Mazda Motor Europe bucked a general downward trend in European automotive sales in July by selling over 23,300 vehicles, which is 5.1 percent up year-on-year and the company’s best July result in 14 years.

July results are only the latest in a seven-month period of continuing sales momentum at Mazda Motor Europe. So far this calendar year (Jan-July 2006), 11 markets have achieved double-digit growth and Mazda retail sales stand at more than 184,800 units. This is almost 22,000units more, and 13.4 percent higher than the first seven months of 2005.

In July, 13 markets recorded year-on-year sales increases of Mazda vehicles, with three markets setting July sales records. The UK achieved a predicted market share of 1.8 percent, based on a volume of 3,500 units, which equals its record July share from a year ago; while Russiaset a July record for volume, at almost 2,800 units, up 67 percent, which is that market’s 43^rd consecutive double-digit monthly sales increase. Spainhad its best July ever for both volume, at nearly 1,800 units, up 13 percent, and for predicted market share, at 0.9 percent. Greecehad another outstanding month as well, selling 580 vehicles for the month, up 3.2 percent, which is its best result for volume since 1992.

Mazda retail sales were especially strong in northern Europelast month. The region was led by Finland(incl. all three Baltic countries), which sold 740 units, up 61 percent, its best volume in over 15 years and its ninth month in a row of double-digit growth. Mazda’s Scandinavian Organization recorded its 10^th consecutive month of double-digit growth, selling 1,050 vehicles in the region, an increase of 26 percent year-on-year; with Denmarkup 35 percent, Norwayand Swedenboth up 19 percent versus last July.

Also having outstanding months were Portugal, up 50 percent, Hungary, up 42 percent (B-series pickup only) and France, up 31 percent year-on-year. Belgiumand Austria(incl. South Eastern European countries)had good months too, up 7 and 1 percent respectively.