Mazda5 and Mazda6 2% More Expensive in the UK

Mazda6 product lineup

Mazda UK recently announced a new measure aimed at counteracting the economic turmoil, this time directly targeting its product lineup. The Japanese manufacturer said that prices of the new Mazda5 and Mazda6 models will be 2 percent more expensive starting April, pointing to the weakening of the British pound versus the euro. Moreover, Mazda said the continuously rising prices of materials and high production costs are two other reasons for the price increase in the United Kingdom.

To be more specific, the new Mazda5 range will be 323 pounds more expensive starting April 1 while prices of the Mazda6 will be increased by 345 pounds.

"Recent rises in some raw materials costs and fluctuations in the Yen/Pound exchange rate mean that we have to increase prices on the Mazda5 and Mazda6 range from 1 April," said Mark Cameron, Sales & Marketing Director Mazda UK. "We are keeping these rises to just 2 percent, which is much less than the increases introduced by many other brands."

On the other hand, Mazda continue to go well in this economic recession environment and even increased sales in Japanese where its production facilities are back to a non-crisis schedule. However, the company admitted it will remain focused on the evolution to the market and adjust production whenever it is needed.

"Mazda will continue to manage inventory levels and maintain an appropriate balance in production supply, monitor market conditions that are changing daily, and respond swiftly with appropriate measures as necessary," the company said in a statement for the press today.

Mazda increased its market share in Europe by 0.3 percent in February 2009, according to the official sales figures provided by the manufacturer.