Mazda UK has had a 12% rise in sales Year on Year and looks forward to a full year of growth and more records.

• Record March sales boost first quarter in a year where Mazda expects six per cent sales growth.
• Sales up 12 per cent year-on-year in the first five months of 2016.
• 2016 sees a renewed focus on the customer and delivering a first-class owner experience.

After making a flying start to the year with sales up 12 per cent year-on-year in the first five months, Mazda UK is forecasting that its volume will grow by six per cent in 2016. Total sales over the first five months of 2016 were 22,370, boosted by a record March that was the best single sales month in the company’s history.

In the key month of March Mazda UK sold more than 11,500 cars, beating the previous record of 11,450 set in September 2009 at the height of the scrappage scheme. Overall year-on-year growth of six per cent is seen as modest by Mazda UK Sales Director Peter Allibon – the company has, after all, just recorded three consecutive years of 20 per cent growth taking sales from 26,200 in 2012 to 45,500 last year.

The forecast this year is for sales to top 48,000 with the multi-award winning all-new Mazda MX-5 – the only car to win both World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year - and all-new Mazda CX-3 leading the charge. Allibon expects CX-3 sales to double to 5,250 units and MX-5 sales to grow by 1,700 over last year to top 4,700.

“We’ve seen a massive increase in retail sales and it’s very challenging for us and our dealers to deliver that kind of volume while focusing on the quality of service and ownership our customers expect. The additional volumes last year didn’t generate the extra profit for our dealers we would have liked so this year we want to focus on making sure the network hits the industry average for return on sales – something we keep just missing.”

Both Mazda UK and the dealer network are investing heavily to ensure that everyone who interacts with Mazda is positively surprised and feels personally engaged. The aim is delivering a first-class retail experience across our whole network “We have a two-year customer experience programme, a Mazda blueprint, which will change the way dealer staff approach customers. We want to get the quality aspect of everything we do right,” explained Allibon.

Following the global success of its new range, volumes of all of Mazda UK’s cars are constrained by capacity at Mazda Corporation’s worldwide factories. Global sales are 1.55m and capacity is 1.7m – the extra units go to joint venture manufacturing agreements. “It’s great news for Mazda Corporation but can present challenges to the sales director of a national sales company,” said Allibon adding that the constraint was actually good news for customers and dealers as demand outstripping supply helps keep residual values high.

“As an independent brand Mazda is doing extremely well, investing heavily in research and development for new models for the future. We’ve built a sustainable and profitable business which has credibility within the industry and is the franchise of choice for dealer groups looking to expand their portfolio. We now need to consolidate that business,” said Allibon.

- Ends -

Euro NCAP names it's best in class cars for 2015, with all bar one gaining the full five star award.

Euro NCAP reveals today the Best in Class cars of 2015 out of over 40 vehicles released during a very busy year. 

In 2015, the new full width frontal test has, as was hoped, had a significant influence on the fitment of rear seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters across all sectors and autonomous braking technology continues to become more widespread. 

 

                                                       

The ratings showed a marked difference between newer cars that have been developed for the latest safety technologies and older vehicles, whose safety has not been updated and which now lag behind the leaders.

The best performing large off-roader, and the car with the best overall performance of 2015, was Volvo’s XC90. The Swedish company’s new flagship achieved an outstanding 97 percent for adult occupant protection and a maximum 100 percent for its safety assist technologies.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the best small off-roader of 2015. In the large family category, two cars performed equally well: the Jaguar XE and the Toyota Avensis gave identical overall results. 

The Jaguar takes top honours in this category as all of its safety equipment is standard. The Toyota has some driver assistance technologies as an option, however comes at a generally lower price.

The best performing small family car was the Infiniti Q30, with strong performance in all areas of assessment. The Q30’s active bonnet helped it to gain results for pedestrian protection which were amongst the best of 2015, and it performed well in all other areas too.

In 2015, two superminis gave the same overall safety performance. The Honda Jazz and the Suzuki Vitara were neck and neck overall, one car edging the other in one or other part of the assessment.  However, the Jazz is Euro NCAP’s Best in Class, based on Honda’s fitment strategy for advanced safety systems.

The VW Touran was the best performing small MPV; The Ford Galaxy/S-MAX just beat the Renault Espace for top place in the large MPV category. 

Finally, last year Euro NCAP has paid special attention to the roadsters, a category of relatively expensive cars but for which the importance of safety is often downplayed by vehicle manufacturers. None of the tested roadsters could achieve 5 stars, lacking new avoidance technology in particular. Nevertheless, with 4 stars, the Mazda MX-5 is the best in its category. 

