Mazda Motor Co also set a record in the first quarter by selling 57,631 units, 16 percent more than the same period in 2011, the company announced last week.

Its two joint ventures - FAW Mazda and Chang'an Mazda - sold 35,105 units and 22,526 units respectively in the period, year-on-year growth of 5 percent and 37 percent respectively.

The company plans to increase its number of dealers in China from 371 in March to 420 by year's end.