The carmaker has also reported a 67% increase in the core corporate segment that includes sales to end-user fleets, contract hire and leasing companies and to either SMEs or direct to company car drivers via Mazda Contract Hire.

Mazda’s fleet sales for the first nine months of 2014 totalled almost 11,000 cars, equating to around 35% of its total registrations, which stand at over 31,400, putting the company on track for its third successive year of 20% growth.

The firm attributed the corporate sales growth to the launch of the new Mazda3, Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6 – with more than 40% of the growth in core fleet sales having come from all-new Mazda3.

Furthermore, Mazda Contract Hire is enjoying another record year with volume up 93% versus the first nine-month total for last year.

Mazda head of fleet Steve Tomlinson added that he is confident of further fleet growth in 2014 and into next year, supported also by its fleet focused dealer network and market-leading monthly lease rates for business users from Mazda Contract Hire.

Tomlinson said: ‘Last year Mazda Contract Hire volume was 50% up on the previous best and this year demand has increased significantly because of the twin attractions of tax and fuel efficiency delivered by SKYACTIV technology and competitive lease rentals.’

Meanwhile, Mazda's fleet sales in the first six months of Mazda's 2014/15 financial year (April to September, 2014) were up 25% with core fleet registrations more than 50% up as the marque reduces volumes into daily rental, Motability and its own captive market.

Tomlinson concluded: ‘The forward fleet order bank is strong and traction continues to increase particularly in respect of the all-new Mazda3 as it increasingly wins a place on company car policies.’