Mazda Motor Corp expects sales in China will triple as it
accelerates the pace of introducing new models.
Japan's fifth-biggest car maker aims to sell an annual 300,000
vehicles in China by 2010, up from 100,000 units this year. Sales
in China are expected to contribute to nearly one-fifth of its
global sales of 1.6 million units by then, the car maker said.
"China plays a vital role in boosting Mazda's global sales not
only because of its huge market potential but also because big
markets such as Japan, European and United States have matured,"
said Ozaki Kiyoshi, director and senior executive officer at Mazda
in charge of China business.
Mazda sold 659,000 vehicles around the world in the first half,
up one percent year on year, while half-year sales in China jumped
78 percent to hit 41,000 from a year earlier.
Hiroshima-based Mazda unveiled its Mazda 2 sedan at the media
preview of the 5th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile
Exhibition in Guangzhou yesterday.
The model will be built in the Nanjing plant of Chang'an Ford
Mazda Automobile Co Ltd, a local venture with China's Chang'an
Group and Ford Motor Co, which also makes Mazda 3 sedans in its
Chongqing plant.
The Mazda 2, to be launched early next year, is part of five new
models to be introduced into China by 2010.
"With the launch of Mazda 2 sedan, we have broadened our product
mix with a strong presence covering China's mid-to-high class,
economy cars and compact car segments," said Yamada Noriaki,
president and chief operating officer of Mazda China
Operations.
Mazda will also start selling an imported Mazda 5 multi-purpose
vehicle and a five-door Mazda 3 hatchback next year.
Mazda partnered with China's First Automotive Works Group to
make and market its Mazda 6 sedan, and also sells imported Mazda
Wagons and RX-8 sports cars.
To strengthen sales in China, Mazda set up Chang'an Ford Mazda
Sale Corp in April this year, which is scheduled to open in
January.
Mazda's Chinese dealer network would expand from 160 to 220 in
April next year, and increase to 300 by 2010.
(Shanghai Daily November 20, 2007)
