AT THE end of June, Mazda Motors UK sales stood at 13,392, just 2,400 short of the 12-month total for 2001. This demonstrates the resurgence of Mazda in the UK.

The six-month total compares to just 6,565 for the same period last year, a 100 per cent increase.

Top performers in the Mazda range have been the Mazda MX-5, Mazda 323, Mazda 626, Mazda Premacy and the Mazda Demio, with the Mazda MX-5 on course to an all-time sales record.

With the recent launch of the Mazda6, a car that has been widely acclaimed as the class leader in the family car segment, the company’s future in the UK car market seems secure.

It is recokoned that the year forecast of 29,500 is a target that is achievable.

The Mazda6 went on sale in July in four and five-door petrol versions. The body style line-up will be complete in September, when the estate goes on sale along with two common-rail diesel engines.

A 2.3-litre all-wheel drive estate, the Mazda Sport4, will join the range in November.

Sales success this year has been due to a focused and re-motivated dealer network, driven by a Mazda Motors UK management team, increased availability of all models, price and specification realignment to the range and a fresh marketing programme with significant investment.

This is designed to raise the profile and awareness of Mazda.

With the future product promised from Mazda and with its reputation for good engineering, reliability, innovation and craftsmanship, the company anticipates that sales will continue to increase in the UK.

One of the most exciting vehicles to come from Mazda will be the rotary powered Mazda RX-8, due in the UK next year.