Mazda Motor has begun operations at its new national sales company Mazda Southern Africa (MSA).
MSA will take over all business related to the sale of Mazda vehicles from Ford South Africa which previously imported and distributed the brand.
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MSA will independently plan and implement branding and sales strategies with the aim of increasing sales and further strengthening the brand in South Africa.
Yuji Nakamine, the automaker’s senior managing executive officer, said: “Mazda is promoting brand value management in all markets and the start of operations at MSA offers an excellent opportunity to implement these initiatives in South Africa as well.”
Mazda sales started in South Africa in 1963 and the country is now the automaker’s highest volume market on the African continent, with sales of 6,309 units in 2013.
Mazda plans to launch the redesigned 3 (Axela) and 6 (Atenza) and extend the CX-5 range in South Africa from this month.
Other models already on sale are the BT-50 bakkie (pickup truck), 2 (Demio), 5 (Premacy) and MX-5 (Roadster).
