Double-digit sales increase in February at Mazda Motor Europe
Popularity of the Mazda brand continued to grow across Europe with double-digit retail sales increases in February. Mazda Motor Europe sold 27,300 units last month, which is 6,600 units more than February 2007 and up 32%.
A total of 20 countries reported sales increases during the month. Leading the way was Mazda’s Czech Republic + Slovakia organisation, which booked its highest February volume ever, selling 420 units (+120% compared to February 2007) and achieved its best market share in history, predicted at 3%. February records for volume were set in Russia, at 5,700 units (+75%) and in Greece with a volume of nearly 900 units (+77%). This is Greece’s seventh consecutive month of double or triple-digit growth.
Near-record performances were achieved in Spain, where 1,400 units found owners, its third-best February volume ever, and in Denmark, with a volume of 860 units (+6%), the best in 16 years. Switzerland also had an outstanding month for volume, at 740 units (+25%), its highest in 10 years.
With a volume of 5,068 units (KBA registrations, +65%), Germany had an outstanding February. Excellent months were also achieved in Austria, with 1,900 units (+29%), in Italy, where 1,900 units (+10%) found owners, in France, with 1,200 units (+21%) and the Netherlands, with a volume of 820 units (+46%). Sales momentum continued in Ireland, with 819 units (official registrations +22%), while Mazda BELUX (Belgium + Luxembourg) reported sales of 630 units (+51%), which is that organisation’s seventh month in a row of double-digit growth.
Mazda sales in northern Europe were led by Sweden, where 360 units (+22%) were sold, and in Norway with a volume of 310 units (+31%). In south-central Europe, the Mazda brand saw strong sales in Hungary, with a volume of 280 units (+78%), in Croatia, with 240 units (+13%) and in Slovenia, where 130 Mazdas found owners (+44%).
These results put Mazda Motor Europe on course for an outstanding fiscal year (April 07 - March 08). Since April last year, Mazda has sold 281,500 units (+6%), which is 15,300 units more than the same 11-month period last year. Two countries achieved the highest fiscal-year-to-date volume ever in February - the UK, with 42,700 units since last April (+6%) and Portugal, with 4,300 units (+11%).