Mazda sales increase becomes a decade best performance.

• New models will bring sales growth
• Good news for dealer network as profitability increases
• Sales are 10% ahead of forecast

Mazda is about to enjoy its best time in more than a decade as it launches five new generation models globally in less than three years.

That’s the prediction of UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson who describes the unprecedented product offensive as “rebooting” the marque.

The rapid pace of launches is the biggest since the launch of the previous generation Mazda6, Mazda3 and Mazda RX-8 during 2002-04.

“We’re predicting good times ahead while the rest of the industry is predicted to be relatively flat,” said Thomson.

“Over the next 18 months to two years we will continue our very strong product-led growth which sends out an exciting message to our dealers,” he added.

That recovery in sales comes on the back of the successful launches of Mazda CX-5, new Mazda6 and the forthcoming all-new Mazda3 – all with Mazda’s groundbreaking SKYACTIV technology.

Sales are running 10 per cent ahead of the original planned for the year resulting in Mazda reacting quickly to add production to their programme to relinquish stock and meet future demands. “While we would rather run with one car too few than one too many, we also need to ensure the network can fully capitalise on the increase in sales opportunities,” said Sales Director Peter Allibon.

In the first 10 months of 2013, Mazda sold 27,800 cars, 16 per cent up on the same period in 2012 according to SMMT data.

The restructuring of the dealer network is also paying dividends, boosting sales per outlet and increasing profitability.

Average new car sales through each dealership are expected to quickly return to pre-crisis level as total annual volume approaches 40,000 units, explained Allibon.

That growth will also help boost dealer profitability which is forecast to be better than the average for the industry next year and return to the top quartile as sales of the new generation of SKYACTIV models reach over 70 per cent of the total mix next year.

“A combination of growth, dealer profitability and the increased kerb appeal of the SKYACTIV models are encouraging dealers to upgrade to the premium, fresh and 21st century feel of the new corporate identity – a look that was piloted in the UK earlier this year and will make Mazda stand out in multi-franchise outlets,” explained Allibon

“Meanwhile, the growth momentum continues with Mazda’s position as a franchise of choice being  reinforced further by the fact that there are more companies who want to become a Mazda dealer then there are open points,” concluded Allibon.

Latest Mazda6 to have lower CO2 and higher MPG with no compromise on performance

• CO2 reduced to 104g/km from 108g/km with no compromise on performance
• Economy improves to 72.4mpg
• Perfect combination of performance and safety

Mazda’s ground-breaking executive express, the award-winning new Mazda6, is now even more attractive thanks to improved fuel economy and lower CO2  emissions making it one of the most frugal yet fun to drive cars in its class.

Emissions on the 2.2-litre SKYACTIV diesel saloon models with its powerful 150ps four-cylinder engine and manual gearbox have been lowered by four per cent from 108g/km to 104g/km with a corresponding improvement in fuel economy taking the combined cycle figure from 67.3mpg to 72.4mpg.

For the new Mazda6 Tourer with the same powertrain, emissions are reduced by five per cent to 110g/km from 116g/km and economy improves from 64.2mpg to 67.3mpg, moving it from band C to the lower band B for road fund licence purposes.

The improvements have been made without sacrificing Mazda’s renowned fun-to-drive characteristics meaning buyers don’t have to downsize to a smaller engine to get the economy they want.

The changes also strengthen new Mazda6’s credentials as the true no compromise car for motorists looking for the perfect blend of performance, economy and safety wrapped up in a highly competitive package.

“The improvements to emissions and economy open clear water between us and the sector’s best seller the BMW 320d and when linked with our outstanding finance offers make the new Mazda6 a very competitive choice for our retail customers,” said Mazda UK Sales Director Peter Allibon.

The improvements – the result of production modifications - also reinforce new Mazda6’s award-winning credentials. Since its launch in January, it has won numerous awards including ‘Best Large Family Car' (saloon) and ‘Best Estate Car' (tourer) from the influential website CarBuyer, which is linked to the weekly Auto Express magazine, as well ‘Best Family Car’ in the Auto Express New Car awards and most recently the ‘Eco Car Award’ at the Scottish Car of the Year awards.

