Mazda’s global sales growth, up 6% year-on-year to 701,000 units, has been attributed to its relaunched Mazda2 and Mazda6.

However, sales revenue was down 5% year-on-year to 1,575.5 billion yen, while operating profit has fallen 17% to 60.7 billion yen.

The Japanese carmaker said its sales revenue tumble was due to a change in accounting standards and the impact of exchange rates.

Despite being down, operating profit was 10.7 billion yen better than the manufacturer’s original forecast at the beginning of the fiscal year, Mazda added.

Ordinary profit was 48.5 billion yen, down 16% year-on-year. However, consolidated net income was up 2% to 29.5 billion yen.

In Europe, first-half sales increased 17 percent year-on-year to reach 179,000 units, reflecting continued growth due to contributions from the new Mazda2, new Mazda6, Mazda CX-7, and Mazda3.

David E Friedman, Mazda representative director, senior managing executive officer and chief financial officer, said he expected the third quarter and onward to present a challenging business environment.

“To meet the challenges ahead, Mazda will continue to accelerate business efficiency and cost innovation initiatives in addition to improving brand value.”