VFacts March..Mazda wins AGAIN!!!!

[csv8]

Mazda3 extends its winning streak
Joshua Dowling
April 3, 2012 - 4:10PM
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But the Japanese car maker won’t gloat because it doesn’t want a buyer backlash.

First stop: Holden Commodore. Next stop: Ford?

The Mazda3 has cemented its position as Australia’s favourite car, winning the new-car sales race for the first three months of 2012, according to preliminary data.

Now Mazda as a brand is on track to topple its former parent company Ford in the local market and end up third on the podium behind Toyota and Holden.

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Having posted its best month on record in March (on the back of all-time best results for January and February) Mazda sold more than 25,000 vehicles in the first quarter of 2012, setting it up for an annual tally of 100,000 vehicles.

That figure would likely put Mazda ahead of Ford. The two brands were separated by just 3000 sales last year. But so far this year, Ford is continuing its seven years of sales decline, while Mazda’s results are up 15 per cent.

“We’ve got some pretty good market analysts who think ... another record year is on the cards for us,” says Mazda Australia spokesman Steve Maciver. “We can see the potential, we’ll end up this year in excess of 90,000 ... but 100,000 is not a goal for us.

“We don’t have a war room whereby we go and sit down and say ‘right, we want to sell this [many]’ ... we don’t do any tactical moves to try to beat anyone else. We will sell [how many cars] the market wants.”

The preliminary data shows that the Mazda3’s three-month winning streak puts it comfortably ahead of the competition.

The Mazda3 was the top-selling car last year – ending the Holden Commodore’s 15-year winning streak – but it was beaten by the Toyota Corolla in the last four months of 2011.

While most car makers boast about having a best-selling car in their line-up, Mazda is coy about its success.

It says it won’t boast about it in ad campaigns because it doesn’t want to appear arrogant or too common.

“[Top-selling status] is important to us as a brand but there’s more to Mazda than the Mazda3,” Maciver says. “[Advertising the car’s sales success] is something that’s never been on the radar. It’s not a discussion.

“Rather than Mazda saying ‘we’ve got the number one car’ ... it carries a lot more weight if it’s a personal recommendation from a friend or a work colleague.”

While Toyota and Holden are secure for first and second spots in overall sales, Ford came under threat last year from Japan's Mazda and Korea’s Hyundai.

Ford sold 91,243 cars in 2011, its seventh straight year of decline, and down 32 per cent from a peak of 135,172 sales in 2004.

Mazda sold 88,333 and Hyundai 87,008 cars. Both brands have posted sales growth so far in 2012 while Ford sales have continued to fall.

Official new-car sales figures for March are released at midday April 4, 2012.

[dimka100]

Official sales figures are coming out tomorrow, I guess that nobody is expecting any miracles for Ford ... good on Mazda, they seem to be on top of what the local Australian market wants.

[Bossxr8]

The question needs to be asked again, whats so great about the Mazda 3. There are at least 3 or 4 better cars in its class.

[FacultY]

Well wen mazda 3 becomes uncool then mazdas in the shitter

[dimka100]

Its not that its best at anything in particular, its more about being good/decent at everything and hence appealing to just about everyone ...

Many of its competitors might be better at some things but for that they will be sacrificing other aspects ... also don't forget that its not just the car people are buying these days, its also the brand, the service, the recognition and so on ...

That's where I think Mazda seems to do better than everyone else in the local Australian market

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

The question needs to be asked again, whats so great about the Mazda 3. There are at least 3 or 4 better cars in its class.

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

The question needs to be asked again, whats so great about the Mazda 3. There are at least 3 or 4 better cars in its class.

Mazda win on the whole ownership experience. I've never had a warranty issue with them either. First they dont have many issues in the cars and if they do, Mazda fix the cars without argument and fix it right. Yes there will be exceptions to that, but really they are in a different league when it comes to customer satisfaction.

Meanwhile Fords shipping Territories with rust already on them, that somehow got past quality assurance and are just waiting for their new owners to discover the joy that their 50K+ car needs work on it while its not even a year old. One example but there are many. Not hard to figure which brand has figured out what the market expects.

Ford needs to realise the days of being one of the big three is over. If they don't wake up to quality and customer service, then my guess is they are a year or two from permanently dropping out of the top five in Australia.