The VW Touran was the best performing small MPV; The Ford Galaxy/S-MAX just beat the Renault Espacefor top place in the large MPV category. 

Finally, last year Euro NCAP has paid special attention to the roadsters, a category of relatively expensive cars but for which the importance of safety is often downplayed by vehicle manufacturers. None of the tested roadsters could achieve 5 stars, lacking new avoidance technology in particular. Nevertheless, with 4 stars, the Mazda MX-5 is the best in its category. 

Nearly 50 years ago Fiat launched a stunning Spider, the 124, now today, it is back the All-New Fiat 124 Spider

• All-new roadster unveiled almost 50 years since its famous predecessor was launched
• New FIAT 124 Spider pays homage to the style and attitude of the original car in an advanced styling package
• Compact, lightweight and rear-wheel drive, the new FIAT 124 Spider is powered by a MultiAir Turbo engine
• Sophisticated suspension and steering tuned for driving pleasure, roof up or down

Almost 50 years since the original was introduced, the FIAT 124 Spider is back! True to its celebrated nameplate, the all-new FIAT 124 Spider brings classic Italian styling and pure driving pleasure to a new generation, with its powerful turbo-charged petrol engine, sophisticated suspension and traditional rear-wheel drive layout.

Designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, the new FIAT 124 Spider takes its inspiration from the 1966 original, not only in terms of its proportions and stance but also in terms of its detailing. 

A horizontal line emerges from the front wing, kicking up over the rear haunch and flowing toward the tail lamp, aping the distinctive bodywork of the original car, while the style and position of the LED headlamps, and the hexagonal upper grille, both draw heavily from the details of the classic roadster.

The bonnet of the new sports car also emulates the twin power domes of the second- generation FIAT 124 Spider (a functional design feature necessitated by the fitment of larger engines) while the rear view is defined by two main features: the “seagull” wings, the upper surface of which fall inward toward the decklid, and the sharp horizontal tail lamps, which incorporate a new FIAT stylistic sign of body-coloured inserts launched with the  new FIAT 500. 

An integrated rear spoiler enhances the aerodynamic performance of the new FIAT 124 Spider, while twin exhaust outlets underline the performance capability of the engine.

The interior of the new FIAT 124 Spider, in keeping with the exterior, mixes Italian style with the classic ingredients of a driver-focussed roadster. 

The low-slung seats are comprised of a lightweight net structure with a unique foam shape and are trimmed in premium upholstery, aligning the driver perfectly with the sporty steering wheel and ideally-located pedals and gear-shifter. 

The three-gauge instrument cluster with its central rev-counter hints at the excitement awaiting the driver, while soft-touch materials and unique detailing set it apart as a high-quality and elegant roadster in the tradition of its best Italian predecessors.

This attention to detail extends even as far as the operation of the soft top, with spring-assisted opening and closing – eliminating the need for a power assist system – and automatic window lowering and raising when the header-rail lock levers are operated. 

Even the seat structure is designed with the roof operation in mind – the narrow shoulder bolster allows the upper body to move freely, facilitating rapid and unrestricted roof operation from the driver’s seat.

With the roof retracted and the side windows rolled down, the aerodynamics around the rearward-mounted windscreen frame of the FIAT 124 Spider have been optimised to guide the wind above the heads of occupants and towards the rear of the car, minimising both the amount of wind striking occupants directly and drafts buffeting from behind.

Particular care has also been given to the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness, with specially-tuned engine mounts, carefully-engineered isolation of the transmission and differential as well as suspension components of differing resonances. 

Wind noise is combated with the adoption of an aerodynamically-efficient design for the rear edge of the hood, A-pillars and header – even the seatbelt mounting position is located to minimise wind noise while driving with the top down.

The 124 Spider also uses sound insulation to reduce noise while driving with the top up. The soft top is fitted with a headliner inside the vehicle for improved sound absorption and there’s a rear package mat to provide further sound absorption and insulation.

Of course, the FIAT 124 Spider is more than an exercise in nostalgic roof-down style – under the bonnet lies FIAT’s venerable 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine producing 140hp and 240Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels for the first time via a lightweight, quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, specially optimised for this high torque output. 

The MultiAir induction system ensures responsive characteristics across the rev range while lowering fuel consumption under low or medium load, while the position of the engine nearer the centre of the car reduces yaw inertia and improves handling agility.

Key to the dynamic abilities of the FIAT 124 Spider is its lightweight body structure, achieved using aluminium, high-tensile steel and precision engineering. 

