Other Regions

From May 1998, AAT started manufacturing the B-Series pickup truck with world-class quality in Thailand, the largest market for pickup trucks after the United States. Production output will also be exported to other regions, except North America.

In fiscal 1998, sales performances in other regions were mixed. Industry sales in Australia rose by 11.1%, to a record high of 745,000 units. Mazda's retail sales registered 31,523 vehicles, a 17.0% growth over the previous fiscal year. This increase was as a result of a 38.9% rise in sales for the 323, derived from the expansion of its market segment and our sales expansion programs, along with a 66.2% increase in sales of the 626 due to the introduction of a new model. Thus far, the market in Australia continues to expand, as of yet less affected by the financial instability in Asia. Supported by launches of such models as the new MX-5, the new 323, and the new B-Series pickup produced at AAT in Thailand, in turn combined with the reinforcement of sales and marketing efforts, Mazda is working to achieve a 5% market share in the medium term.

   In Asia, sales in Indonesia more than doubled and sales in Hong Kong rose by two thirds. In contrast, large sales decreases were recorded in both Thailand and the Philippines. Mazda anticipates that the Asian economies currently in reverse will remain weak over the next few years. In the interim, Mazda will closely monitor the situation and implement appropriate adjustments in its operations, including focusing on sales to countries whose currencies are so far weathering the economic storm relatively well, fortifying customer satisfaction programs and strengthening the financial condition of dealers and sales companies.

The AAT plant facilities are located in the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Thailand's Rayong Province.

   In the Middle East and Africa, sales in fiscal 1998 were quite favorable in Turkey, Israel, Zimbabwe and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. In Israel, in spite of a contraction in total industry sales, Mazda achieved the top market share for the second consecutive calendar year.

   In Latin America, total industry sales increased by more than 30% in the course of the past two years. During fiscal 1998, Mazda achieved positive performances in Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Ecuador and Guatemala, among others. Mazda launched the new 626 in fiscal 1998 and will introduce the new 323 in fiscal 1999 in Latin America. Both models are expected to positively contribute to overall sales. Moreover, Mazda is reinforcing its Latin American sales network in anticipation of steady growth in the region in the 21st century.

   Mazda established the New Market Development Department in March 1998 to take the initiative in developing such markets as Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Eastern Europe and Latin America. Key responsibilities will focus on enhancing Mazda's sales and marketing operations in those areas.

Japan   America   Europe   Other Regions