Mazda reports that UK sales are currently 10% ahead of forecast and says the brand ‘is about to enjoy its best time in more than a decade’.

UK managing director, Jeremy Thomson, commented: “Over the next 18 months we will continue our very strong product-led growth, which sends out an exciting message to our dealers.”

In the first 10 months of 2013, Mazda sold 27,800 cars, 16% up on the same period in 2012.

It follows successful launches of the Mazda CX-5 and new Mazda6, with the new Mazda3 to come.

Mazda sales director, Peter Allibon (pictured), predicts that average new car sales through each dealership will ‘quickly return to pre-crisis level’ as total annual volume approaches 40,000 units, of which 70% will be Skyactiv models.

“A combination of growth, dealer profitability and the increased kerb appeal of the Skyactiv models are encouraging dealers to upgrade to the premium, fresh feel of the new corporate identity,” he said.

“There are more companies who want to become a Mazda dealer than there are open points.”