NATIONAL Car Rental has signed a unique deal with Mazda, making it the only major daily rental company to have the Mazda6 on its fleet.

The company has signed a deal for 1,500 vehicles ensuring the car will be available from its branches nationwide. Its customers will be able to choose from the five door hatchback and estate models, in a variety of specification levels.

'The Mazda6, voted best-in-class for driver seating flexibility is recognised for its outstanding driver dynamics, reliability and safety record, which makes it an ideal choice for our customers,' said National Car Rental's fleet director Stephen Deakin. 'We are delighted to have signed this unique deal, which also includes a 100% buyback policy, protecting residual values.'

Mazda's fleet and remarketing director Jeremy Thomson added: 'We are very pleased to be working closely with National again this year, following the successful relationship we had in 2002.'