Used cars have been instrumental in doubling Mazda retailer profitability during the first five months of this year, as sales of used cars climbed by 20% year-on-year to the end of May.

Rob Lindley, Mazda UK’s managing director, says the return on sales has risen to 1.9% which, despite being “no great shakes”, places Mazda among the top franchise performers on profit.

Increased new car volumes, up 10% during the five months, have been driven by 4,500 MX-5 sales and 5,000 units for the Mazda5 compact MPV, Mazda’s third and fourth best selling models respectively.

Lindley says: “These figures are gratifying for our 109 sales partners because used car sales have traditionally been our Achilles heel, but now with a critical mass of new cars, things are moving on.”

Mazda hopes to keep its retailers among the top four most profitable brands. Lindley adds: “If I cannot deliver that return I cannot ask them to invest in the franchise.”

Meanwhile, Mazda’s European president James Muir reveals that a larger new generation 6, its fleet mainstay, is likely to reach dealers next autumn. Its engine line up will include a new 2.2-litre diesel, which Muir claimed would meet 2010 Euro 6 emission standards.

Mazda has benchmarked VW’s Passat in developing the 6, which Muir says: “Raised the bar in terms of styling and quality.”