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IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 22, 2013 - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that it recently sold its 10-millionth vehicle in the United States, since starting U.S. sales operations in 1970. The 10-millionth vehicle, a 2013 Mazda3, was sold from Continental Mazda of Naperville, Ill., to Lauren Carter of Glen Ellyn, Ill. To celebrate this significant milestone, Mazda has replaced Carters recently purchased 2013 Mazda3 with an all-new 2014 Mazda3, and the 10-millionth vehicle will become a permanent part of the Mazda heritage collection.

"The first 10 million vehicles sold in the U.S. were reached through taking the road less traveled," said Jim OSullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "The next 10 million will be accomplished by defying convention, continuing to push the limits of engineering and infusing every vehicle Mazda builds with the soul of a sports car."

"We are honored to work with Lauren and are glad she is part of this occasion. We couldnt be any happier that she chose Mazda as her first new car," added OSullivan.

Carter, a 26-year old accounts receivable specialist and guitar teacher, was in the market for a sporty, fun-to-drive car that has plenty of storage and still achieves high MPG numbers. After conducting her research, Carter bought her first new car, a 2013 Mazda3. Unbeknownst to her, it would be the 10-millionth Mazda ever sold.

"I chose a Mazda because I did the research and learned that Mazda has some of the most reliable, feature-packed cars on the market," said Lauren Carter, Mazdas 10-millionth customer. "Mazdas cars are designed for people who are looking to get more out of their vehicle. I compared Mazda with other brands and models before purchasing and those other cars didnt compare. The Mazda3 is fun to drive and I can fit my guitar and amplifier in the trunk. For me, theres nothing better!"

The all-new 2014 Mazda3 is a segment leader in fuel economy, design and technology. It achieves up to 41 MPG highway, has segment-first technology, like its Active Driving Display, i-ELOOP regenerative engine breaking system and an advanced suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies.

Since selling its first vehicle in the United States in 1970, in the form of the rotary-powered R100, Mazda continues to be a company built on the foundation of engineering, taking the road less-traveled and producing vehicles for those who love to drive. Throughout the last 43 years, Mazda has designed and built some of the worlds best-selling and most iconic sports cars, sedans and SUVs.

In 1978, Mazda introduced the rotary-powered RX-7, which went on to become one of the most recognizable sports cars of its day. In 1989, the company introduced the MX-5 Miata, which went on to become the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world with more than 900,000 sold. In 2004, Mazda launched the Mazda3, an all-new sedan and 5-door vehicle that would bring segment-firsts like four-wheel disc brakes, xenon headlights, and leather seating to a class that had been filled with mundane driving appliances.

Mazda is the only car manufacturer to mass-produce the unique rotary engine, having built and sold nearly two million rotary-powered vehicles globally. Additionally, Mazda is the first and only Japanese manufacturer to have won the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 1991.

Not resting on its laurels, Mazda continues to look to the future while honoring its past. The company recently launched its all-new engineering philosophy, SKYACTIV®1 TECHNOLOGY, a suite of design and engineering technologies intended to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing driving dynamics. Alongside SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, Mazda also introduced its new design language, referred to as KODO, which imparts a distinctive and dynamic exterior and an emotive and sophisticated interior.

The common theme throughout all of its accomplishments is that Mazda builds cars that are stylish and centered on stellar driving dynamics through race-proven engineering. Simply getting from point A to point B is not the goal with Mazda; it is about enjoying the journey in-between.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

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1 SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).