Mazda UK said its 2013 sales grew 19% year on year in 2013 to 31,230 units driven by demand for the CX-5 crossover and 6 saloon/estate range. UK passenger car sales were up 10.8%, according to the SMMT.
Mazda sales in the second half of last year were up 40% and there was a final quarter surge of 50%.
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Growth is expected to continue this year as the redesigned 3 launches this month, and the number of models with Skyactiv technology is expected to account for over two thirds of UK volume.
Managing director Jeremy Thomson expects the 3 and the continuing success of the 6 and CX-5 “to defy convention and outperform the industry again in 2014 with sales growing by around 10% in what is expected to be a relatively flat market”.
SMMT said this week it expects a “stable” 2014 market with “sustainable growth of around 1% over the year”.
Sales of the CX-5 last year more than doubled to about 6,000 units 6 volume grew by 44% to approach 6,000 units.
Mazda believes around a third of new 6 buyers are switching, from or had actively considered buying, traditional premium brands.
“The brand continues to strengthen and our new range of models have very broad appeal,” added Thomson.
Growth in core fleet sales was up 60% in 2013, led by demand for the 6 which rivals the ageing Ford Mondeo – finally to be replaced this year – and Vauxhall’s recently refreshed Insignia as well as entry level versions of the Audi A4 and BMW 3.
Mazda remains a strong retail brand with two retail sales for every fleet purchase.
This, the automaker said, “reinforces Mazda’s appeal as a franchise of choice for dealer groups looking to expand their manufacturer portfolio”.
