Mazda sales leap 32 percent in Europe

Mazda sales across Europe leapt by 32 percent during February to total 27,300 units – a rise of 6,600 units over 2007 – to record the highest February result in 17 years.

These sales put Mazda Motor Europe on course for an outstanding fiscal year result (April 07-March 08). Two countries achieved the highest fiscal-year-to-date volume ever in February – the UK, with 42,700 units sold in the 11 months since last April (up six percent) and Portugal, with 4,300 units delivered (up 11 percent). During this period, Mazda sold a total of 281,500 units (up six percent) – 15,300 units more than in the same period of 2006-2007.

A total of 20 countries reported sales increases during February. Leading the way was Mazda’s Czech Republic & Slovakia organisation, which achieved its highest-ever volume (up 120 percent compared to February 2007) and achieved its best-ever market share of three percent. Record monthly volumes were set in Russia, at 5,700 units (up 75 percent) and in Greece with sales up 77 percent, which recorded its seventh consecutive month of double or triple-digit growth.

Near-record performances were achieved in Spain (1,400 units sold) and in Denmark with a volume of 860 units (up six percent) to score its best result in 16 years. Switzerland also had an outstanding month selling 740 units (up 25 percent), its highest sales in 10 years.

With a volume of 5,068 units (up 65 percent), Germany had an outstanding February. Excellent monthly results were also achieved in Austria, with 1,900 units sold (up 29 percent), in Italy with 1,900 sales (up 10 percent), in France, with 1,200 units delivered (up 21 percent) and the Netherlands, with a volume of 820 units (up 46 percent).

Sales momentum continued in Ireland, with 819 units delivered (up 22 percent), while Mazda BELUX (Belgium & Luxembourg) reported sales of 630 units (up 51 percent) – that organisation’s seventh consecutive monthly double-digit growth.

Mazda sales in northern Europe were led by Sweden with 360 units (up 22 percent) ahead of Norway with 310 units (up 31 percent). In south-central Europe, the Mazda brand saw strong sales in Hungary, 280 units (up 78 percent), in Croatia, 240 units (up 13 percent) and in Slovenia, where sales rose by 44 percent to 130 units in February.