Mazda’s Northern Ireland dealers made a storming start to 2010, lifting the company’s market share to 3.43%, its highest level since October 2008 and well above 2009 levels.

Sales in the all important retail sector were up a spectacular 105% at 178 units in January from a year ago as the overall retail market recovered by 35% to post monthly sales of 5,200.

Although January 2009 was in the depths of recession and before the launch of the government scrappage scheme, the figures show Mazda is growing beyond the market and winning 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.

January marked the sixth consecutive month of increased sales for the Zoom-Zoom brand. Mazda2, led the charge followed by Mazda3 and Mazda6 Mazda’s new crossover, the CX-7 diesel, also made a strong start.

Mazda outsold Citroen, Honda and Audi in the retail sector and was only a few sales short of overhauling Nissan and Kia.

Overall, the new car market in NI – including fleet sales - rose by 30% year-on-year to 7,200 vehicles with Mazda’s total growth of 52% comfortably out-performing the market. Mazda’s 3.43 percent market share is also well ahead of the December 2009 figure of 2.28% and ahead of the total UK average of 2.4%.

"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.

Mazda’s presence in Northern Ireland was boosted in 2009 with the appointment of an eighth dealership, Pat Kirk Ltd in Omagh, the second Mazda outlet for the long-established company that has an existing dealership in Strabane.

While January was the sixth month of increased market share for Mazda, 2009 marked the fifth consecutive year of growth. Mazda’s total sales in Northern Ireland in 2009, including fleet sales, were 1,414 of which 990 were to private customers. Overall market share was 2.72%.

The total Northern Ireland market in 2009 was 52,061, down 8.16% on the previous year according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

(PR/GK)