Mazda Gets Great Start in Northern Ireland in 2010

Mazda has had a great 2010 start in Northern Ireland, as the company’s market share went up to 3.43%, the highest level since October 2008. Though the overall retail market went up 35%, Mazda managed to grow its sales by 105% to 178 units.

It’s true that January 2009 was just in the middle of the recession and that government incentives did not exist back then, so growth in January 2010 is natural, but Mazda’s sales are well over the market's. So it seems the Japanese car manufacturer managed to attract some new customers.

“This is a real achievement, making us the third best-selling Japanese brand in Northern Ireland and a springboard for the balance of 2010,” said Mazda UK Sales and Marketing Director Mark Cameron.

In Mazda’s sixth consecutive month of growth, the Mazda2 was the best sold model, followed by Mazda3 and Mazda6. The diesel CX-7 also had a strong start. Overall, the Japanese manufacturer sold more than Citroen, Honda and Audi, and was only a few sales short of overhauling Nissan and Kia.

“Increasing our retail market share in such a tough economic environment has been a great effort by our Northern Ireland dealers and demonstrates the appeal of the brand to the man and woman in the street paying for a new car with their own money,” said Mr Cameron.

Though 2009 was a difficult year, Mazda opened an eighth dealership called Pat Kirk Ltd in Omagh. This decision also boosted the automaker’s presence and image in Northern Ireland.