HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that operations began today at its new national sales company in South Africa, Mazda Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd. (MSA).

MSA will take over all business related to the sale of Mazda vehicles from Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, which to date has been responsible for the sale of Mazda vehicles in the country. Moving forward, MSA will independently plan and implement branding and sales strategies with the aim of increasing sales and further strengthening the Mazda brand in the South African market.

Regarding the start of operations at MSA, Yuji Nakamine, Mazda's Senior Managing Executive Officer, commented, "Mazda is promoting brand value management in all markets and the start of operations at MSA offers an excellent opportunity to implement these initiatives in South Africa as well. By providing our customers with models that offer Mazda's unique driving pleasure along with high-quality aftersales service, we hope to enrich people's lives and build a lasting bond with our customers."

Mazda has a long history in South Africa dating back to 1963 when the company first entered the market. The country has grown into Mazda's highest volume market on the African continent, with sales of 6,309 units in 2013. Aiming for further sales growth moving forward, Mazda plans to launch the all-new Mazda3 (Mazda Axela in Japan) and the all-new Mazda6 (Mazda Atenza) and extend the Mazda CX-5 model range in South Africa from this month. All three models incorporate the full range of new-generation SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the new KODO-Soul of Motion design theme.

[Outline of the national sales company in South Africa]