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 adds new luxury models to CX-5 range of cars

• New ‘SE-L Lux’ models add sunroof, power adjusted driver’s seat, leather trim and heated front seats
• Two new SE-L Lux models from £24,495 (SE-L Lux) and £25,195 (SE-L Lux Nav) OTR
• Outstanding emissions from 119g/km and fuel economy up to 61.4mpg

Reacting to customer feedback, Mazda is introducing two new models to the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV line-up – both fitted with the company’s innovative fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology – the SE‑L Lux and SE-L Lux Nav.

Both models, now available in showrooms across the UK, are based on the 2.2-litre diesel 150ps 2WD SE-L, with manual transmission and feature the addition of a powered tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, full leather trim in Black or Stone (no cost option), a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats with three-stage temperature settings.

“Many potential Mazda customers have expressed an interest in being able to acquire a CX-5 with a sunroof and leather trim without having to purchase a range-topping Sport model.  Now, responding to that latent demand, we are adding two models to our Mazda CX-5 range, based on our most popular and economical powertrain – the 2.2-litre diesel 150ps with 2WD and six-speed manual transmission.  The premium is an extremely modest £1,200 for an upgraded specification which would cost more than £2,500 with some rival brands,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK.

The Mazda CX-5 2.2-litre diesel 150ps 2WD SE-L Lux is available from £24,495 on the road (OTR), while the SE-L Lux Nav costs from £25,195 (OTR) – both prices being £1,200 above the standard SE-L models.

“Every Mazda CX-5 offers customers a remarkably compelling ownership proposition, thanks to its typically Mazda fun-to-drive performance, high specifications, attractive pricing, low running costs and excellent residualvalues,” adds Allibon.

Mazda’s ability to defy convention and deliver uniquely appealing cars with innovative fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology, such as the CX-5, has been given numerous glowing third-party endorsements over the last 12 months.

Most recently, Mazda CX-5 won the SUV category in the 2013 Women’s World Car of the Year Awards.  Earlier this year, the Mazda CX-5 won awards from Auto Express, WhatCar?, Total 4x4 and Fleet World magazines.  Popular weekly magazine Auto Express praised the Mazda CX-5 for “rewriting the rulebooks for crossovers with a blend of great looks, useful practicality, loads of tech and low running costs” – claiming the ‘Best Crossover’ crown for the second year in a row.

Experts at Britain’s best selling car buyer’s guide WhatCar?, named the 150ps diesel Mazda CX-5 as Britain’s ‘Best Buy’ SUV in the under £25,000 category, stating: “This really is one of the finest diesels you can buy.  There’s bags of room for four tall adults, the boot is huge and the rear seats fold down easily.  With low running costs and remarkable CO2 emissions,you end up with an unbeatable buy.”

The 20-strong line-up of Mazda CX-5 models is priced from £21,595 to £29,395 (OTR).  Customers can choose petrol or diesel engines, manual or automatic transmissions and 2-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) – depending on model.  CO2 emissions start at 119g/km with fuel economy up to 61.4mpg.

Mazda3 to offer fleet appeal with a range of new models

• Class-leading combination of performance and economy
• Outstanding CO2 emissions from 104g/km on the all-new Mazda3 deliver tax savings
• SKYACTIV technology gives Mazda three-model fleet appeal

The all-new Mazda3 is expected to transform the lower medium company car sector led by a class-leading combination of performance, excellent fuel economy and low emissions with the latter delivering tax savings to drivers and businesses.

The model, which will be available in hatchback and fastback (saloon) body styles, will be the third car in the Mazda range, following the Mazda CX-5 and new Mazda6, to feature the manufacturer’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technology.

A choice of three highly efficient SKYACTIV-G petrol engines and one SKYACTIV-D diesel engine available with outstanding CO2 emissions from 104g/km will be twinned with crisp, smooth six-speed automatic or manual transmissions offering fleet operators and company car drivers a wide model choice across SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trim levels.

