Mazda works on being fastest-growing carmaker again

Mazda has reduced the price of its Mazda2 hatchback range by $1600 in a bid to make it as attractive a proposition as the Mazda3 and Mazda6, two models which have boosted the company's sales worldwide.

A company spokesperson said the Mazda2 has been holding steady in the market but hasn't enjoyed the growth of the 3 and 6 models.

So far this year Mazda sales in New Zealand are up nearly 20 per cent over the same period in 2003, giving the carmaker an unprecedented 5.7 per cent of the market. Industry-wide sales are up just over 10 per cent.

Mazda Motor Corporation was the world's fastest-growing carmaker in 2003, selling more than one million vehicles in 140 countries.

It was also the world's most award-winning brand for the second successive year, having won more than 140 automotive awards since June 2002.

The company's international sales success over the past couple of years is mostly down to the Mazda6 range. The RX-8 has increased awareness of the brand and the Mazda3 has kept the momentum going.

Mazda in Britain achieved its highest monthly market share ever in May with almost 2 per cent. Sales were up 28 per cent on May last year in a month when the British car market overall was down by 2 per cent.

Mazda's sales director in Britain, Rob Lindley, said: "It is largely due to the unprecedented success of Mazda RX-8, continued popularity of Mazda6 and the demand for the new Mazda3.

"We are well on track to achieve 48,000 sales this year as one of the fastest growing car brands in the British market."

Mazda Australia also recorded its best-ever month in May, with sales up nearly 10 per cent on the same month last year. The Mazda2 had its second-best sales month ever.

Sales of Mazda models in the United States are up on previous years.