Mazda breaks Scottish sales record

Mazda, which now has 18 dealers in Scotland, is flying high north of the border and breaking new sales records. Last year the company finished the 12 months with a record market share of just under 3 per cent – Mazda is now set to burst through the 4 per cent barrier.

Sales director Jeremy Thomson said: “The first quarter of 2007 followed by a strong April, have been excellent news for Mazda and our dealers and we are now firmly in the top 10 best sellers list in Scotland ahead of brands like BMW while we have overtaken Audi which is now in 10th place.

“We are only 300 sales behind Citroën and our market share is now just over 3.7 per cent.”

Sales of 2,601 vehicles in the first four months represented a 24 per cent rise in volume in a Scottish market up just 0.7 per cent; the UK market was up 3 per cent overall.

Thomson said: “The Mazda3 and Mazda6 have continued to be the top sellers and we have been helped along by some limited edition models.”

The brand’s network in Scotland is now up to full strength with 18 dealers and Thomson added that the rise in volume had been across the board.

“We now have a great dealer network in Scotland, very professional and with some of the best facilities in the UK. Every one of them is performing well.”

The momentum now has to be maintained. He added: “We don’t have any weak spots now so it’s a question of making sure we have the right stock to meet the needs of the customers and keeping a close eye on the marketing to make sure we stay ahead of the game.”

Scottish dealers are also delighted with the performance of the brand. Ian Morrison dealer principal at Macrae & Dick in Inverness said: “We have been pleased with not only sales but profitability as well, we have seen an increase in retail sales and Mazda has done a really good job with its quarterly campaigns.

“The company has weighted its special editions very well with the right numbers and specification which all helps to bring customers in through the showroom doors.”

Andrew Marshall, group franchise manager for Arnold Clark branches in Stirling, Aberdeen and Kirkcaldy as well as Machargs in Glasgow – the biggest Mazda dealership in Europe – added: “Mazda sales in Scotland have historically been very strong and we have seen growth in sales through all our dealerships.

“The key is getting the product and the pricing right and that is exactly what Mazda has achieved. Mazda3 has been a strong seller and the Mazda6 has also held up well while there is strong demand for the MX-5. The past 16 months have been remarkable and we are really looking forward to getting the new Mazda2.”