[Brazen]

Another article

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2579D5002373D6

Ford slips down the rankings as importers set hot sales pace in a monster March3 April 2012
By RON HAMMERTON
AMBITIOUS importer Nissan outsold local manufacturer Ford for the first time last month as the Blue Oval brand slipped to sixth place for the first time in its history, industry sources have told GoAuto.

In what is shaping up as one of the biggest sales months for the Australian automotive industry on record, official March VFACTS figures out tomorrow are expected to confirm that the three biggest importers – Mazda, Nissan and Hyundai – all sold more vehicles than Ford, despite the fact that Ford lifted its March sales performance compared with last year.

Judging by the unofficial sales increases by some of the major players, a record March for the industry is on the cards, eclipsing the 94,774 units of March 2010.

Toyota – buoyed by fresh stocks of its Thai-made HiLux and strong sales of new Camry – remains on top of the charts, up on last year’s 18,466 sales.

Holden is said to be holding station in second place with sales around the 10,000 mark – despite a small drop on last year – with strong sales of its passengers cars, including a lift in Commodore volume, making up for a lack of Colorado stock ahead of the mid-year launch of an all-new model.

Number-one importer Mazda apparently had its biggest-ever March, driven by record compact SUV sales, thanks to a big start by its all-new CX-5, which apparently achieved almost 1400 sales, eclipsing the superseded CX-7’s best month by more than 200 units. Combined, the CX-5 and run-out CX-7 clocked up almost 2000 sales.

But Nissan was the big mover, rising to fourth place with a record 8317 sales – up almost 39 per cent on last year’s 5985 units in March.


The company was moved to issue a press release about the performance ahead of the official statement from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which is due about midday Wednesday.

Nissan said the March result pushed its year-to-date market share for the first quarter to 6.8 per cent “as it continues to advance towards number-one importer status”.

The importer’s stated aim is to achieve 8.0 per cent market share, 80,000 units and full-line importer leadership by the end of its 2012-13 financial year (ending March 31).

In the just-finished financial year, Nissan sold 69,678 vehicles – up 6.2 per cent on the previous year.

Nissan’s executive general manager of sales and fleet, Ian Moreillon, said the result was testimony to Nissan’s improving product range, stronger brand image and (dealer) network performance.

“With a rich collection of new product in the wings during 2012-13, we can only improve further on what is already a stellar result,” he said.

Although final figures cannot be confirmed, GoAuto understands that Nissan outsold Hyundai last month.

March is frequently a big month for Japanese importers, as it marks the end of the financial year and the need to push for the maximum volume and market share.

Ford was the loser against the big sales drive by importers. Ford sales grew about 10-12 per cent, according to our sources, to about 7500 units for the month, but this was not enough to make up ground in what appears to be a strong month by most major players.

Last year, Ford sold 6724 vehicles in March, but this year it has a fresh range of locally made vehicles, including the Territory and six-cylinder Falcon.

Next month, it will debut a critical new model, the four-cylinder EcoBoost Falcon.

Ford finished third behind Toyota and Holden in the overall standings in 2011, but in the first two months of this year slumped to fifth place and a market share of 7.9 per cent.

Even when Nissan was a local manufacturer, it never outsold Ford, which in the 1980s was at the top of its game.

The overall industry sales tally will not be known until the final figures are released tomorrow, but a record seems a shoe-in, given the number of companies claiming record returns.

Apart from Mazda and Nissan, smaller players such as Suzuki and Kia had a great month, with Kia sales up about 34 per cent.

The market has never topped 100,000 units in any month other than the traditional end-of-half-year spikes in June and December, and even then only on a few occasions.

The biggest sales month in history was recorded last June when 108,722 vehicles found new homes.

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

The question needs to be asked again, whats so great about the Mazda 3. There are at least 3 or 4 better cars in its class.

Good question.

I was looking at them ... they have more horror stories than Falcon's and Territory's have .... but owners just deal with it and not whinge that much about it.

The new paint system on the current crop of Mazdas ... and from a couple of years back changed .... and it's got to be one of the softest and poorest paint out there ... all due to being environmentally friendly.

All that and more put me off getting one.

They look nice and all ... but issues outweigh the looks.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

The question needs to be asked again, whats so great about the Mazda 3. There are at least 3 or 4 better cars in its class.

