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.

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.