A strong backbone frame, comprised of robust, straight beams, underpins the overall structure, while a front sub-frame and rear cross members connect the backbone to the front and rear sections to provide a structure that is light, safe and extremely rigid. 

Aluminium components include the bonnet and boot lid, front and rear bumper reinforcements, seatback bars, underbody cross-member and bulkhead panel.

The suspension of the FIAT 124 Spider is comprised of a double-wishbone front and multilink rear arrangement, with a rear set-up engineered to increase toe-in under high cornering forces for improved stability. 

The straight steering shaft position ensures linear and positive steering responsiveness, with the electric power-assist (dual-pinion) system providing light, consistent and responsive steering characteristics.

The new FIAT 124 Spider offers a range of technologies to enhance the driving experience while also keeping occupants safe and connected. The most important information is fed to the driver in the traditional way, via a three-gauge cluster with a large analogue tachometer in the centre, flanked by a speedometer and an information display. 

The standard infotainment unit offers a high level of equipment including a USB/auxiliary input, six speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, while the enhanced version features a seven-inch touchscreen display, DAB digital radio, two USB ports, multimedia control, a reversing camera and a 3D navigation system, with phone calls, music and navigation all voice-controlled. 

A Bose® premium sound system with nine speakers, including twin headrest speakers per seat and a subwoofer, is also available as an option. The system also provides drivers with access to Aha* and Stitcher* Internet radio apps via Bluetooth connectivity.

The pursuit of driving pleasure hasn’t been at the expense of occupant wellbeing and the new FIAT 124 Spider has been engineered to meet the highest safety standards, with a high strength body engineered to provide excellent impact-absorption characteristics. 

In the event of a frontal impact, for example, multi-load path structures within the body distribute impact energy along two main channels, dispersing and absorbing energy within special crash structures and across the side sills, B-pillars and central tunnel. 

Side impact energy is managed by a ring-like structure incorporating the rear portion of the sills, rear cross member and seatback bars, allowing the entire body to absorb the energy, while rear collision protection is provided by combining high-tensile steel and robust structures with strategic deformation control and load distribution channels.

Pedestrian-friendly “active” bonnet, stability control, traction control and rollover mitigation are all offered as standard. Features such as adaptive headlamps, reversing camera, rain-sensitive wipers, keyless entry ‘n’ go and voice-operated infotainment and navigations systems will be standard or optional dependant on grade.

Warrenty Direct builds the worst car out of the worst cars for reliability, and what a monster it is.

• Warranty Direct creates a monstrous motor ready for Halloween
• The price to fix catastrophic components averages almost £500

As the dark nights draw in and Halloween approaches, Warranty Direct has used insights from its unique Reliability Index (www.reliabilityindex.com) to conjure up a horrific ‘horror’ car that would give its owners nightmares all year round.

The vehicle, known as the Horrific H-0WL3R, is constructed from car components which statistically are the most prone to failure. As a result it breaks down every other month and regularly feasts on the contents of its owner’s bank account, costing an average of £487 to repair.

Warranty Direct analysed data from 50,000 live policies to create this Frankenstein’s monster of the automotive world, using failure rates to determine which parts should be bolted on to the ultimate horror vehicle.  

The catastrophic components of the ‘Horrific H-0WL3R’

Make	Year	Car part
Mitsubishi Outlander	07-	Engine
Mazda 5	05-	Axle & suspension
Chevrolet Tacuma	05-11	Gearbox
Lexus GS	05-	Electrics
Mazda MX-5	05-	Braking system
Honda CR-V	07-	Air-Conditioning
Chevrolet Tacuma	05-11	Steering System

Sitting on the Mazda 5’s axle and suspension system, the Horrific H-0WL3R would most likely spend much of its time coming to grief over Britain’s poor quality road surfaces, breaking in the process, as the suspension inflicts problems on almost three quarters of Mazda 5s.

Power comes from a motor torn from under the bonnet of a Mitsubishi Outlander. This engine will be to blame for almost half of the many failed starts that the Horrific H-0WL3R will experience, with some 48.3% blighted by such issues.  

Once started, stopping the Horrific H-0WL3R could also make your heart skip a beat. Surprisingly, the Mazda MX-5 donates its braking system to the H-0WL3R. Although the car experiences most problems as infrequently as Halloween itself, in almost 50% of these instances, the issue is related to the brakes.  

Adding to this engineering monstrosity is the Chevrolet Tacuma. For drivers of the Horrific H-0WL3R, turning corners and swapping cogs will most likely be an unpleasant experience thanks to a steering system and gearbox which have both been proven to plague 33% of Tacumas with reliability woes.

