(October 22, 2014) LONDON — The demand for Mazda cars by company car drivers and fleet managers alike is the reason behind the acceleration of Mazda Motors UK corporate sales that are up a staggering 34 per cent in the first nine months of 2014 versus an industry increase of 7.4 per cent.

Underpinning the rise in total fleet sales is a 67 per cent increase in the core corporate segment that includes sales to end-user fleets, contract hire and leasing companies and to either SME’s or direct to company car drivers via Mazda Contract Hire.

In the first nine months of 2014 Mazda fleet sales total almost 11,000 cars and accounted for around 35 per cent of total registrations, which at more than 31,400 put the company on track for its third successive year of 20 per cent growth.

The key contributor to corporate sales growth is Mazda’s trio of models featuring emission-cutting, fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology — the all-new Mazda3, Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6.

Indeed the all-new Mazda3, which went on UK sale early this year, has seen the largest increase in core fleet sales in the first nine months of the year, with both the Mazda CX-5 and the long-time fleet best-seller the Mazda6 also delivering year on year growth.

Mazda Head of Fleet Steve Tomlinson said: “More than 40 per cent of the growth in core fleet sales has come from all-new Mazda3.”

Furthermore, Mazda Contract Hire is enjoying another record year with volume up 93 per cent versus the first nine-month total for last year.

“Last year Mazda Contract Hire volume was 50 per cent up on the previous best and this year demand has increased significantly because of the twin attractions of tax and fuel efficiency delivered by SKYACTIV technology and competitive lease rentals,” said Tomlinson.

Meanwhile, Mazda’s fleet sales in the first six months of Mazda’s 2014/15 financial year (April to September, 2014) were up 25 per cent with core fleet registrations more than 50 per cent up as the marque reduces volumes into daily rental, Motability and its own captive market.

“The forward fleet order bank is strong and traction continues to increase particularly in respect of the all-new Mazda3 as it increasingly wins a place on company car policies,” Tomlinson said.