Like the Toyota Corolla before it, being No.1 is not about having the best car...never was (Something Ford still doesn't get)

It's all about the dealer experience..... not just the showroom greeting and schmoo but treatment at the hands of the service bay.

Quite honestly, the reason why dealerships go broke has less to do with new car sales and more to do with poor quality service.

[Bossxr8]

And yet Mazda is a rubbish brand in Europe and the US, hence they are massively in the red globally.

Its really hard to fathom.

[Road_Warrior]

All those super awesome, chart topping, number 1 sales of Mazda are doing wonders for the company's bottom line...NOT. Being a chart topper doesnt translate to profitability.

[4.0i OHC]

Yes, I'd love it if a Ford product (particularly one built in Australia) topped the sales charts, but if that's not going to happen, a Mazda 3 is a much more deserving sales race winner than the thoroughly underwhelming Corolla, Commodore or Cruze. The Mazda 3 isn't perfect (or even better than the Ford product in the segment), but it certainly could be considered an enjoyable drive, which is more than can be said for any current Holden or Toyota product.

Let's also not forget that an improvement is an improvement, no matter how small, or what your point of reference is. I'm glad that Ford's overall sales have taken a turn for the better. Could Ford rediscovering their advertising mojo have anything to do with increased sales?

Edit: I'm just wondering if anyone has driven a Mazda 6. If so, I'd like to know your thoughts. Reviews seem to rate it slightly behind the Mondeo (segment leader), with slightly less communicative steering being the only caveat (although still much better than, say, an Accord Euro). It comes with a proper transmission as well!

[dimka100]

Why? The Australian market is very different to the rest of the world primarily driven by a significantly altered pricing structure of makers and models as well as a significantly reduced supply/availability for many reasons ...

In reality what seem like good value in Australia may not seem like good value say in EU or US when relatively comparing what else is available at their respective markets.

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

And yet Mazda is a rubbish brand in Europe and the US, hence they are massively in the red globally.

Its really hard to fathom.

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by DanielXR8

Mazda win on the whole ownership experience. I've never had a warranty issue with them either. First they dont have many issues in the cars and if they do, Mazda fix the cars without argument and fix it right. Yes there will be exceptions to that, but really they are in a different league when it comes to customer satisfaction.

Meanwhile Fords shipping Territories with rust already on them, that somehow got past quality assurance and are just waiting for their new owners to discover the joy that their 50K+ car needs work on it while its not even a year old. One example but there are many. Not hard to figure which brand has figured out what the market expects.

Ford needs to realise the days of being one of the big three is over. If they don't wake up to quality and customer service, then my guess is they are a year or two from permanently dropping out of the top five in Australia.

Do you have to say the same thing over & over & over on every topic, year after year after year.. Seriously, I look for your name in every topic like this one, just so I can read the same thing every time...

[zoomie]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

The question needs to be asked again, whats so great about the Mazda 3. There are at least 3 or 4 better cars in its class.

My wife bought a new mazda 3 SP25 sedan with luxury pack and sunroof last year and the main reason she bought it and loves it, is because she was able to get a top if the range model with a 6 speed manual (she hates autos/dual clutch gearboxes)

[4.0i OHC]

Originally Posted by zoomie

My wife bought a new mazda 3 SP25 sedan with luxury pack and sunroof last year and the main reason she bought it and loves it, is because she was able to get a top if the range model with a 6 speed manual (she hates autos/dual clutch gearboxes)

Yes. Mazda has the right idea regarding manual transmissions. The entire Mazda range is available with a manual. Considering that Mazda offers a competitive product in every segment, buying a Mazda is quite often a better choice than some realise.

Oh, and where do you find women like your wife? It seems like every woman I know doesn't know how to drive manual!

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

And yet Mazda is a rubbish brand in Europe and the US, hence they are massively in the red globally.

Its really hard to fathom.

No what is important to understand is the perception by most Aussie buyers that Ford and Holden are rubbish.
That is of more concern than Mazda having one small sedan selling around 4,000/mth - we need some perspective.

Falcon and Commodore are clearly not rubbish but really unsuited to most retail buyers needs,
Focus is still really limited supply form Europe, Kuga 200/mth, Mondeo diesels are in short supply,
all teaming up to maybe Ford a disappointing performer, an underachiever, needing some love from above.......