Passengers too will feel the car’s wrath but via its temperamental electrics and ventilation system. The complex electrics of a Lexus GS will cause regular headaches with a 67% failure rate, while the wheezing air conditioning system of a Honda CR-V is likely to bring unpredictable temperatures and a lamentable failure rate of 18.4%.

David Gerrans, Managing Director of Warranty Direct commented, “This Halloween vehicle is the culmination of motorists’ nightmares, guaranteeing inconvenient and expensive breakdowns if it was ever to be built.

“Thankfully it is fictional and can’t be found on the market, nonetheless, it does highlight the Achilles heel of different vehicles, some of which are generally reliable, but could cause a fright as a result of a rogue component.”

Mazda gives Frankfurt a World debut of its new Crossover SUV, the Koeru Concept.

• Mazda Koeru features a distinctly powerful rendition of the KODO design theme
• Japanese carmaker aims to further raise benchmark in competitive SUV segment

In a world premiere at the 66^th 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), Mazda will reveal the Mazda Koeru, a new crossover SUV concept that makes a bold statement in an increasingly popular and competitive segment.

Koeru, Japanese for “exceed” or “go beyond”, is a fitting name for Mazda’s latest venture into the growing crossover SUV market, where the company is again looking to surpass existing standards and raise the bar for performance, efficiency and overall value.

With its formidable KODO – Soul of Motion design, the Koeru expresses the power and vitality of a predator along with a unique level of refined dignity. The full line-up of Mazda’s latest SKYACTIV Technology, meanwhile, ensures outstanding dynamic performance, fuel economy and safety with no compromise to Mazda’s patented driving fun.

The carmaker will also display its new-generation model line-up in Frankfurt. Highlights include an all-new Mazda MX-5 complete with accessories as well as several SKYACTIV powertrains. Mazda’s press conference takes place at 13:45 (hall 9.0, B16) on 15 September, the first of two press days. The IAA is open to the public from 17-27 September.

Mazda’s main exhibits at the 2015 IAA

Reference exhibit	Mazda Koeru (world premiere)
Vehicles currently on sale	Mazda MX-5, Mazda CX-3, 2015 Mazda CX-5, 2015 Mazda6, Mazda2 & Mazda3
Technology exhibits	SKYACTIV-G 2.5, SKYACTIV-D 2.2 & SKYACTIV-D 1.5

Mazda to 'Raise The Roof' at the Goodwood festival of Speed 2015, with loads of live music.

• Mazda ‘Raise the Roof’ is a four-day open-air music event within the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
• Live music inspired by the all-new Mazda MX-5 will entertain crowds across the weekend.
• In the unique setting of the Goodwood House Stable Yard it will showcase 20 innovative artists.
• Free and open to all ‘Raise the Roof’ is set to bring new sounds to the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
• Watch the ‘Raise the Roof’ trailer here: 
• http://www.mazda.co.uk/goodwood-2015/raise-the-roof/
• The 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed will see the all-new Mazda MX-5 make its UK debut.
• Mazda are the Central Feature Marque at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

At the same time as introducing the all-new Mazda MX-5 to the UK public for the first time, Mazda will bring live music to the world’s most prestigious motoring festival. 

In addition to celebrating with both the legendary racing cars of its illustrious sporting past and the stylish new models of its current range. 

Mazda will be demonstrating its Defy Convention spirit with ‘Raise the Roof’ – a four-day open-air music event inspired by the pleasure of music and wind in the hair motoring.

Raise the Roof will showcase 20 innovative artists in the intimate setting of the Goodwood House Stable Yard. From brass bands to a beatboxing flutist, Mazda will present an exciting line-up of boundary-pushing musicians on Goodwood’s only live music stage.

Free and open to everyone attending the Moving Motor Show and Festival of Speed, the ‘Raise the Roof’ stage will sit in a unique open-air space within the classic walls of the Stable Yard where a series of decked areas will interconnect the stages and bar in an MX-5 themed experience zone. 

Live music will run each afternoon from Thursday 25^th June until Sunday 28^th June, while live DJs will keep the crowds entertained in-between acts.

Hosted by radio DJ Tom Ravenscroft, Mazda’s ‘Raise the Roof’ stage will give Goodwood spectators the chance to see, hear and enjoy up and coming music acts before they go on to perform at major festivals across the summer.  

While away from the Stable Yard, the Mazda inspired Central Feature sculpture is set to be an unmistakable addition to the skyline over the Festival of Speed weekend.

With the Moving Motor Show on the 25^th June, the Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place from the 26^th to the 28^th June. Please see below for a full list of artists performing at Mazda Raise the Roof.