Mazda accelerates fleets along cost-management route

Cost management through the operation of low emission, fuel-sipping company cars remains the number one priority for business following Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling’s tax-cutting Pre-Budget Report. This focus plays to the strength of Mazda following the introduction of its ‘gram strategy’ diet, and the use of lightweight ultra-high tensile steels and new technology – leading to excellent fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions.

Mazda launched its gram saving strategy with the 3rd Generation Mazda MX-5 in 2005 and has continued the reversal of the industry trend for increasing weight with the second generation Mazda6 line-up and the new Mazda2 introduced last year.

Indeed, the fuel-sipping credentials of the Mazda range were highlighted in the recent 410 mile gruelling ALD Automotive/TOTAL Excellium Fleet World MPG Marathon 2008 where a Mazda2 1.4 5dr TS2 Diesel recorded an exceptional 84.58mpg. The 19 per cent improvement on the combined cycle figure (65.7mpg) of the popular Mazda was recorded during two days of competitive ‘economy’ driving. The Mazda2 diesel has a CO2 rating of just 114g/km and qualifies in the £35 road fund licence band.

And Mazda’s low-emission, fuel-efficient focus is further underlined with the November Los Angeles Auto Show and next week's Bologna Motor Show debuts of the all-new Mazda3 saloon and five-door hatchback, which feature a range of ‘clean’ engines, including the all-new 2.2 diesel which is first seen in the Mazda6. In fact, emissions levels of almost all Mazda6 2.2 DE models are below 150g/km – only the 185ps version in the Mazda6 estate is above that threshold - VED rates from April 1, 2009 will be just £125.

Managing director Jeremy Thomson: “The Chancellor’s decision to scrap the penal VED rises scheduled for April 2009 and April 2010 is welcomed. However, given the tough economic conditions we are disappointed that he has decided to continue with his plan to introduce a first year rate of VED from 2010.

“Nevertheless, those twin moves, coupled with the fuel duty increase scheduled for Monday (December 1) mean that companies and employees that choose low emission vehicles will be rewarded. With around half of our vehicles below the fleet industry critical 160g/km level and that percentage set to rise in the coming months, Mazda’s zoom-zoom strategy enables cost-savings to be made.”

Further underlining the importance of an organisation’s focus on cars with low vehicle emissions is the April 1, 2009 move to a new business car capital allowance regime that essentially means that cars with CO2 levels of 160g/km and below will be cheaper to operate.

Mazda on-the-road prices reduced from December 1 due to VAT Decrease
Mazda UK also welcomed the temporary 13-month 2.5 percent reduction in VAT, which will see on?the-road prices reduced and savings passed on by retailers from December 1st.

Customers will benefit from considerable savings across the range from just under £170 for a Mazda2 TS 3dr model up to just over £500 for a Mazda CX-7.