2015 will be a year of “transformation” for the Mazda brand as it introduces a raft of new models and moves into new market segments.

Jeremy Thomson (pictured), Mazda Motors UK managing director, is looking for a third consecutive year of double-digit sales growth as he targets 50,000 units with fleet accounting for around 45% of volume.

Last year, Mazda grew registrations by 21% to just under 38,000 with increases in true fleet and retail. This year’s growth will come from incremental sales from the new launches.

The new Mazda2, a “more compelling, slightly larger car”, says Thomson, will be launched in March, while Mazda’s first foray into the compact SUV segment will begin with the CX-3 in June.

The Mazda6 receives a mid-term facelift in response to feedback from fleets. Thomson describes it as a “dramatic increase” in interior quality, with more leather, digital radio as standard, improved infotainment system and a more premium feel throughout.

Completing the launch programme is the MX-5. It’s more of a retail car but will pick up orders from user-choosers, according to Thomson. Mazda will also benefit from the first full year of CX-5 sales.

“This is an unprecedented launch period for Mazda and it will continue into 2016 and the year after,” Thomson said.

Over the next few years he is looking to reach market share of 2.5%, equal to around 60,000 units on today’s annual registrations.

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