HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation announced that on November 1st, 2005, it purchased the 44.1 percent stake in its Mazda Motors of New Zealand Ltd. (MMNZ) distributor that had been held by Sumitomo Corporation. With this acquisition completing its purchase of all MMNZ shares, Mazda now has full control over its sales and distribution in the New Zealand market.

"This is a new milestone in our strategy of attaining full control over brand development and sales networks in key global markets," said Malcolm D. Gough, executive officer and general manager of Mazda's Overseas Sales Division at its headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan. "New Zealand is an important market for Mazda, where we have had five consecutive years of year-on-year sales growth since 2000. This share acquisition will sustain Mazda's great sales momentum, and I am confident it will help us attain even further growth," he added.

For two straight years since 2003, the Mazda6 sedan has been the top selling vehicle in the mid-sized segment. Since its September 2002 introduction, Mazda6 has received seven Car of the Year awards from the New Zealand motoring press. Also, the Mazda3, launched in January 2004, has become a core model of the vehicle lineup offered to consumers. Mazda3 has been selling extremely well, accounting for more than 20 percent of all Mazda vehicle sales in New Zealand. Sales at MMNZ rose 19.2 percent for the first nine months of 2005 compared to January-September 2004, with a 5.9 percent market share at the end of September 2005.

MMNZ Corporate Profile
Mazda Motors of New Zealand Ltd. was established in June 1972 and is headquartered in Manukau City, Auckland, with 23 employees. The management team consists of Managing Director Peter J. Aitken, Financial Controller David Hodge, and General Manager of Vehicle Sales and Marketing, Andrew Clearwater. Capitalized at NZD 24.5 million dollars, MMNZ posted sales of 5,375 units in 2004. Passenger vehicles on sale in New Zealand are the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, RX-8, MX-5 and Tribute SUV. Commercial vehicles available are the Bounty B-truck and the E-Series vans (called the Bongo series in Japan).

For additional information visit the Mazda New Zealand website at www.mazda.co.nz.