Mazda UK is now importing cars directly from Japan to Bristol to optimise logistics and speed up delivery times.

Bristol becomes the fourth port of entry in Europe for Mazda, joining Barcelona, Antwerp and Zeebrugge

An initial consignment of cars arrived at Bristol’s Royal Portbury Dock on 28 March and delivered 2,355 cars to Mazda’s new automotive port handling centre within the Bristol Port Company estate.

It’s the first time that the brand has had a direct Japan-to-UK operation since Mazda UK was founded in 2001 – previously cars were imported into Europe via Zeebrugge and then distributed into regional hubs in the UK.

The new route removes the risk of delays caused by Europe to UK transit issues, such as disruption at the Channel Tunnel or ferry issues on the back of Brexit.

Bristol is now the fourth port of entry in Europe for Mazda, alongside Barcelona, Antwerp and Zeebrugge. Over the next 12 months, the new centre will take delivery every 10 days or so of 1,000-1,200 Mazda cars.

Mazda Motors UK sales director Peter Allibon said the new operation will bring significant benefits to dealers and customers.

“Our dealers will have access to a much wider stock choice within our new central compound, which ultimately provides an optimised logistics journey to support customer choice and delivery times,” he said.

Allibon added: “Our new UK compound will allow for a wider range of available stock with a 10-14 day delivery window to a dealership, which will optimise the customer experience with better choice and faster post-production delivery times.”

The initial shipment included the 2022 Mazda CX-5 along with the Mazda3 and CX-30 featuring the new e-Skyactiv-X mild hybrid petrol.