Officially disclosed data presented conflicting narratives, prompting scrutiny of Changan Mazda for its 'contradictory sales figures'.

On December 31, 2024, Changan Mazda announced on its official Weibo account that it had broken through the stagnation in the joint venture market and achieved initial success in its transformation, noting an 8% year-on-year increase in sales volume in 2024, with MAZDA CX-5 sales soaring by 103%. However, specific sales figures were withheld.

Just a few days later, on January 4, 2025, Changan Automobile released its production and sales report for December 2024, which starkly contrasted with the data provided by Changan Mazda.

According to the report, Changan Mazda's cumulative sales for the entire year of 2024 amounted to 75,637 units, a 14.69% year-on-year decrease from the 88,662 units sold in the same period of 2023.

While Changan Mazda proudly announced its self-proclaimed sales growth and expressed satisfaction with the results, Changan Automobile, as the largest Chinese shareholder, provided more detailed sales data that indicated a decline. This discrepancy has sparked widespread market speculation regarding 'contradictory sales figures'.

Regarding the data discrepancy, various media reports have offered two primary explanations:

1. A relevant official from Changan Automobile stated, 'We are unable to address this query. You must contact Changan Mazda for clarification.'

2. A responsible party from Changan Mazda responded that both sets of published data were accurate but differed in statistical methodology. Changan Automobile released wholesale data, representing the number of vehicles sold by the manufacturer to dealers, while Changan Mazda published retail data, reflecting the number of vehicles sold by dealers to consumers. However, further details were withheld due to 'confidentiality concerns'.

An industry analyst emphasized that this situation underscores issues in Changan Mazda's data management and information disclosure. The lack of transparency and consistency in data may further erode Changan Mazda's brand image and market trust, raising questions about its transparency and integrity in the marketplace.

Changan Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., a joint venture of Mazda in China, was formerly known as Nanjing Company of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. Established on April 19, 2005, it completed construction and commenced production on April 9, 2007.

In terms of ownership, Changan Mazda is jointly owned by Changan Automobile, Mazda Motor Corporation, FAW Group Corporation, and Mazda (China) Enterprise Management Co., Ltd., with respective shareholdings of 47.5%, 46.55%, 5%, and 0.95%.

In 2021, Changan Mazda acquired FAW Mazda, further consolidating Mazda's business operations in China. However, since then, Changan Mazda's sales have consistently declined.

Currently, Changan Mazda offers seven major model series, including the MAZDA3 Axela, MAZDA CX-5, MAZDA CX-8, MAZDA CX-30, MAZDA6 ATENZA, MAZDA CX-4, and MAZDA CX-30 EV.