Mazda to Increase Production of Popular Axela

JCNN News Summaries - Japan Corporate News Network, Jun 28, 2005 by Aki Tsukioka

Tokyo, June 28, 2005 - (JCN) - Mazda (TSE: 7261) announced on June 28 that it will launch production of the Mazda Axela, known as Mazda3 overseas, at its Ujina Plant No.2 (U2). The Mazda3 has been well received in overseas markets, with US sales reaching 76,079 units in 2004 and 31,722 units between January and April, up 32.0% year-on- year. The Mazda3 became the best selling car in Canada in April, while it helped Mazda become the best selling import brand in Australia between January and April.

Mazda has been manufacturing the Axela at its Hofu No.1 and No.2 plants in Japan, which shipped a combined total of 337,377 units in fiscal 2004. The automaker plans to produce 2,000 units per month at U2, most of which will be exported.