Fleet sales of diesel vehicles had been on the rise in the UK, going up from around 23.5 percent in 2002 up to the current maximum share of 50.8 percent, recorded in 2012.
However, now the trend has been reversed and petrol- and alternatively-powered vehicles are making a comeback; the share had dropped to 49 percent in the first half of last year and it’s cars like the Mazda3, with its SKYACTIV-G petrol engines that’s making it happen.
It really can’t be viewed as either negative or positive; it’s a trend dictate by buyer mentalities and what’s on offer on the market, and when these two aspects work together, established trends can easily change, especially when it’s the monetary incentive that they follow.
Mazda says that of all the 3s it has sold to fleets, around a third of them are petrol-powered. They say this is “exceeding expectations,” but that it’s understandable since the current 1.5-liter unit that replaces the old more traditional 1.6 is a whopping 24 percent more efficient on average, while at the same time emitting some 17 percent less CO2.
Mazda Head of Fleet, Steve Tomlinson, said “MPG from all-new Mazda3 SKYACTIV-G petrol engines is phenomenal and as average company car mileage reduces many drivers do not require a diesel engine model. Many companies’ link vehicle choice lists to a monthly lease rate allowance and drivers typically select models that deliver the best value for money.”
He concluded that “There is no doubt that diesel-powered hatchback derivatives of the all-new Mazda3 will remain the most popular among company car drivers. However, the arrival of SKYACTIV technology in the all-new Mazda3 in both Hatchback and Fastback bodystyles is changing the market allied to the lifestyles of today’s employees.”
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
