Mazda 3 revamp to spur sales

Written by changthai11 on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

AUTOMOBILES

SANTAN SANTIVIMOLNAT

Average monthly sales for Mazda 3 sedans in the next three months are expected to be 50% higher than previously expected due to the minor model change introduced yesterday, according to John Ray, managing director of Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. More than 13,000 of the compact sedans have been sold locally since their debut in 2004 in Thailand. The Mazda 3 is imported from the Philippines and benefits from lower tariffs under the Asean Free Trade Area (Afta).

The latest model change is expected to help Mazda meet or exceed its 2008 sales target for the Mazda 3 of 4,200 units. The change is the second since the vehicle’s launch and the new version is likely to be on the market for two years, said a source in Mazda Sales.

Since 2004, supplies of the Mazda 3 have been tight due to strong demand for the cars worldwide, with only 250 to 270 units per month made available to the Thai market.

The success of local sales. however, has prompted Mazda Motor Co of Japan to allocate 500 units for sale in Thailand this month.

”Our customer satisfaction programme is one specific area in which Mazda has been very successful,” said Mr Ray.

The company ranked second in the widely quoted J.D. Power sales satisfaction survey for 2008, an improvement from sixth place last year.

”I believe the improved customer satisfaction will lead to a stronger brand, stronger sales and profitable performance in the future,” he said.

Recently, a sales and prospect follow-up system and sales-tracking boards were introduced at Mazda dealers.

The revised Mazda 3 features an MZR 16-valve engine with double overhead camshaft, available in 1,600cc and 2,000cc variants. The starting price is 770,000 baht for the 1,600cc version and 855,000 baht for the five-door model. The 2,000cc model is priced from 989,000 to 1.05 million baht.