Mazda is to re-open new vehicle sales in Greece later this year, following a five-year absence.

Mazda will restart sales of new vehicles in Greece later this year with its partner Syngelidis Groupm

Running alongside its existing network of authorised repairers, the partnership with Syngelidis Group will see the opening of a Mazda flagship store in the south of Athens this summer, bringing access to the latest model line-up, including the new Mazda3, the MX-5 and the CX-5 SUV.

Mazda first entered the market in 1982, selling more than 100,000 vehicles to customers in Greece, but its former distributor went into bankruptcy in 2014. A spokesperson for the company said that “at this time the Greek recession meant it was felt that it wasn’t the right time to start new vehicle sales until now”. However, in the interim period Mazda established a new network of 14 authorised repairers to ensure existing Greek Mazda owners still had access to service, maintenance and Mazda original parts.

Commenting on the new vehicle sales operations, David McGonigle, regional director Mazda Central and South East Europe, said: “We are very excited to launch new vehicle sales in Greece. Over the past years, we have continually received requests from interested consumers to make our cars available for sale in Greece and we now feel that the time is right. With Syngelidis Group, we have found a high-quality local partner who understands our brand and who will ensure a successful re-entry into a market where Mazda has a long history.”

Pol Syngelidis, president and managing director Syngelidis Group, added: “We are happy that Mazda chose our Group for this endeavour at this exciting time for the brand. We are confident that our long-standing commitment to achieving leadership in the local automotive market by providing a complete product and services offering and a top-level customer experience will allow a new generation of Greeks to fall in love with Mazda cars.”