Mazda has announced plans to control distribution of its products in Austria and Eastern Europe.

The manufacturer has established a joint venture with Itochu Corporation and says the move is 'a significant development in the expansion of Mazda's distribution activities across Europe.'

The Ford-controlled Japanese company has bought the 50% share of Mazda Austria owned by Erste Bank.

As well as Austria, the manufacturer now manages its distribution in Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Yugoslavia, Bosnia, Romania and Bulgaria.

'With the completion of this agreement, which relates to Mazda distribution in nine markets, we now control approximately 85% of our European sales volume,' said Mazda Motors Europe president Stephen Odell.

'This is crucial as we enter an intensive period of product introductions that will underpin significant growth during the next few years. By controlling distribution operations we can execute cost-efficient and brand consistent launches and marketing across Europe. This starts with the all-new Mazda6 midsize range this summer.'

Odell added that Mazda Austria 'has a well-established dealer network which consistently achieves some of the highest levels of customer satisfaction recorded by Mazda in Europe'.

He said the manufacturer aims to build on that and share best practice across markets to 'further improve, maintain and expand Mazda's fine reputation'.