MAZDA will strengthen its sales in Russia by launching a national sales company in the country. The manufacturer already has a representative office in Moscow but will now set up a new company, called Mazda Motor Rus, from April this year.

It has appointed Joerg Schreiber as managing director of the company.

James Muir, president and chief executive officer of Mazda Motor Europe, said: ‘Russia was our fastest growing market last year in Europe. By establishing a Mazda national sales centre here, we will solidify our already strong business infrastructure and unify and intensify our zoom-zoom brand message to our dealers and our customers.’