MAZDA claims sales of the new Mazda6 are 'way ahead' of the targets it had set for Europe.

The car went on sale in Europe in early June and so far has generated 30,000 orders, mainly in Germany in the UK.

Mazda Austria has 'generated an outstanding order bank that exceeds the total annual sales target', the manufacturer said.

David Thomas, senior managing executive officer in charge of marketing, sales and customer service, said: 'It's a great start. Mazda6 success is very important for our product-led growth this year.

'Our customers are telling us we are on the right track with the brand strategy that this car embodies, which is great encouragement for other new products we are launching in the near future.'

Mazda has increased production at its Japanese plant to meet the increased demand.