Mazda has recorded its 16th consecutive quarter of growth in Europe. The Japanese carmaker managed a slight year-on-year increase in passenger car sales between July and September to just under 61,000 units. Turnover of its popular SUVs - particularly the Mazda CX-3 - bolstered the performance of the company, which held a 1.7% share of the European market during the period.
Portugal led among national markets, posting 47% sales growth during the quarter on the strength of the CX-3 and Mazda3, followed by Italy, up 32% on robust demand across the carmaker’s model lineup. Mazda also saw double-digit gains in France (+14%) and Poland (+11%) as well as several smaller markets including Croatia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland and Slovenia. Germany and Spain, meanwhile, recorded increases of 3% and 7%, respectively.
Portugal led among national markets, posting 47% sales growth during the quarter on the strength of the CX-3 and Mazda3, followed by Italy, up 32% on robust demand across the carmaker’s model lineup. Mazda also saw double-digit gains in France (+14%) and Poland (+11%) as well as several smaller markets including Croatia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland and Slovenia. Germany and Spain, meanwhile, recorded increases of 3% and 7%, respectively.
With sales surging 38% in Europe compared to the third quarter of 2015, the CX-3 is now the most popular new Mazda in eight European markets and a close second overall to the Mazda CX-5, its larger SUV sibling. The latter remains number one in key countries like Germany and Spain. Together the two models represented 45% of Mazda’s European turnover. Otherwise, demand for the Mazda3 remained resilient prior to the introduction of the updated 2017 model. The compact made up 22% of Mazda’s sales in Europe last quarter.
