Shanghai (ZXZC)- Japanese automaker Mazda's China vehicle sales in the first half of 2018 set a new high of 145,842 units with a year-on-year growth of 7.6%, according to Mazda Motor (China) Co., Ltd. However, the automaker saw its China sales in June falling 16.7% over the previous year to 19,312 units.

As to its two joint ventures in China, FAW-Mazda's cumulative sales for the first six months totaled 59,070 units, edging up 0.4% year on year. Its sales drivers the Atenza and the CX-4 have seen robust sales performance in recent months. Besides, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster has been for sale in China through the channel of FAW Mazda.

Changan Mazda achieved a year-on-year sales jump of 13.1% in the first half of this year with a total of 86,772 vehicles delivered. The joint venture plans to launch the all-new SUV mode CX-8 in the second half of 2018.

The Japanese automaker announced in 2017 its global strategy for the technology development dubbed “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030”. As part of this strategy, the company disclosed plans to introduce next-generation SKYACTIV-X engine in 2019 and all-new body structure. Reportedly, models carrying the SKYACTIV-X engine will be introduced in China next year and some electric vehicle models designed for China's market will be delivered in this country in 2020.