Mazda new car sales set an all-time record during 2006, breaking the 50,000 vehicle sales barrier for the first time to claim a 2.1% share of the UK passenger car market.

The Japanese manufacturer sold 50,166 new cars last year, a 7.2% rise over 2005.

“Breaking through the 50,000 barrier for the first time has a psychological impact on our company and our dealer network. It’s something we have aspired to for some time,” said Rob Lindley, managing director of Mazda Motors UK.

“Now, we have exceeded a 2% market share over a full year for the first time, while in March we sold over 10,000 cars in a month for the first time, so that is three amazing milestones for us in one year,” said Lindley.

This year will see Mazda enter the crossover SUV sector for the first time with its new CX-7.