Mazda Motor Corp., the Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Hiroshima, Japan, announced on Wednesday that it reported a net profit increase of 7.1% in the third quarter. The company sold more vehicles in the emerging markets and also in Europe and North America.

The profit Mazda reported for the quarter ended Dec. 31 was of ¥15.9 billion ($149.3 million), up from ¥14.9 billion reported in the same period last year.

In its statement, Mazda Motor Corporation also forecasted that its net profit for the full business year ending in March will be of approximately ¥85 billion, operating profit of ¥160 billion and sales of ¥3.32 trillion.

This good news shows is a statement on how well the Japanese manufacturer has worked to sharpen its brand recognition as a sporty car maker. This led to a sales increase in Europe and in the U.S. as well as other overseas markets.

Another important factor in Mazda’s current success is the alliance with the Ford Motor Company, which helped reduce costs.

Mazda’s sales climbed 11% to ¥850 billion from ¥768.2 billion. It operating profit fell 5.8% to ¥35.3 billion in the quarter from ¥37.5 billion a year ago mainly because an increase in the proportion of low-margin vehicles in its car lineups it sold, as well as higher sales promotion expenses in North America.

“Mazda's sales got a boost from new models'' last year, said Koji Endo, a senior analyst at Credit Suisse Group in Tokyo.

“This year will be tough. The yen is getting stronger and sales may dip as they won't have new cars,'' he added.

The operating profit will be eroded by at least 8.8 billion yen in the fourth quarter as the yen gains over the dollar. This will have a “negative impact,'' Chief Financial Officer David Friedman said in Tokyo.