Friday, August 3, 2001

Sales Operations in the UK

Mazda Motor Corporation's wholly owned distributor, Mazda Motors UK Limited, started operation August 1 under James Muir, newly appointed Managing Director. Mazda Motor Corporation established Mazda Motors UK Limited (Mazda UK) on May 31, 2001. The new company's capital is 4 million pounds (approximately 7 oku yen).

Mazda Motors UK Limited
Mazda Motors UK Limited

Mazda took over the distribution business in the UK from Mazda Cars (UK) Limited (MCL Group), a company owned 60 percent by Itochu Corporation and 40 percent by Inchcape plc. Mazda reached agreement in the spring to take over Mazda business. Through a combination of investments in the distribution network, products, and marketing actions, Mazda UK expects to develop the brand significantly and grow volume substantially over the next five years. The new company will also reduce costs and improve efficiency through maximizing synergies with other Mazda operations.

Mazda plans to reinforce distribution networks in major markets as part of its Millennium Plan which defines the company's strategy for growth through 2004. In the European market, Mazda's strategy is to take control of distribution in those markets where direct manufacturer involvement maximizes growth opportunities.

Mazda's wholly owned sales companies in Spain and Italy began operation in 2000. Mazda acquired the distribution business in France from Inchcape plc in April 2001 and has been the distributor in Portugal since 1995. It has successfully operated a distributor in Germany, Europe's largest market, for many years.

Mazda's objective in the Millennium Plan for Europe is to have more than 70% of the sales under Mazda's direct control by the end of 2001.

Mark Fields, President of Mazda Motor Corporation said," With the successful execution of the direct control initiatives in Europe, we will come very close to achieving more than 70% direct control target by the end of 2001. Our operations in Europe have made another strong stride to achieve our Millennium Plan objectives."

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