- U.S. sales up 47.9 percent; Canada sales up 16.0 percent; Mexico sales up 182.5 percent-

IRVINE , Calif. – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), including the U.S., Canada and Mexico, today reported best-ever March sales of 47,206 vehicles, beating its previous March record of 45,892 set back in 1994. The U.S. celebrated its best March since 1994 with sales of 37,742 while Mazda Canada, Inc. reported its best-ever March with sales of 8,108 units. Not to be outdone by Mazda Motor de Mexico, which reported its best-ever month with sales of 1,356 units.

“The automotive business is a marathon not a sprint and right now we’re hitting our stride as we head into the crucial spring selling season,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Our record-breaking sales month for North America proves that we're offering the right vehicles at the right price, driving customers into our showrooms in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.”

Mazda’s U.S. sales were led in volume by its popular MAZDA3, which reported best-ever sales of 15,606, while the sporty MAZDA6 also celebrated its best-ever month with sales of 9,624 units. The all-new CX-9 seven passenger crossover SUV reported its best month since launch with 2,443 units. The MX-5 Miata posted its best month since March 1997 with sales of 2,281 units.

Overall calendar-year-to-date sales for the U.S. are up 17.5 percent versus last year, with 79,074 vehicles sold.

“We’re thrilled to finish our fiscal year on such a high note, leading to our best March in the U.S. in 13 years,” added O’Sullivan. “We can attribute these outstanding results to a few key points: first, the CX-7 and CX-9 crossover SUVs are bringing new customers into our dealerships; second, the MAZDA3 continues as our hottest seller, despite minimal incentives and tight inventory; and third, our dealer network is stronger than ever with 673 total dealers of which 52 percent are exclusive.”

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 and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.