2015 will be a year of \u201ctransformation\u201d for the Mazda brand as it introduces a raft of new models and moves into new market segments.<\/p>\n
Jeremy Thomson (pictured), Mazda Motors UK managing director, is looking for a third consecutive year of double-digit sales growth as he targets 50,000 units with fleet accounting for around 45% of volume.<\/p>\n
Last year, Mazda grew registrations by 21% to just under 38,000 with increases in true fleet and retail. This year\u2019s growth will come from incremental sales from the new launches.<\/p>\n
The new Mazda2, a \u201cmore compelling, slightly larger car\u201d, says Thomson, will be launched in March, while Mazda\u2019s first foray into the compact SUV segment will begin with the CX-3 in June.<\/p>\n
The Mazda6 receives a mid-term facelift in response to feedback from fleets. Thomson describes it as a \u201cdramatic increase\u201d in interior quality, with more leather, digital radio as standard, improved infotainment system and a more premium feel throughout.<\/p>\n
Completing the launch programme is the MX-5. It\u2019s more of a retail car but will pick up orders from user-choosers, according to Thomson. Mazda will also benefit from the first full year of CX-5 sales.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an unprecedented launch period for Mazda and it will continue into 2016 and the year after,\u201d Thomson said.<\/p>\n
Over the next few years he is looking to reach market share of 2.5%, equal to around 60,000 units on today\u2019s annual registrations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"