For the second time BT-50 was Mazda’s second best selling vehicle, proving that its combination of powerful and refined diesel engines, sharp dynamics, car-like interior and load carrying capacity have delivered some much needed Zoom-Zoom to the light commercial market.

Crowned Ute of the Year by Australian 4WD Monthly magazine, the BT-50 also achieved its best-ever sales in June (1104) and has lifted Mazda’s share of the light commercial market to 5.8 per cent this year or 0.9 percentage points above the same period last year.

To the end of July Mazda’s commercial ute sales have jumped 25.6 per cent over 2006, reaching 6044 vehicles.

The BT-50 performance helped Mazda reach a July record of 6456 retails. Mazda’s July sales performance was a significant 1263 vehicles or 24.3 per cent above the same month last year.

The country’s top selling full-line importer has posted record sales each month this year and the company’s year-to-date sales have now reached 45,568, an increase of 7859 or 20.8 per cent on the same period last year. Mazda has 7.5 per cent market share.

Once again Mazda enjoyed strong sales across its core passenger models with the Mazda3 selling 2909, the Mazda6 913, Mazda2 585 and the CX-7 553.

Doug Dickson, managing director of Mazda Australia, said: “The success of the BT-50 has given Mazda a significant boost in the light commercial market and it’s pleasing to see that our brand DNA – Stylish, Insightful and Spirited – is just as relevant in the ute segment as it is in the passenger car market.

“With the Mazda3 Diesel due soon, the all-new Mazda2 arriving in September and the CX-9 at the end of the year, Mazda is confident that its will further spread the brand’s appeal”.

Mazda Australia expects to sell a record 70,000 vehicles this year.