[Resurrection]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

And yet Mazda is a rubbish brand in Europe and the US, hence they are massively in the red globally.

Its really hard to fathom.

No it isn't. We buy Korean made cars with Holden badges on them and think they are superior.

[MethodX]

Originally Posted by jpd80

No what is important to understand is the perception by most Aussie buyers that Ford and Holden are rubbish.
That is of more concern than Mazda having one small sedan selling around 4,000/mth - we need some perspective.

Falcon and Commodore are clearly not rubbish but really unsuited to most retail buyers needs,
Focus is still really limited supply form Europe, Kuga 200/mth, Mondeo diesels are in short supply,
all teaming up to maybe Ford a disappointing performer, an underachiever, needing some love from above.......

Thats it, brand perception.
Ford And Holden are now seen as unfashionable bogan brands unfortunately.
Mazda is the uptown stylish brand. Used to be Subaru.

[onfire]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

The question needs to be asked again, whats so great about the Mazda 3. There are at least 3 or 4 better cars in its class.

They look half decent, overall - an OK car and have a great marketing team behind them.

That, and they seem to understand a certain demographic very well.

[1TUFFUTE]

in my experience some women...like my wife should have no say in the gearbox in their car. Its been years and she still drives her 5 speed manual around in 4th despite it revving and me holding my five fingered hand up in front of her....i gave up as my arm was getting...sore Auto it is ..next

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

Do you have to say the same thing over & over & over on every topic, year after year after year.. Seriously, I look for your name in every topic like this one, just so I can read the same thing every time...

begs the question, why do some people join a ford forum??

[Windsor220]

Mazda has been on the improve ever since the Zoom Zoom campaign. Women love the things.

[buickman]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

The question needs to be asked again, whats so great about the Mazda 3. There are at least 3 or 4 better cars in its class.

I've had several Mazdas over the years and last November purchased a updated Mazda 3 Neo for the wife after testing Lancer,Corolla, new Focus Cruze .
The only grip I would have with the car is the soft paint duco. If you have a bit of dirt in the mitt it will scratch easy but other wise it is a nicer car to drive than a Corolla hatch has a larger luggage area and vision is good the new Focus is nice but the Mazda is easyer to live with around cities. We have never really had any issues with any Mazda cars we have owned and that why a lot a females go back and purchase another small Mazda.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

The question needs to be asked again, whats so great about the Mazda 3. There are at least 3 or 4 better cars in its class.

Pretty simple really, sell a strong reliable car and people will tell their friends, and keep buying them.

I know a few people who buy Mazda's and swear by them. They are the new Toyota!

Ford on the other hand builds cars that are years ahead in design, but lack what the general public look for, reliability!!

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Pretty simple really, sell a strong reliable car and people will tell their friends, and keep buying them.

I know a few people who buy Mazda's and swear by them. They are the new Toyota!

Ford on the other hand builds cars that are years ahead in design, but lack what the general public look for, reliability!!

Reliabilty isnt a Mazda strong suit. Trust me I work there.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Reliabilty isnt a Mazda strong suit. Trust me I work there.

Everyone that has one raves about how reliable they are. My parents have had a few and they have been faultless.

[buickman]

Originally Posted by jpd80

No
Falcon and Commodore are clearly not rubbish but really unsuited to most retail buyers needs,
......

Agree I purchased a XR 50th in 2010 and the car has been great no issues at all so far. But the car does not suit my wife as a daily as she says it's too big to go to shopping centres. I really don't need a car of this size nowadays myself as the family has grown up and I only use it to travel to work and very occasionally into the country side. A small car would be suffient but it's a mindset that I like bigger local cars so prefer them over smaller cars but why a person with 2 or 3 children that don’t go off road on a regular basis would buy a SUV costly to repair suck fuel and are ordinarily cars to drive.
They are the vehicles that a robbing Falcon and Holden of sales for family cars.

[buggerlugs]

Just bought the daughter one. Absolutely loves it........

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Everyone that has one raves about how reliable they are. My parents have had a few and they have been faultless.

Its probably more due to the service experience people are more forgiving. Where as Ford and Holden treat their customers like crap.

Noisy steering, engine knocks, air in brakes from factory, turbo failures etc are common place.