It is also one of the safest cars on Britain’s roads after receiving a 5-Star safety rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests, the highest rating possible, announced in September. The result endorses Mazda's strategy of enhancing the safety of all its new vehicles by introducing such innovations as the impact-absorbing SKYACTIV-Body technology.

New Mazda6 buyers are offered a choice of 36 saloon and tourer models with three equipment levels (SE, SE-L and Sport - with or without Satellite Navigation) and four high-efficiency SKYACTIV diesel and petrol powertrains.  Prices range from £19,595 to £28,295 (on-the-road).

USA - Mazda reports best October in six years

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported October U.S. sales of 19,738 vehicles, representing an increase of 6.0 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through October are up 5.3 percent versus last year, with 240,229 vehicles sold.

Key October sales notes:

• Sales of 19,738 vehicles represents Mazda's best October since 2007.
• Celebrating its best October since 2008, Mazda6 posted a significant gain of 104.6 percent year-over-year with 3,100 vehicles sold.
• Mazda CX-5 continues to gain popularity among consumers as 5,833 vehicles were sold in October, accounting for a 54.4 percent increase YOY.
• SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY is the no-compromise answer to fuel efficiency and outstanding driving dynamics. Mazda vehicles equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY accounted for 77.6 percent of October sales.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported October sales of 2,602 vehicles, down 6.0 percent versus October of last year.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers.  Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Mazda celebrates Ten Million US sales over 43 years

Forty-Three Years of Fun-to-Drive Cars Has Brought Mazda to its Greatest Accomplishment

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that it recently sold its 10-millionth vehicle in the United States, since starting U.S. sales operations in 1970. The 10-millionth vehicle, a 2013 Mazda3, was sold from Continental Mazda of Naperville, Ill., to Lauren Carter of Glen Ellyn, Ill.  To celebrate this significant milestone, Mazda has replaced Carter's recently purchased 2013 Mazda3 with an all-new 2014 Mazda3, and the 10-millionth vehicle will become a permanent part of the Mazda heritage collection.

"The first 10 million vehicles sold in the U.S. were reached through taking the road less traveled," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO.  "The next 10 million will be accomplished by defying convention, continuing to push the limits of engineering and infusing every vehicle Mazda builds with the soul of a sports car."

"We are honored to work with Lauren and are glad she is part of this occasion.  We couldn't be any happier that she chose Mazda as her first new car," added O'Sullivan.

Carter, a 26-year old accounts receivable specialist and guitar teacher, was in the market for a sporty, fun-to-drive car that has plenty of storage and still achieves high MPG numbers.  After conducting her research, Carter bought her first new car, a 2013 Mazda3. Unbeknownst to her, it would be the 10-millionth Mazda ever sold.

"I chose a Mazda because I did the research and learned that Mazda has some of the most reliable, feature-packed cars on the market," said Lauren Carter, Mazda's 10-millionth customer.  "Mazda's cars are designed for people who are looking to get more out of their vehicle.  I compared Mazda with other brands and models before purchasing and those other cars didn't compare.  The Mazda3 is fun to drive and I can fit my guitar and amplifier in the trunk. For me, there's nothing better!"

The all-new 2014 Mazda3 is a segment leader in fuel economy, design and technology.  It achieves up to 41 MPG highway, has segment-first technology, like its Active Driving Display, i-ELOOP regenerative engine breaking system and an advanced suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies.

Since selling its first vehicle in the United States in 1970, in the form of the rotary-powered R100, Mazda continues to be a company built on the foundation of engineering, taking the road less-traveled and producing vehicles for those who love to drive.  Throughout the last 43 years, Mazda has designed and built some of the world's best-selling and most iconic sports cars, sedans and SUVs.

In 1978, Mazda introduced the rotary-powered RX-7, which went on to become one of the most recognizable sports cars of its day.  In 1989, the company introduced the MX-5 Miata, which went on to become the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world with more than 900,000 sold.  In 2004, Mazda launched the Mazda3, an all-new sedan and 5-door vehicle that would bring segment-firsts like four-wheel disc brakes, xenon headlights, and leather seating to a class that had been filled with mundane driving appliances.

