Mazda UK Signs New Paint and Distribution Deals

DARTFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – November 17, 2009: Two new bodyshop distributors have been appointed by Mazda UK as part of a drive to improve the service to Mazda’s 150-strong dealer network and 177 Approved Accident Repair Centres and their customers.

Morelli Group will distribute two of Mazda UK’s three approved paint brands DuPont and Spies Hecker. The second distributor is ACIS who will be responsible for the third approved paint brand, Sikkens. ACIS is already Sikkens largest distributor in the UK. Mazda UK has also renewed its current contracts with all three paint suppliers for a further three years.

Steve Jelliss, aftersales director, Mazda UK commented: “The partnerships with Morelli and ACIS will bring many benefits to both the Mazda Approved Accident Repair Centres and to Mazda UK. There are lots of exciting developments happening with the programme at the moment that will ultimately result in a stronger network of repairers offering the best level of repairs and customer service for Mazda owners.

“We know that the key to a good repair is to get the vehicle back into the Mazda network as quickly as possible and Mazda is fortunate to have a strong network of dealers who can make that happen.”

Sue Wardle, national accounts director, Morelli added: “We are extremely pleased to be entering into a partnership with a manufacturer of Mazda’s stature and look forward to a close working relationship”.

Mazda has 171 Authorised Repairers as well as a network of 177 Mazda Approved Accident Repair Centres (MAARC’s). The developments are part of the new Mazda Accident Aftercare programme, launched in August, which is already starting to show growth.

Other developments on the programme include the appointment of International Technical Automotive Systems Ltd (ITAS) to offer programme support and conduct the 2009/10 annual network audits; ITAS will also help Mazda UK’s dealer training programme next year.