Arrival of the 36-strong model range heralds the debut of two new SKYACTIV engines - the SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre 100ps delivering up to 55.4mpg on the combined cycle and emissions from 119gkm and the 2.0-litre 120ps also offering up to 55.4mpg and emissions from 119g/km. The range also sees the introduction of powerplants already established in the Mazda CX-5 and new Mazda6 in the form of the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre 165ps with MPG up to 48.7mpg and emissions of 135g/km and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 150ps, which meets Euro 6 emission standards and returns up to 72.4mpg with emissions from 104g/km.

On the road (OTR) prices start at £16,695 for the all-new Mazda3 hatchback 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G 100ps SE hatchback and extend to £23,345 for the all-new Mazda3 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D 150ps Sport Nav auto hatchback. The range goes on sale in January 2014.

Meanwhile, OTR prices for the all-new Mazda3 fastback featuring the emission-busting 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D 150ps (104g/km) engine start at £19,245 for the SE derivative and extend to £22,145 for the Sport Nav variant. It means that company car driver benefit-in-kind tax bills for the car start at just £48 a month in 2014 for a basic rate taxpayer (£96 a month at the higher rate).

Mazda is gunning for the traditional C segment with the all-new model, but due to a combination of its dimensions - it is larger than the outgoing Mazda3 - coupled with styling, price and performance that deliver up to 20 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the manufacturer believes it will secure a significant foothold in the premium C/D segment.

The all-new Mazda3 2.2-litre SKYACTIV diesel 150ps model, which is anticipated to be the best-seller in the corporate market, offers for example, significant CO2 and MPG advantages over rivals, while also delivering major benefit-in-kind tax savings to drivers and corporate tax and National Insurance savings to employers.

Mazda Head of Fleet Steve Tomlinson said: “A class-leading combination of performance, CO2 emissions and fuel economy, means that the all-new Mazda3 gives fleet managers and company car drivers a real alternative to the traditional in both the C and C/D segments.

“The introduction of SKYACTIV technology in both the Mazda CX-5 and new Mazda6 within the past 12 months has helped to increase Mazda’s penetration in the fleet sector and the arrival of the all-new Mazda3 with similar benefits will further enhance our fleet proposition.”

The £28,410 (OTR) BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics 4dr with CO2 emissions of 109g/km and fuel economy of 68.9mpg is generally regarded as setting the emissions and fuel economy benchmarks in the C/D sector.

Tomlinson continued: “The all-new Mazda3 fastback with CO2 emissions of 104g/km, fuel economy of 72.4mpg and priced from £19,245 establishes a new performance threshold. Additionally, with a benefit-in-kind tax rate of just 15 percent in 2014, the significantly lower list price means major savings for both businesses and company car drivers.”

Specification on the all-new Mazda3 will offer a remarkable combination of advanced information, entertainment and connectivity, with safety and convenience as the top priorities. Additionally, spaciousness over the outgoing model includes class-leading rear legroom combined with a larger boot - 364-litres with rear seats up (including under floor storage) – more than the current hatchback. Boot space in the fastback is 419-litres.

Tomlinson concluded: “The all-new SKYACTIV Mazda3 alongside the new Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5, both of which already benefit from SKYACTIV technology, gives Mazda a significant three-model presence in the fleet sector.

“Both new Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 are delivering new corporate sales opportunities for Mazda as businesses look to reduce operating costs and tax bills. Additionally, the sporty design, quality interior and performance coupled with benefit-in-kind tax bill savings versus the opposition appeal strongly to company car drivers.

“The all-new Mazda3 has similar attributes and offers identical cash saving advantages, while also being a major step-forward for Mazda in terms of delivering opportunities in the most competitive sectors of the company car market.”

FRANKFURT - Mazda 3

The all-new Mazda3 at Frankfurt: Stunning, sporty, sophisticated

Back in June, when the all-new Mazda3 was unveiled to the world at events held simultaneously in five cities – London, Istanbul, St. Petersburg, Melbourne and New York – the consensus was loud and clear: Mazda has done it again.  The model launch, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the very first Mazda3 rolling off the production line in Japan, also acknowledged that defying convention works.