Mazda is the only car manufacturer to mass-produce the unique rotary engine, having built and sold nearly two million rotary-powered vehicles globally.  Additionally, Mazda is the first and only Japanese manufacturer to have won the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 1991.

Not resting on its laurels, Mazda continues to look to the future while honoring its past.  The company recently launched its all-new engineering philosophy, SKYACTIV®1 TECHNOLOGY, a suite of design and engineering technologies intended to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing driving dynamics.  Alongside SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, Mazda also introduced its new design language, referred to as KODO, which imparts a distinctive and dynamic exterior and an emotive and sophisticated interior.

The common theme throughout all of its accomplishments is that Mazda builds cars that are stylish and centered on stellar driving dynamics through race-proven engineering.  Simply getting from point A to point B is not the goal with Mazda; it is about enjoying the journey in-between.

Scottish COTY - Best Eco Car - Mazda6 2.2d

• New Mazda6 2.2-litre 150ps diesel models win ‘Eco Car Award’ at 2013 SCOTY event
• Judges praise new Mazda6’s ‘no compromise’ approach to space, comfort and practicality
• Choice of 24 new Mazda6 diesel models priced from £21,995 (on the road)

Mazda’s ground-breaking new Mazda6, which features the Japanese brand’s fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology, has won the 2013 Eco Car Award at the annual Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) awards ceremony, held in Glasgow on Friday evening.

The popular new Mazda6 2.2-litre 150ps diesel which claimed the Eco Car Award, delivers fuel economy up to 67.3mpg (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions from 108g/km – ensuring that Mazda customers benefit every day from the company’s ‘defy convention’ approach to engineering.  This automotive philosophy guarantees outstanding performance, as well as great fuel economy together with low CO2 emissions, without having to downsize engine capacity.

In Scotland, the new Mazda6 tourer and saloon models were also ranked as ‘runner up’ in the Estate and Family categories of SCOTY by the 15-judges who are members of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW).

ASMW President Alisdair Suttie commented: “Who said saving money has to be dull?  Not us, and this year’s eco award winner disproves this assumption completely.  The new Mazda6 demonstrates that frugality doesn’t mean having to compromise on space, comfort and practicality, or any of the other attributes that make up the ideal family transport.”

New Mazda6 buyers can select from 36 saloon and tourer models, with prices ranging from £19,595 to £28,295 on-the-road (OTR).  There is a choice of petrol or diesel power (from 145ps to 175ps), and six-speed manual or automatic transmissions – depending on model.  All the SKYACTIV powertrains available with new Mazda6 are fitted with Mazda’s unique fuel-saving idle-stop system, i‑stop, which delivers the fastest restarts in the industry: 0.35 seconds (petrol engines) and 0.40 seconds (diesel).

"Mazda’s unique SKYACTIV technology is genuinely ground-breaking, enabling us to create best-in-class award-winning vehicles like the new Mazda6, a fact that has now been acknowledged by the presentation of this 2013 Eco Car Award in Scotland– the eighth award new Mazda6 has received since going on sale in January,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK.

“Earlier this year the new Mazda6 saloon also beat off strong competition to win the ‘Best Family Car’ category at the annual Auto Express New Car Awards.  New Mazda6 was our first car to feature the full KODO-Soul of Motion design language and the first to be available with Mazda’s truly innovative i-ELOOP regenerative braking system which can deliver an additional fuel saving of up to 10 per cent fuel, depending on driving conditions,” adds Allibon.

Last month, the new Mazda6 received a 5-Star safety rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests, the highest rating possible.  Now officially one of the safest cars on the road in Britain, the new Mazda6 result endorses Mazda’s strategy of enhancing the safety of all its new vehicles by introducing innovations such as the impact-absorbing SKYACTIV-Body technology.

Both the new Mazda6 saloon and tourer scored top marks in all four Euro NCAP test categories – adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, safety assist systems and pedestrian safety – after undergoing several crash tests.

“The new Mazda6 saloon and tourer line-up offers customers a remarkably compelling ownership proposition, thanks to its excellent fuel economy, low emissions, typically Mazda fun-to-drive performance, high specifications, attractive pricing, low running costs and excellent residual values,” concludes Allibon.