Mazda PH sees 50% sales hike

Local sales of Mazda vehicles are expected to grow by at least a third this year on the back of an increased awareness of the car brand under its new Philippine distributor.

Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc. president and chief executive Steven Tan told reporters that Mazda sales are poised to rise by 30-50 percent to a minimum of 3,000-3,500 units by yearend, up from last year’s 2,406 units. The company posted a sales growth of 60 percent in 2013, which outpaced industry growth, he pointed out.

As of end-July, 1,787 Mazda vehicles were sold, 49.9-percent higher year-on-year, the latest industry data showed.

Tan said that Mazda is riding on the robust industry-wide vehicle sales growth as well as the renewed popularity of the brand in the country.

For instance, the Mazda3 model is currently experiencing “very tight” supply because of the strong demand not only in the Philippines but also globally, the executive said.

The dealership network has also increased to 15 nationwide to date, with three more planned for opening next year, he added.