The record half yearly result is 20.3 per cent up on the same time last year and has lifted Mazda’s market share from 6.7 per cent in 2006 to 7.5 per cent, a gain of 0.73 percentage points. No other car company has achieved such a large market share gain.

Mazda continues to lead the importers outselling its closest full-line import rival by 6936 sales (or a significant 21.6 per cent). Overall Mazda is fourth in the market place, outselling one local manufacturer.

The benchmark sales pace was maintained last month with Mazda selling 6932 vehicles, a record June month and its second best month ever.

The Mazda3 is the company’s best seller with 17,776 sold so far this year, an increase of 13.2 per cent over 2006.

Mazda2 has also been on record sales pace, selling 3663 during the first six months, an improvement of 26.1 per cent on last year.

Mazda6, sales have reached 6594 cars and it remains the top selling imported medium car.

Mazda’s first crossover SUV, the CX-7, has also sold above expectations with it averaging 615 sales a month this year, a substantial 12 per cent above the original forecast. CX-7 has been the main contributor in lifting Mazda’s SUV share from 1.6 per cent last year to 5.2 per cent year-to-date.

The award winning BT-50 commercial range is also on record sales pace and has improved the company’s share of the light commercial market from 4.8 per cent to 5.5 per cent Y-T-D.

Doug Dickson, managing director of Mazda Australia, said: “These outstanding results demonstrate that more Australians are choosing Mazda’s stylish, insightful and spirited vehicles and we will ensure that we continue to back up our class leading vehicles with first class customer service.

“These results could not be achieved without the tireless support of the dealer network, which has remained essentially unchanged since 2000. Back then Mazda was averaging just 2293 sales a month, that’s now 6518 retails. During this rapid growth phase our network has maintained their industry leading levels of sales and service.

“And we plan to maintain our market momentum with the Mazda3 diesel sedan and hatch, all-new Mazda2 and our first seven seat crossover SUV, the CX-9, joining our line-up within the next six months.”

Mazda Australia plans to sell a record 70,000 vehicles in 2007, up from 63,664 last year.