:
- Ford Focus March 2008 retail sales climbed 36 percent compared with a year ago.
- Ford Edge retail sales up 35 percent as consumer demand accelerates in California and other coastal regions.
- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 213,074, down 14 percent.
- Total Ford Motor Company sales (including Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo) totaled 227,143, down 14 percent.

IRVINE, Calif., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported U.S. sales of 32,929 vehicles, its best month since last year's best-ever March. Including the U.S., Canada and Mexico, total MNAO sales were 43,496 vehicles. Mazda Canada, Inc. and Mazda Motor de Mexico both reported best-ever March sales with increases of 11.7 percent and 12.0 percent respectively.

Signaling the continuation of a shift in consumers' tastes to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, the MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle reported its best-ever month, with sales of 2,758 units accounting for a 66.4 percent increase versus last year. Redesigned for 2008, the six-passenger MAZDA5 boasts more standard features, improved fuel economy and a new five-speed automatic transmission.

March 4, 2008 -- Ford and Mazda have a shot at having one of their vehicles named World Car of the Year (WCOTY). The Ford Mondeo and Mazda2 have survived preliminary balloting to become two of the three finalists for the award.

The winners of the awards -- which are selected by a panel of 47 auto journalists from around the world -- will be announced on March 20, at the New York Auto Show.

The third finalist is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

In addition, the Mazda along with the Volvo C30 join the Audi R8 as the three finalists for the 2008 World Car Design of the Year.

Ford Focus Retail Sales Up 36 Percent in February, Punctuating Solid Month for Cars, Crossovers

DEARBORN, Mich., March 3, 2008 -- Ford's new Focus and SYNC are connecting with small car buyers. Ford Focus retail sales were up 36 percent in February -- the fourth month in a row of higher retail sales.

Highlights:
- Ford Focus retail sales climbed 36 percent compared with a year ago; redesigned, fuel-efficient small car - and SYNC - are appealing to younger buyers.
- Crossover demand growth continues; Ford Edge up 46 percent; Lincoln MKX up 22 percent.
- Lincoln retail sales up 2 percent.
- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 185,294, down 7 percent. Lower daily rental sales (down 20 percent) accounts for 60 percent of the decline. Retail sales down 6 percent.

- Mazda Sales up 6.7 Percent
- Mazda CX-9, MAZDA5 and Mazda Tribute lead the way

IRVINE, Calif., March 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported another strong sales month with 23,548 units sold in the U.S., a 6.7 percent increase compared to last February. Year-to-date sales of 44,760 are up 8.4 percent year-over-year.

Honda Again Valedictorian; Ford and GM Improve

YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2008 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- Overall, the best cars sold in the U.S. are still made by Honda, according to the Automaker Report Cards published in Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Issue on sale March 4. Honda also led the pack last year, the first time the country's largest expert, independent, non-profit consumer product testing organization issued such information.