Mazda Continues Record Run Through August

Mazda continues to cement its position as Australia's number one import-only brand, having retailed 5830 new vehicles in August and claiming a record 7.5 percent market share for the month. With 21 successive months of market share growth, Mazda sits in third position outright for passenger car sales with a 10 percent share of the market.

The good news for Mazda doesn't end there, with 54,831 retail sales under it's belt so far this year (6.2 per cent up on last years figures), it is tracking well above the 0.7 percent overall market growth seen to-date.

In a market that has seen a 12.3 percent drop in sales compared to the same month last year, Mazda has performed admirably. Mazda's Managing Director Doug Dickson is understandably pleased with the results.

"Mazda's market share is up on last year. Mazda's YTD total is up on last year. So it is clear consumers are evolving their buying habits to meet the times, and more and more are choosing Mazda's range of exciting and economical new cars," he said.

Mazda can attribute much of its extended success to the current range of Mazda2s, Mazda3s and Mazda6s. The rest of the Mazda range, including the iconic MX-5 roadster and rotary powered RX-8, continue to assist sales in smaller numbers.

Mr Dickson was keen to tout the virtues of his best performers:

"Our Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 are among the leaders in their respective segments because they appeal to both the hearts and minds of the canny new car consumer. These are the cars Australians really want to own and drive."

Each of Mazda's vehicles have proven to be worthy competitors in their respective markets, with the Mazda6 top-dog in the mid-sized imported catagory. The Mazda6 is an impressive 52 percent clear of its nearest rival in year-to-date sales.

The Mazda3, Australia's fourth most popular vehicle in August, commands a 15.4 percent share of the small car market, good enough for second place in the segment and up from 14.6 percent in August last year.

The zippy and affordable Mazda2 is the fastest growing model in the light car segment by far with 10,421 sales this year, up an astonishing 121 percent on 2007. You can read how the Mazda2 has earned its following, in our review.

Mazda's solid and consistent performance over the last two years, comes on the back of a shift in market focus and an excellent product range. With a host of new models on the horizon, Mazda will be hoping to see solid growth for some time to come.