IRVINE, Calif. - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported January 2009 sales of 15,420, down 27.3 percent versus last year.

Leading the way for the month, MAZDA3 sales were up 16.3 percent over last year, while the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 arrives in dealerships across the country in the first quarter of this year.

"The new year is already starting to look a lot like the last half of 2008," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "We expect the first half of the year to be tough going, but are looking toward an up-turn come the second half, with an annual industry projection in the 11-million range for the year."

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever January with sales of 1,933 vehicles, up four percent versus last year. The all-new MAZDA3 had a great month, selling 209 vehicles, 28 percent of the total MAZDA3 sales. Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) reported January sales of 4,150 units, down 12.3 percent versus last year.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan.