Fleet demand for Mazda3 and Mazda6 send corporate sales soaring

Fleet demand for the Mazda3 and continuing strong Mazda6 registrations have contributed to the marque's corporate sales rising significantly in the first half of 2010.

Mazda is firmly focused on 'net fleet' sales, which totalled 2,977 units in the six months to June 30, up over 18 percent compared to the same period in 2009.

Mazda fleet and remarketing director Peter Allibon said: "We have experienced a significant growth in our 'net fleet' channels - registrations by contract hire and leasing companies, Mazda Contract Hire, end-user fleets and Mazda Local Business Centres - a deliberate strategy that compliments Mazda's strong appeal within the retail sector. "We are undertaking fleet business as a result of demand, we have not 'pushed' vehicles out to mass volume and high cost fleet channels and that strategy continues in the second half of 2010."

The rise in fleet volumes in 2010 comes with total Mazda new car half-year sales standing at 24,873 registrations - up 21.4 percent on last year's six-month total of 20,491 units, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' data. Last month Mazda sales totalled 4,031 units - up more than 41 percent on June 2009 - with fleet registrations accounting for 929 vehicles of which 598 cars were categorised as 'net fleet'.

2010 marks the first full-year of new Mazda3 sales and Allibon said: "Demand for the Mazda3 is fuelling increased fleet sales, while registrations of the recently freshened Mazda6, which has led corporate interest in the brand, continue to be strong."

The Mazda3 1.6 diesel with on-the-road prices starting at £16,505 for the TS trim level is the best-selling model accounting for around two-thirds of sales due particularly to its low benefit-in-kind tax rating thanks to carbon dioxide emissions of 119 g/km.

Allibon said: "Competitive list prices, a high specification, low CO2 emissions, excellent fuel economy and strong residual values have all been key to winning fleet business with the Mazda3."

He added: "Fleet business is rebounding as the economy recovers from recession. While a number of fleets extended fleet replacement cycles into a fourth year as the economy slowed, they realise that extending further into a fifth year is often not viable as residual values reduce and service, maintenance and repair costs rise.

"Consequently, businesses are renewing their vehicles fleets and Mazda is benefiting with sales of the 129ps Mazda6 2.2 diesel with emissions of 138 g/km also strong as it is favoured by user-choosers."