Influence from Ford management is bringing a sharper approach to sales and marketing, said Jan Brentebraten, Mazda Motor Europe president.

“We are concentrating more on meeting the demands of the European market and less on satisfying our Hiroshima headquarter's requests for data,” said Mr Brentebraten who was previously Mazda of Germany managing director.

New product was key to the development of the Mazda brand and a stronger performance in Europe. Mr Brentebraten thought the global internet-based 'supply club' which included Ford would assist Mazda by driving down costs.