Mazda's Global Sales Grow 14 Percent in 2003

Hiroshima-based Mazda Motor Corp. finished 2003 with key market sales of 1,068,400 vehicles, a 14.1-percent increase when compared to calendar year 2002. Mazda says its combined market share in key global markets also increased slightly in 2003 to reach 2.2 percent.

"Overall sales continue to track in the right direction for Mazda," said Hisakazu Imaki, president and chief executive officer of the Mazda Motor Corp.. "I am very pleased to see our award-winning products continue to have the desired effect in the marketplace: we're driving good customer traffic and achieving record sales in many countries. Even in the critical North American market, we're making progress. We have strategically reduced our less-profitable fleet business and increased retail sales."