--Sales exceed 81,000 for the first time in the Company’s history--

(Richmond Hill, ON): Mazda Canada set its third consecutive annual sales record by retailing 81,007 vehicles in 2006, a 4% increase over the 77,867 vehicles sold in 2005. Mazda increased sales of both passenger cars and light trucks in 2006. Passenger car sales totalled 69,209 units, representing a 2% year-over-year increase. Light truck sales of 11,798 units represented a 14% increase over 2005.

“Breaking through the 80,000 sales barrier for the first time in our history is quite an accomplishment, especially in such a competitive market,” said Don Romano, President of Mazda Canada Inc. “This is a true testament to our ability to design products that connect with Canadian consumers and the strength of the Mazda brand,” he continued.

Driving Mazda’s growth in 2006 was the continuing strong demand for the compact Mazda3 as well as a sharp increase in sales of its compact-size, 6-seat, Mazda5, MX-5 roadster and B-Series compact pickup truck. Sales of the Mazda5 increased by 241% over 2005 to 8,694 units. MX-5 roadster sales of 1,582 units represent an 85% increase over its 2005 sales tally. The compact B-Series pickup truck increased sales by 25% over 2005 to 2,811. The Mazda CX-7 crossover SUV, introduced in May of 2006, also performed well in its first eight months on the market with 3,338 units retailed. Mazda’s top-selling vehicle, the Mazda3, retained its position as the second best selling car in Canada with a total of 47,933 sales in 2006, despite a 5% decline from 2005.

Mazda closed 2006 by retailing 4,615 vehicles in December, a year-over-year increase of 6%. In 2006, Mazda Canada set eight monthly sales records: in February and in every month from June through December.

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 160 dealerships.