Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that operations have begun at its newly-established national sales company in Colombia, MAZDA DE COLOMBIA S.A.S. (MCOL). Mazda said it established MCOL in order to strengthen its framework for the import and sale of Mazda vehicles and the provision of after-sales services.

Mazda began assembling vehicles in Colombia in 1983 with Compañía Colombiana Automotriz S.A. (CCA). Since then, with a focus on locally-assembled models, CCA has overseen sales of Mazda vehicles and built up the Mazda brand in the country.

Moving forward, MCOL will import and sell completely built-up vehicles from Japan, Thailand, and Mexico, and provide after-sales services. The Colombian market continues to grow, and with this move Mazda said it aims to further strengthen both its business and brand image in the country. Assembly of Mazda vehicles at CCA finished at the end of April 2014.

In addition to models such as the Mazda6 (known as Atenza in Japan) and Mazda CX-5 — which are already on sale in the country — MCOL is planning to launch the all-new Mazda3 (known as Axela in Japan), production of which began in Mexico recently. Working closely with its business partners, dealers and suppliers, Mazda said it will push forward developing its business and strengthening the Mazda brand in Colombia.