[font=Arial, sans-serif]Solidify already strong business infrastructure[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Mazda Motor Europe has announced it received approval at the end of 2005 to establish a local distribution company in Moscow. The new national sales company (NSC) in Russia will commence business operations in April 2006. Mazda is expanding the scope of what had been its representative office in Moscow by injecting 100 percent of the capital into the new NSC with the goal of further strengthening sales in the rapidly growing automotive business in Russia.[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]The new company is called Mazda Motor Rus OOO (OOO is the Russian equivalent of limited liability company defined under its legal code.). Mazdas representative office in Russia was set up in December 2004 and its head, Joerg Schreiber, has been appointed Managing Director of the new NSC. Mazda Motor Rus will play a unifying role in several areas of the Mazda business in Russia, including importation and distribution of Mazda-brand vehicles, parts and accessories; improving technical skills and service instruction for employees; and marketing efforts. These measures are Mazdas response to the rapid growth of the automotive business in Russia. With 20 employees as of December 2005, preparations for the start of business operations are proceeding smoothly to meet the projected start of operations in April 2006. [/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Russia was our fastest growing market last year in Europe, said James Muir, President and CEO Mazda Motor Europe. By establishing a Mazda NSC here, we will solidify our already strong business infrastructure, and unify and intensify our Zoom-Zoom brand message to our dealers and our customers. This will help us realise even better results in Russia this year and in years to come, and it will also ensure that Russia remains a vital contributor to our sales momentum in Europe as a whole.[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Mazda began full business operations in Russia in 2003, with strong sales growth attributable to the favourable reception of the Mazda3 and Mazda6. [/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]In 2004, Mazda sold 8,465 vehicles in Russia, a 360 percent increase compared to the previous years result. Sales increased in 2005 to 21,120 units, up nearly 150 percent on 2004s results, which made Mazda the fastest growing brand in Russia for two consecutive years. Further growth is expected this year, with 28,000 unit sales projected for 2006, a rise of 30 percent compared to 2005.[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Company Overview[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Name: [/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Mazda Motor Rus OOO[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Date established: [/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]December 2005[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Management team / Board of Directors [/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Joerg Schreiber, Managing Director[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Employees:[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]20 (including two from Mazda Motor Europe) [/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Number of dealers: [/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]17[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Vehicle line up:[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Passenger cars - Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6, RX-8[/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Commercial vehicle - B-Series pick up [/font]
