Mazda and UniCredit Leasing have jointly launched the first finance facility in the local market, Mazda Finance.

“One of Mazda’s objectives in Romania is to broaden the service pool available for buyers. Together with UniCredit Leasing, a company with extensive financial expertise in the local and international market, we will try to streamline the access of potential clients to financing, in the light of rigid lending conditions”, said Cristian Rigu, country manager at Mazda.

The new service provides credit facilities for the entire car range.

“The finance plan eases access to leasing instruments at an annual percentage rate of 2.99%. The credit service integrates the benefit of a free insurance policy – CASCO, for a year”, said the company representatives.

The payments must be ‘spread’ over 3-5 years, and require a minimum 20% downpayment of the borrowed amount. The offer launched by the carmaker is valid until March 31, 2009.

Mazda Romania aims for a 1.5% market share in import cars segment, equivalent of 0.3% growth from a year earlier.

In 2009, the carmaker will open four new showrooms in Arad, Oradea and two in Bucharest, increasing the number of outlets to 20.

Last year, Mazda Romania sold 2,537 cars, up 147% from last year’s 1,028.The best selling models were Mazda 3 (840 units) and Mazda 2 (812 units).