Auto

Mazda Motor Europe announced that effective today it is taking the distribution of Mazda in Belgiumand Luxemburg into its own hands, under the name of Mazda Motor Belux. Mazda takes over the import of Beherman Auto, which has taken care of distribution since 1967. The appointment of the new Managing Director, Olivier Sermeus, was announced in December 2006. The new management team consists of, among others, Dominique Wouters, Sales Manager, Johan Costrop, Marketing Manager, Lionel Goyeau, Finance Manager and René Derboven, After Sales Manager.

Olivier Sermeus, 40, comes from Kia Motors Belux where he executed the same function. Formerly, he was Managing Director at MG Rover and Director of Sales and Marketing at KBC Autolease. He is Belgian and speaks Dutch, English and French fluently.

“The Mazda network in Belgiumand Luxemburg consists now of 63 distributors and 40 acknowledged auto repairers. We intend to bring the brand as close to the customer as possible,” explains Mr. Sermeus.

The founding of Mazda Motor Belux fits in the international strategy of Mazda, which wants to organize European distribution itself. It recently founded national sales companies in Ireland, the CzechRepublicand SlovakRepublic.

“We have a strong reputation and a widespread dealer network in Belgiumand Luxemburg,” says Philip Waring, Vice President for Sales at Mazda Motor Europe. “The favourable economic climate, the enthusiasm of the distributors and the strength of our future product range are solid grounds for the further development of the brand. We are convinced Mazda Motor Belux has a bright future under Olivier’s management.”