In the 12 months ending 31st March 2014, Mazda fleet sales accounted for 24.1% of 34,561 total registrations compared with 15.7% of volume in the preceding 12-month period as Mazda Motors UK saw overall sales increase by 9,070 units.

Fleet registrations increased 107% from 4,007 in 2012/13 to 8,319 in 2013/14. Meanwhile the brand’s core fleet sales, which exclude daily rental, Motability and captive business, increased 127% year-on-year, with the Mazda6 making the most significant contribution to overall growth, rising 211% from 2012/13.

During the 12 months under review Mazda Contract Hire, offered by every UK dealer, saw record levels of business with registrations up 214% year-on-year beating the previous best set seven years ago by 51%.

Mazda head of fleet Steve Tomlinson said the rapid rise in fleet demand, and particularly core fleet registrations, was due to a combination of factors including the brand’s SKYACTIV technology as well as increased franchise dealer engagement with local businesses across Mazda's 136-strong network and the expansion of Mazda's fleet specialist dealer network from four at the start of 2013/14 to six during the year.

The brand added that January 2014's launch of the all-new Mazda3 coupled with a plan to reduce sales into non-core channels with sales to end-user fleets in 2014/15 means that overall fleet volumes will be broadly unchanged at about 8,300 units.

Tomlinson said: ‘In 2014/15 we anticipate total fleet sales to remain at a similar level to 2013/14. However, Mazda's core fleet sales to end-user fleets are expected to rise as more fleet managers and company car drivers recognise the strength of our all-new Mazda3, Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 models.

‘We anticipate that core fleet sales will rise by around 30% in 2014/15 as we maximise the potential of SKYACTIV technology and the increasing opportunities we are seeing with new and existing customers.

He added: ‘In addition, apart from our six Fleet Specialist Dealers, many of our other franchise dealers have recognised that sales to fleets and small businesses are critical to their overall success.

‘The Mazda franchise dealer network is open for fleet business and more are realising that corporate sales are a key component of their sales mix with Mazda Contract Hire an important facet within their overall offering.’