Despite some concerns over inventory, especially for the most popular models, Mazda expects supplies to continue improving, despite the semiconductor shortage that has slowed production across the auto industry, Van Riper said.
"The Mazda supply will continue to grow over the next couple months, so I think going into the spring and the summer, we'll be well supplied," he said. "It does not seem at this point that the chip shortage is going to have a material impact on our operations."
Mazda also told dealers it is moving forward on the brand's facility upgrade program, Retail Evolution, even as the industry shifts deeper into digital sales. The program attempts to project Mazda's more premium intentions with a new color scheme and more elegant design.
"We're continuing with the plans that we have in place," Van Riper said. "Mazda is not asking for overly intense investments. And, frankly, the return on those investments is materializing" in terms of greater dealer profits.
Mazda will also press ahead in CPO sales, which increased more than 8 percent last year over 2019.
"There's an ever-growing focus on retaining those cars and certifying them," Van Riper said. "We'll continue to focus on that this year and in future years."