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Mazda Australia has reported a pre-tax profit of $24.658 million for the financial year ending December 2001.
The strong result was struck on a total turnover of $883 million, representing a return on sales of 2.8 per cent.
Vehicle wholesales totalled 35,147 during 2001, while the retail total of 34,126 vehicles was a record for the company.
The retail result gave Mazda Australia, which took over national distribution of the Mazda brand from a number of private, state-based companies in 1986, 4.4 per cent of the new vehicle market last year
The forecast for this year indicates that the company is likely to post a pre-tax profit of $18.8 million and generate sales of almost $927 million.
The managing director of Mazda Australia, Malcolm Gough said the 2001 profit reflected the impact of new models, Mazda’s strong brand image and the company’s focus on cost control through continual review of operational procedures.
"The introduction of the Tribute 4WD wagon, Premacy space hatch and a facelifted 323 range ensured that we delivered a healthy increase in both wholesale and retail sales last year.
"The Tribute 4WD wagon in particular played a significant role for us as it took Mazda into a new and untapped market segment".
With record sales for Mazda Australia last month and many new model releases and product updates scheduled for this year, Gough remains confident of another strong sales result in 2002.
"The first of an all-new range of core models, the mid-size Mazda6, arrives in August and will be quickly followed by the replacement for the 121.
"These cars will reflect the renewed confidence and brand strength within Mazda.
"The Mazda6 will set a new benchmark for the mid-size market and help us increase our retail sales close to 37,000 this year.
"With the market expected to reach 789,000 vehicles, we anticipate a market share in excess of 4.7 per cent.
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