Mazda UK bucks trend to hit record month in May

Private buyers might be shying away from new cars, but they’re not keeping away from the doors of Mazda dealers. “Mazda UK has just had its best ever May helped by a strong performance by the new Mazda2 and in its Mediterranean offshoots Cyprus and Malta,” says managing director Rob Lindley.

Sales in May were 3,969 – just ahead of the previous best May in 2004 when sales hit 3,956. The right hand drive markets of Malta and Cyprus, which come under the control of the UK operation, sold a total of 124 cars for the month and resulted in Mazda UK breaking its May record.

“There’s great demand for Mazda2 and Mazda3 on the islands and we’re really delighted with the way they’re going. A total of 124 cars might not sound a lot for two markets but it’s more than double the figure from four years ago,” says Lindley pointing out that Mazda has a four per cent market share in Cyprus.

Back at home, Mazda saw its retail sales rise 17.8 per cent in the retail sector in a month when the retail market was down 10.3 per cent as the impact of the credit crunch begins to bite. Mazda’s retail sales for the year to date are up 28.6 per cent while Mazda fleet sales are down as other manufacturers pile into the fleet sector to offset their falling retail sales.

“Growing our sales over 2007 is some achievement in a tough environment and it gives us confidence going forward,” says Lindley.

Lindley speculates on whether that is enough confidence to predict another record year for the brand: “I’ve said before that we could hit 55–56,000 this year, up about 3-3,500 units on 2007. That will be quite a challenge but we will still see growth this year.”

Having the right models at the right time has helped. Mazda2 sales in the first five months hit 5,435. “That’s more than in the whole of last year,” says Lindley.

Mazda3 is best seller on 5,572 but the new Mazda6 is doing exceptionally well on 5,381 and is proving especially popular among private buyers tempted by its best?in-class fuel efficiency.

Lindley points out that Mazda Corporation’s strategy of pursuing lightweight construction and maximum fuel efficiency from conventional engines is certainly paying off at the moment as oil prices keep rising.

“The Mazda2 3dr model has just launched which will increase our small car share and other recently launched product derivatives such as the Mazda6 diesel and Estate models will help that momentum going this year,” Lindley added.