RIVERVALE HELPS MAZDA UK HIT RECORD SALES

Rivervale Mazda in Brighton has helped Mazda UK report record sales for May. Despite the economic downturn, private buyers are flocking to Rivervale Mazda thanks to excellent customer service and a fantastic product line-up.

"Despite the credit crunch, Mazda sales are soaring," said Malcolm Hance dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda. "This is because the Mazda range caters for every motoring requirement and at Rivervale Mazda we can also tailor finance packages to suit the individual, to ensure we meet customer needs.

"Mazda's strategy of pursuing lightweight construction and maximum fuel efficiency from conventional engines is also appealing to customers as oil prices keep on rising."

Mazda UK saw its retail sales rise 17.8 per cent in the retail sector in a month when the retail market was down 10.3 per cent as the impact of the credit crunch begins to bite. Furthermore, Mazda's retail sales for the year to date are up 28.6 per cent.

Managing director of Mazda UK Rob Lindley says: "Growing our sales over 2007 is some achievement in a tough environment and it gives us confidence going forward."

Lindley speculates on whether there is enough confidence to predict another record year for the brand: "I've said before that we could hit 55–56,000 this year, up about 3-3,500 units on 2007. That will be quite a challenge but we will still see growth this year. Having the right models at the right time has helped. Mazda2 sales in the first five months hit 5,435. That's more than in the whole of last year."

Mazda3 is the best seller on 5,572, but the new Mazda6 is doing exceptionally well on 5,381 and is proving especially popular among private buyers tempted by its best‑in-class fuel efficiency.

"The Mazda2 3dr model has just launched which will increase our small car sales here at Rivervale Mazda and other recently launched product derivatives such as the Mazda6 diesel and Estate models will help keep that momentum going this year," Malcolm Hance added.

To find out more about the Mazda range or to arrange a test drive, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the showroom on Victoria Road.