Taking centre stage at the 65th Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), the all-new Mazda3 follows in the tracks of the Mazda CX-5 and all-new Mazda6, two hugely successful models.  And it is undeniably a worthy third member of Mazda’s newest generation of car, with its award-winning ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design and cutting-edge SKYACTIV technology.

The all-new Mazda3 features MZD Connect, the company’s brand new in-vehicle connectivity concept – fitting for this year’s IAA, where the central themes include the networked car of the future.  Designed for straightforward and above all safe operation, the system makes the latest generation of Mazda’s all-time global bestseller one of the first in its class to take occupants online.  Users can access Facebook and Twitter, explore the world of Aha™ with tens of thousands of stations of cloud-based content, or reap the benefits of personalised location-based services and Mazda’s own car-related apps.

Accessing these services is done from the comfort and convenience of Mazda’s freshly coherent and unobtrusively tasteful next-generation interior, making its debut on the all-new Mazda3.  The cabin, which boasts best or near best-in-class dimensions in many respects, is split into separate driver and passenger zones designed for fun, non-stressful driving and a secure, relaxing passenger atmosphere.  Complementing this inspired layout concept is a human-machine interface (HMI) that is remarkably ergonomic and safe to use.  Highlights of the HMI include the Active Driving Display, Mazda’s new head-up display, and a rotary commander redesigned to enable the driver to effortlessly control the car’s infotainment features without taking his or her eyes off the road.

On the outside, the all-new Mazda3 inherits the powerful stance, dynamic flowing lines and general beauty of KODO as interpreted on the all-new Mazda6.  Taking on the Mazda3’s smaller, leaner proportions, the car’s shapes work like a magnet, building anticipation of what this vehicle can do.  And with its unconventional SKYACTIV technologies – ultra-efficient lightweight body, chassis, engine and transmissions – the car is immensely capable, offering a level of performance and driving dynamics fully as good as it looks.

MAZDA3 HISTORY

A sporty compact car with staying power

When the very first Mazda3 rolled off the assembly line in Hofu, Japan back in June 2003, it was like a breath of fresh air for the C-segment.  The unique combination of performance and handling with a cutting-edge exterior and interior design – all at a very competitive price – made an impact with the media and consumers across the globe.  The Zoom-Zoom generation had arrived in the compact class, and it was popular, selling 2.2 million vehicles and collecting 99 awards including the ‘Car of the Year’ title.

The company introduced the high performance Mazda3 MPS in 2006.  One of the hottest hatches on the market, the 260ps MPS featured a special torque management system, along with custom-tuned suspension and brakes, to go with the aggressive yet understated look.

The second generation Mazda3 drove on to the world stage in 2009.  Now with Sustainable Zoom-Zoom in focus, the Mazda3 was safer and more frugal, but without compromising on driving enjoyment or reliability.  Lighter than its predecessor, the new model was more responsive as well as more responsible.  This model premiered i-stop, Mazda’s revolutionary idle-stop system, which still delivers the world’s fastest restarts today, some four years on.  It also came with state-of-the-art safety technology such as the Adaptive Front-lighting System and Rear Vehicle Monitoring.  The latter, the first such system available in the C-segment, even received a Euro NCAP Advanced Award.

A cut above its classmates

Unsurprisingly, with its bolder lines and more distinctive face, the second generation Mazda3 picked up where the original model left off.  Another 1.4 million units have been sold to date, and another 37 awards captured.  These include best car overall in the 2011 J.D. Power German customer satisfaction survey having ranked as the number one compact in 2010.  The Mazda3 was also the top-selling model in Australia in each of the last two years.

Now, 10 years after it all began, the third generation is here.  And déjà-vu, the all-new Mazda3 is another invigorating achievement, this time featuring the full line-up of SKYACTIV technologies, and the award winning KODO design.  Mazda is getting ready for another convention-defying decade.