All-new Mazda Axela proves popular in Japan

Mazda Motor Corporation announced that it received 7,640 orders for the all-new Mazda Axela (known overseas as the new Mazda3), exceeding its target of 2,000 units, during its first month of sales in Japan since its launch on June 11 through to July 12, 2009. Half of the total orders have been for models with i-stop, Mazda's unique engine stop-start system, which is standard equipment on 2.0-liter models.

Approximately 70 percent of customers selected the Sport (five-door hatchback) body type, while the rest opted for the four-door Sedan version with slightly more than half of the customers going for the 2.0 liter engine than the 1.5 liter engine.

Orders received were from a wide range of people, mostly men in their twenties and thirties and people who have families and are in their fifties and sixties. Customer feedback indicates that the main reasons for choosing the Axela are its exterior design, excellent environmental performance enhanced by the i-stop feature, and outstanding driving performance and safety features.

The all-new Mazda3 is progressively being rolled out in global markets. Highlighted by early success in Australia, where the new model set an all-time record for Mazda3 monthly sales in June 2009, Mazda's updated eco-sports car is also enjoying healthy demand overseas.