HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the total global production volume of the Mazda3 (known as the Mazda Axela in Japan) reached two million units at the end of October 2008. The Mazda3 achieved this significant milestone in five years and four months, making it the fastest time to produce two million units among the new generation Zoom-Zoom models Mazda has introduced since 2002.

Mazda3 (Mazda Axela)

The Mazda3 has been widely acclaimed by customers all over the world for its excellent driving performance and stylish design. These features helped the model quickly reach the two million cumulative units of production milestone. The Mazda3 is also the first Mazda model to consecutively exceed its annual production volume for four years since its production commenced.

Mazda began production of the Mazda3 in June 2003 at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture in western Japan. Since then, the popular compact vehicle has been sold in more than 101 countries. It has won 94 global automotive awards to date – including car of the year awards in several countries – an indication of the great reputation the Mazda3 enjoys with customers and journalists alike.

Mazda is committed to offering vehicles that “look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again” while balancing driving pleasure with eco-friendly and safety features that are in line with Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom.”

The redesigned Mazda3 sedan recently had its world debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Motor Show, which opens to the general public today.