Mazda sees volume growth during the last four months of 2012 Expansion of sales network and after sales servicing teams under way

Bangkok, Thailand, 5 September, 2012 – Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd. is fully ready to handle the Thai automobile market during the last four months of the year, which is expected to grow further to over 1.2 million units in 2012. Both the passenger car and the pickup truck markets have been supported by the Thai government’s First Car Buyer scheme as well as high demand and confidence in the strong Thai economy.

Meanwhile, Mazda sales in broke the 7,000-unit-level for the second time this year in August, finishing at a record 7,291 units, up 87% compared to the same period last year. Mazda August sales are led by the Mazda2 (Elegance and Sport) with 3,490 units (42% growth), followed by the BT-50 PRO pickup with 3,129 units (229% growth), Mazda 3 (1.6-liter and 2.0-liter) with 670 units (38% growth) and 2 premium cars. As a result, Mazda sales during the first 8 months of 2012 reached 44,933 units, up 61 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2011.

 

Mr. Choichi Yuki, Managing Director of Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd., said Thailand’s auto market had witnessed an amazing recovery after last year’s flood crisis, with various situations being back to normal. “It is expected that total auto sales will exceed 1.2 million units this year, and for Mazda, we have been highly successful with the introduction of every model, particularly the all-new BT-50 PRO that has totally changed the image of our pickup customers,” he said. “In particular is the Double Cab Hi-Racer raised 2WD model that has been positioned right where customers want. This is a pickup truck with passenger car characteristics, tearing up the old rules of pickup design. This is topped up with higher utility than passenger cars plus a larger body than competitors in the market,” Mr. Choichi said.

 

The Mazda BT-50 PRO comes with a 6-speed transmission and the Super DE-S suspension system offering high grip levels. “Today the Mazda BT-50 PRO is the pickup that has been made to best respond to customer requirements,” he added.

According to Mr. Yuki, Mazda has been accelerating vehicle deliveries to customers, but there is still a good number of back orders while new orders are also increasing. “Mazda have been continuously coordinating with the assembly factory in adjusting production strategies as well as raising capacity. We have invested Bt800 million to raise pickup production and has lowered the ratio of vehicle exports in order to give more priority to Thai customers. However, this is not adequate to satisfy the increasingly high domestic demand. Presently we have approximately 20,000 back orders, and the number is expected to rise further from today until the end of the year. This is because customers are rushing in to place orders and enjoy privileges from the First Car Buyer program that offers sizeable tax rebates. Nevertheless, we promise that every model and color ordered by customers will be delivered to customers in the shortest time possible,” he said.

 

“Another important issue is due to the increasing number of Mazda vehicles being marketed, which leads to preparation for after sales servicing, which we have considered as a priority all along. In addition to increasing the number of personnel, developing servicing skills and taking care of customers with professionalism, increasing the number of showrooms and service centers is very important. Recently Mazda have strengthened out offense in Western Bangkok with the opening of the Mazda Thai Phetchkasem dealership on Kanchanabhisek Road, which will serve customers in the Bangyai and Bangkhae areas. We have also opened Mazda Maharaj in Trad province to serve customers in the Eastern part of the country. Today the Mazda network now covers every province in Thailand, and we are expanding into large districts with sales potential as well. It is expected that by the end of the year we will have a total of 150 dealerships,” Mr. Yuki concluded.

 

Sureetip La-Ongthong Chomthongdee, Marketing Director of Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd., said factors that enabled continuous success for Mazda include choosing the right marketing strategies, especially the updating of Mazda models and increasing the level of standard equipment in order to raise the value-for-money factor.  “In addition, Mazda have been offering special campaigns for customers right from the launch period such as free insurance for every model, as well as joining hands with financial partners in offering special promotions such as low down payment and interest, as well as long installment periods, allowing customers to make quick purchase decisions,” she said.

 

Sureetip added that the Thai auto market is enjoying many positive factors, especially during the last 4 months of the year. They include the strong economy, the government’s First Car Buyer program, increase in household spending, increase in private sector investment, the arrival of the annual tourism season, expansion of the industrial sector, reaping season for the agricultural sector and exports.

 

“Mazda is preparing for the expected increase in the number of customers during the last 4 months of 2012, and the main factor that will directly affect the automobile industry of the large number of customers participating in the First Car Buyer scheme, especially the particularly large customers in the provincial areas. This has made it clear to our sales team who will be prepared for the huge number of customers who will rush in during the year-end period. The increasing popularity of Mazda vehicles also leads to more Mazda vehicles on the road. We have been preparing our servicing capability to be able to handle the fast-growing number of customers. This is to make sure that every Mazda customers will enjoy quick after sales service whether in terms of inspections, maintenance and repair, as well as parts supply,” she said.

 

Mazda Total Sales January – August 2012

Model	August 12	August 11	%Change	Jan-Aug 12	Jan-Aug 11	%Change
Mazda2	3,490	2,460	+ 42%	24,894	17,235	+ 44%
Mazda3	670	486	+ 78%	3,776	3,962	– 4.7%
Mazda BT-50	3,129	950	+ 229%	16,243	6,637	+ 145%
Premium car	2	4	– 50%	20	29	– 31%
Total	7,291	3,900	+ 87%	44,933	27,863	+ 61%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mazda Sales Monthly Breakdown January – August 2012

Model	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	Total
Mazda2	3,097	3,327	3,317	2,485	2,713	3,125	3,340	3,490	24,894
Mazda3	353	269	259	160	505	797	763	670	3,776
Mazda BT-50	360	851	2,422	1,959	2,184	2,379	2,959	3,129	16,243
Premium car	2	4	3	5	1	–	3	2	20
Total	3,812	4,451	6,001	4,609	5,403	6,301	7,065	7,291	44,933