CAREERS: Company CV - Mazda Motors (UK)

Marketing 12-Jun-03

Mazda Motors (UK) is the wholly owned UK distributor of the Mazda Motor Corporation of Japan. Mazda took over the distribution business in the UK from Mazda Cars (UK), a company owned 60% by the Itochu Corporation and 40% by Inchape. It took over Mazda Cars in 2001 and Mazda Motors (UK) was launched in August of that year.

Mazda has exported cars to the European market since 1967. Its wholly owned sales companies in Spain and Italy began operations in 2000 and the firm acquired the distribution business in France from Inchape in April 2001. Mazda has been the distributor in Portugal since 1995, and has operated a distributor in Germany, Europe's biggest car market, for many years.

The Japanese parent company is part-owned by the Ford Motor Company. Ford initially purchased a 25% equity stake in November 1979, which was subsequently increased to 33.4% in May 1996.

The group as a whole operates on a global basis through three key regions: Europe, North America and Japan and elsewhere.

Mazda Motors UK's core business is the marketing, sales, brand development and distribution of Mazda cars, parts and accessories in the UK.

In January 2003, Mazda announced it was backing the launch of the first Formula Woman motor racing series. The championship is for women aged 18 and over, who have never tried racing before. A reality TV show will demonstrate how the contestants will be selected and then follow the final 16 women while they prepare for the series.

At the 2003 Geneva International Motor Show in February, Mazda showcased a concept vehicle, the Mazda MX Sportif.

The design indicated the direction Mazda will take for a global 'C-segment' vehicle.

In May, Mazda promoted European president Stephen Odell to global marketing chief.

Later that month it was announced that the Mazda6 had sold a total of 34,869 units in the first four months of 2003. In January, the model had won What Car Best Estate Car 2003 in What Car's annual awards. The Mazda6 beat the Audi A4 Avant TDI, the Skoda Fabia TDI and the Volvo V70.

Total revenue Y2364.5bn (£12.1bn)

Operating profit Y50.6bn (£259m)

Net income Y24.1bn (£123m)

Employees 19,365

(Figures for year to March 31, 2002)

Advertising agency

J Walter Thompson

Media buyer

MindShare

Adspend (year to April 2003)

TV £11,234,885

Press £8,207,802