(March 2, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda has reported strong February U.S. sales of 25,651 vehicles, representing an increase of 32.3 percent versus last year and best February total sales since 1994. 

On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, Mazda's February 2012 sales were up 27.0 percent.  Year-to-date sales through February are up 47.5 percent (44.5 percent DSR) versus last year, with 49,647 vehicles sold.

Key February sales notes:

• The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 small crossover SUV, named "2012 Crossover of the Year" from Autobytel, arrived at dealerships in the last week of February, registering 357 sales.  CX-5 is the first Mazda to fully encompass SkyActiv technology, the brand's engineering-focused philosophy toward improving all-around vehicle efficiency, and achieves the highest highway fuel economy (35 MPG) of any SUV in America.

• As fuel prices rise across the country, Mazda2 sales are up this month with 2,701 vehicles sold accounting for a 210.5 percent increase.

• Mazda3 sales of 11,275 vehicles accounted for a 39.6 percent increase over last year and its best monthly sales since July 2008.  The new 2012 Mazda3 features Mazda's innovative SkyActive G engine and SkyActiv Drive automatic transmission that achieves up to 40 MPG on the highway.

• Mazda 6 reported its best month since March 2008 with 5,101 vehicles sold, a 79.7 percent increase over last year.

Rounding out February sales for the North American market, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported its best-ever February and 24th consecutive month with year over year growth, with sales of 2,210 vehicles, accounting for a 4.0 percent increase versus February of last year.  Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) sold 4,735 vehicles in February, up 14.0 percent compared to last February.