Segment-topping sales from both the Mazda2 and Mazda3 were combined with consistent performances across the Mazda range to secure the company’s second-best ever July result.

Mazda2 sales stepped up in July, placing the stylish city car at the top of the light car segment for the second consecutive month. Due to its strong sales performance so far this year, Mazda2 sales are up an impressive 23.6 per cent year-to-date compared to the same period last year.

Buoyed by updates across the Mazda2 range the stylish light car has secured a 13.1 per cent segment share year-to-date.

Mazda3 once again earned the title of Australia’s best-selling small car in July, further confirming its status as the country’s best-selling small car year-to-date with an 18.4 per cent segment share.

Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson is pleased with the brand’s start to the second half of the year.

“While Mazda2 and Mazda3 were the standout performers in July it’s pleasing to see solid sales across the whole Mazda range” he said.

“The July result has put us on the right track for a strong second half of the year. With New Mazda3 and All-New BT-50 just around the corner we’re optimistic that we can build on the sales progress we have made so far this year. These are both very important cars for Mazda and we look forward to introducing them to Australian car buyers in the not-too-distant future.”

The Mazda CX-5 evolves Mazda’s hallmark fun-to-drive character and will be progressively introduced to global markets from early 2012. Developed around the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY — including all-new Mazda gasoline and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, body and chassis — the CX-5 delivers precise response and a high-quality ride matched with outstanding environmental and safety performance.

The engine lineup for the European specification CX-5 will include Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine available in Standard Power and High Power versions. Mazda focused on achieving exceptional environmental performance for a compact SUV and targeted CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km* for the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engine model.

The CX-5 is also the first production model to showcase Mazda’s new design theme, ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’, which was previewed with the Mazda SHINARI and Mazda MINAGI concept cars. Unique themes of KODO design include a prominent new front view with a bolder family face and dynamic styling that conveys a strong sense of vitality and agility.

Joining the CX-5 on Mazda’s stand at the Frankfurt show will be the facelifted Mazda3. It delivers lower CO2 emissions, more sporty and stable driving dynamics, updated interior and exterior design, and higher quality levels.

Officially titled the 64th Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA), the Frankfurt Motor Show will open to the press on September 13 and 14, and to the public from September 15 through 25, 2011. Mazda will hold a press conference on Tuesday, September 13 from 14:15 to 14:30 local time.

* Standard Power SKYACTIV-D 2.2 model with front-wheel-drive, SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission and i-stop

Mazda Australia has today announced that the All-New BT-50 will be available at launch with a wide range of locally-built genuine Mazda accessories including an airbag compatible bull bar.

Mazda engineers have spent many months working hard to build a genuine Mazda bull bar that meets stringent ADR requirements, looks good and is tough enough to handle anything BT-50 owners throw at it.

The result is two fully ADR compliant bull bar options to meet the demands of All-New BT-50 buyers.

To be available in both polished aluminium and powder coated black steel, the All-New BT-50 genuine Mazda bull bar has been designed not just to protect but to enable owners to personalise their BT-50.

Both bull bars have been subjected to over 2000 hours of salt spray testing which is the equivalent of approximately 50 years of average customer usage.  This testing ensures both bull bars will easily handle Australia’s tough environmental conditions.

Unlike many aftermarket alternatives, both options will be fully airbag compliant having undergone multiple crash test scenarios.

Chief Designer of the All-New BT-50, Ryo Yanagisawa and a group of Mazda’s top-selling BT-50 dealers were involved in the design of the genuine Mazda bull bar and the outcome is a bull bar that looks tough and complements the exterior styling of the vehicle.

Mounting points for LightForce driving lights and an antenna for a UHF radio have also been included and air intake and powertrain cooling have been accounted for.

With a comprehensive range of genuine Mazda accessories including bull bar, sports bar, nudge bar and side steps to be available from launch later this year, the All-New BT-50 is set to be the perfect vehicle for work and play.

In line with the Genki’s status as the range-topping Mazda2, the new features will further increase occupant comfort and improve the driving experience.

The addition of rain-sensing wipers (a first for the segment), auto headlamps and cruise control offer significant benefits to the driver and secure the Mazda2 Genki’s status as one of the best-equipped light cars in Australia.

Another handy new tool for the driver is a trip computer that includes current and average fuel consumption, distance to empty and average vehicle speed, while an ambient temperature display is also added.

Climate control air-conditioning is now standard, ensuring the comfort of all Mazda2 Genki occupants is well-catered for.

The addition of a chrome exhaust extension and subtle changes to the front bumper and alloy wheel design are in keeping with the Mazda2’s reputation as a style leader in the segment.

The Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP) of the new Mazda2 Genki has been decreased by $445 over the previous model.

Mazda Australia national marketing manager, Alastair Doak, welcomed the arrival of the new Mazda2 Genki. “The sales success of the Mazda2 so far this year really speaks volumes for the quality of this car. We had the benefit of upgrades to the Neo and Maxx models earlier this year and now we’re delighted to see the whole Mazda2 range updated. There’s been a significant amount of equipment added to the Genki and we’re sure that this will strike the right note with buyers,” he said.

Coming on top of upgrades to Mazda2 Neo and Maxx models earlier this year, the addition of the new Genki will ensure the Mazda2 remains one of Australia’s best-selling light cars. So far this year nearly 6,000 Mazda2s have found buyers, representing a sales increase of over 30 per cent compared with 2010.