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Mazda Announces Reduced Prices on 1999 Protege and 626 Models

15 September 1998

Mazda Announces Reduced Prices on 1999 Protege and 626 Models

       Action Follows Company's Repricing of 1999 Millenia Luxury Sedan

    IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 15 -- Mazda North American Operations
(MNAO) today announced substantial price reductions on its all-new 1999
Protege compact sedan and 626 midsize sedan, the company's two best-selling
vehicle lines.  Overall, the reductions amount to a decrease of $791, or
4.1 percent, on a sales-weighted average basis.  The manufacturer's suggested
retail price for the 1999 Protege starts at $11,970, while the 626 lineup
starts at $17,665.
    "With the introduction of our 626 sedan and B-Series pickup truck last
fall and the introduction of an all-new Miata roadster this spring, Mazda's
already on a roll," said Richard Beattie, president and CEO of MNAO.  "We
believe that the lower prices on these core model lines will make them far and
away the best values in their classes."
    "We're especially proud of the new Protege, which is the roomiest vehicle
in its class," Beattie added.  "We're giving our customers more car at a lower
price."  The 1999 Mazda Protege features crisp, European-inspired styling, an
innovative "Triple-H" body structure and more refinement than the previous
model.
    On the 1999 Protege, the best-selling LX model is priced at $13,130 -- a
decrease of $415, or 3.1 percent, from the 1998-model price of $13,545.  The
1999-model 626 LX-V6 sedan is priced at $19,065 -- a decrease of $1,600, or
7.7 percent, from the 1998 price of $20,665.
    Through August, Mazda's overall sales are up 7.7 percent over the previous
year.

                                  1999 MAZDA
                 MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL BASE PRICES*
                        (Effective September 15, 1998)

    PROTEGE
    DX 4-door sedan (5-speed manual)                 $11,970
    LX 4-door sedan (5-speed manual)                  13,130
    ES 4-door sedan (5-speed manual)                  14,925

    626
    LX 4-door sedan (5-speed manual)                 $17,665
    ES 4-door sedan (4-speed manual)                  19,545
    LX-V6 4-door sedan (5-speed manual)               19,065
    ES-V6 4-door sedan (5-speed manual)               22,245

    MILLENIA
    4-door sedan (4-speed automatic)                 $26,545
    S, 4-door sedan (4-speed automatic)               31,045

    MX-5 MIATA
    Base, 2-door convertible (5-speed manual)        $19,770

    *  Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, including Dealer Preparation and
Check Up required by Manufacturer.  Vehicle M.S.R.P. does not include
Destination Charge $450.00 (Alaska $650.00), State and Local Taxes or Fees or
any other charges.