So far this year, sales are up 10 per cent and heading for a record 50,000 units for 2006.

When Mazda UK started importing Mazda cars in August 2001, its predecessor MCL had sold less than 7,000 units that year. Improvements were seen immediately and, by the end of the year, sales had hit 15,800.

Rob Lindley, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mazda Motor Corporation, says that reaching 50,000 sales will be an emotional milestone for staff and dealers as well as a landmark in sales.

"We had 55 people who had been working for the previous importer MCL in August 2001; we now have 98 staff. Of course over five years we have seen some people come and go but for all of us, staff and dealers, achieving 50,000 will be really special.