Mazda holds strong in tough market
8 December 2009
Mazda New Zealand took fourth place in the market for November with an 8.4 per cent share of new vehicles sold and is a clear fourth year to date.
While the industry has slowed down in 2009, Mazda has managed to hold its own. November industry sales were down by 12 per cent whilst Mazda experienced a decrease of less than three per cent. Year to date, industry sales dropped 28.1 per cent while Mazda declined by 23.3 per cent.
“The industry has taken a significant hit this year, however Mazda has been able to offer a strong vehicle line up delivering both style and great fuel economy which has really appealed to the New Zealand motoring public,” said Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealand.
The Mazda6 remains the best selling medium four-cylinder car for 2009 and is the sixth best selling model industry wide year to date.
The second generation Mazda3 is New Zealand’s fifth best selling model in the new vehicle market year to date and has featured in the Motor Industry Association’s Top 15 selling models every month since its launch.
The Mazda3 also recently received a maximum 5-Star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).
In 2009, Euro NCAP has implemented a more stringent evaluation system that awards a single overall vehicle safety rating combining scores achieved in four key areas: Adult Occupant Safety Performance, Child Protection Assessment Test, Pedestrian Protection Assessment Test and Safety Equipment.
The model was also awarded the Company Vehicle Small Car of the Year and the Autocar/AMI Compact Car of the Year in November.
“We are thrilled to receive these awards. The new Mazda3 has proven to be just as popular its predecessor and strong sales have helped us to consolidate our position in the market,” concluded Clearwater.
