Raise the Roof: Mazda Sees Fastest Year-to-Date Sales Since 1994

BALTIMORE, MD. (05/14/2012)(readMedia)-- The last time that Mazda got off to this fast of a sales start, Ace of Base's "The Sign" was a number one hit and "Forrest Gump" was about to dominate at the box office. Through April of this year, Mazda's U.S. sales are up 21.5 percent year-over-year with 103,529 units sold, its highest sales for that period since 1994. April was another strong month for the automaker, with sales up 4.2 percent at Mazda dealerships despite there being less selling days to work with compared to the same month last year.

Available with a new SKYACTIV engine that returns 40 mpg on the highway, the 2012 Mazda3 moved 8,508 units as the brand's volume leader in April. Meanwhile, the newest Mazda on sale at dealerships, the CX-5, proved that it is serious about competing in the crossover market, selling 3,521 units in its second full month of availability. The Mazda6 also attracted a lot of new buyers last month, with 3,780 units sold for a 38.3-percent increase compared to April 2011.

"The Mazda6 is a popular choice because it is available with a series of luxury touches that you can't get from your average midsize sedan, like rain-sensing windshield wipers and side-mirror turn signals," said Greg Ryland, general manager of Russel Mazda, a Baltimore, Maryland Mazda dealer. "We expect that the list of options will grow even longer when the 2014 model drops early next year in a sleek redesigned package."

Following on the heels of the 2013 Mazda CX-5, the 2014 Mazda6 will become the second model in the lineup to fully embrace Mazda's suite of new SKYACTIV fuel-saving technologies, which include engine, chassis and transmission upgrades. According to Automotive News, the current V6 engine option on the 2013 Mazda6 will be replaced with a four-cylinder SKYACTIV unit that Mazda says will cut back on gas consumption while still offering dynamic performance.

Though the 2014 Mazda6 will make its official debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September, Mazda fans may have already seen much of the redesigned sedan's styling. The automaker says the new Mazda6 will incorporate many of the design cues found in its Takeri Concept vehicle, which was on display at the New York International Auto Show in early April. Borrowed elements could include the Takeri's strong swooping body lines and muscular stance, which are intended to evoke a sense of allure, tension and speed.

For those who prefer not to wait on their next new car purchase, the 2013 Mazda6 still offers its own share of style and fuel efficiency, even without SKYACTIV underpinnings. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 170 horsepower and nets up to 30 mpg on the highway, while the optional V6 powerplant delivers 272 horsepower while still returning up to 27 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, an available Technology Package adds features like xenon HID headlamps, LED taillights, driver's seat memory, keyless entry and push-button start.

"There are plenty of midsize sedans built for only one purpose: to bring you from point A to point B comfortably," added Ryland. "The Mazda6 has that comfort, but it's built to actually make the ride exciting. Even if you're just going to work, the commute will be anything but boring."

About Russel Mazda:

A respected Baltimore, Maryland Mazda dealer for many years, Russel Mazda strives to provide nothing but the best Mazda buying experiences, one family at a time. Their wide inventory of new and pre-owned Mazda models is backed up with stellar customer service that is sincere, informative and hassle-free. Russel Mazda also provides top-notch automotive service performed by factory-trained and certified technicians with genuine Mazda parts. Browse their entire inventory online at www.russelmazda.com or in person at 6624 B Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore. They can also be contacted by phone at 410-774-2300 or found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandMazda.