HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it has established Mazda Motor Ireland, a new national sales company (NSC) located in Dublin, on July 1, 2006. In response to the strong and growing automotive market in Ireland, the new company was set up to control the importation and distribution of Mazda-brand vehicles and parts; conduct sales, marketing and public relations campaigns; and strengthen Mazda's sales network and brand image.

"Mazda has been doing business in Ireland since 1974 and, with the establishment of this new national sales company, we will strive to provide our customers with consistently high quality products and afterservice," said James Muir, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Europe. "We are confident that Mazda Motor Ireland will grow Mazda's brand recognition in this important country."

Mazda continues to focus on strengthening its brand image and the further development of its sales network in Europe as key elements of the Mazda Momentum mid-term management plan. In line with this effort, Mazda plans to launch new national sales companies in the Czech Republic and Slovakia by the end of 2006.