I first asked Alex how Mazda’s fleet business has performed in the UK, and whether he expects a significant uplift following the recent launch of the Mazda6e.

Janes said: “Mazda's fleet business in the UK has delivered strong and consistent performance, underpinned by sustained demand for key models including the Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX-5 and Mazda3, alongside the growing success of our CX-60 and CX-80 plug-in hybrid vehicles. Our strategy has focused on achieving sustainable and profitable fleet growth, particularly within the user-chooser, SME and corporate sectors, where brand desirability, driver satisfaction and competitive whole-life costs remain critical factors in the decision-making process.

“Looking ahead, we see significant opportunities arising from the launch of the all-new Mazda6e. As businesses increasingly electrify their fleets in response to sustainability targets, evolving legislation and changing tax incentives, Mazda6e represents a highly compelling addition to our product portfolio and is expected to further strengthen Mazda's appeal among fleet operators and company car drivers alike.

“And while Mazda6e is the immediate opportunity, it is also the first step in a broader expansion of Mazda's BEV fleet offering that will continue with future products, including the Mazda CX-6e, which arrives later this year.”

We move on to talk about the plug-in hybrid market, where the CX-60 and CX-80 SUVs are well established. So, I ask Alex where he sees the fleet opportunity for the Mazda6e in the UK.

Janes said: “The CX-60 and CX-80 have enabled Mazda to establish a strong presence within the plug-in hybrid fleet sector, particularly among user-choosers seeking premium SUVs that combine low emissions, long-distance capability and everyday practicality.

“Mazda6e represents the next stage of our electrification journey and creates significant new opportunities within the fleet market. As businesses continue to transition towards fully electric vehicles in support of their sustainability objectives and to benefit from favourable Benefit-in-Kind taxation, demand for high-quality electric vehicles continues to grow. Mazda6e allows us to re-enter a sector traditionally dominated by premium saloon brands, giving fleets an attractive alternative that combines strong specification levels, competitive operating costs and distinctive design.”

The Mazda6e is a big deal, then. So, I ask Alex if he's bolstered his fleet team and dealer network to cope with the expected increase in fleet sales following the launch.

Janes said: “We have strengthened our fleet proposition by ensuring both our fleet team and dealer network are fully prepared for the transition to battery electric vehicles. Extensive EV training, dedicated fleet support and the valuable experience gained through the successful introduction of the CX-60 and CX-80 plug-in hybrid models have positioned us strongly for the launch of the Mazda6e. The preparations we have made for Mazda6e also support the introduction of future BEV products, including Mazda CX-6e, ensuring our teams are equipped to support a broader range of electric fleet customers.

“Our focus has been on proactively developing the expertise, processes and infrastructure required to support fleet operators, leasing companies and company car drivers as the shift towards electrification accelerates. As Mazda's electrified vehicle portfolio continues to expand, we are well placed to provide customers with the guidance, support and confidence they need to transition successfully to lower-emission mobility solutions.”

So, everything is in place, so I push Alex on whether big fleet deals will be handled by the fleet team, with smaller deals handled at dealer level.

Janes said: “Larger corporate, leasing and national fleet opportunities will continue to be managed directly by Mazda UK's Fleet Team, while our dealer network remains central to supporting local businesses and SME customers. The strength of our fleet proposition lies in the close collaboration between our central fleet operation and dealer partners, ensuring customers of all sizes receive a consistently high level of service and support.

“As the market continues to evolve and demand for electrified vehicles grows, this integrated approach provides the flexibility, expertise and local presence needed to meet a broad range of customer requirements. With the arrival of Mazda6e, we are well positioned to capitalise on new fleet opportunities, combining specialist fleet expertise with a highly engaged dealer network to deliver an exceptional customer experience and support future growth.”

I then move on to ask Alex if Mazda is doing much short-cycle business in the UK – and whether it is part of his strategy.

Janes said: “We participate in short-cycle business where it represents the right opportunity, but it is not a volume-driven strategy for Mazda. Our focus is on sustainable, profitable fleet growth through user-chooser, SME, corporate and leasing channels. Any short-cycle activity is carefully managed to support brand awareness, customer acquisition and strong residual values, ensuring it complements our long-term fleet objectives rather than driving them.”

Apart from the CX-60 and CX-80 SUVs, I ask Alex which other models have proved most popular with corporate and fleet customers in the UK.

Janes said: “Alongside the CX-60 and CX-80, Mazda3, CX-30 and CX-5 have traditionally been among Mazda's strongest performers in the UK corporate and fleet sector. These models have consistently appealed to business users thanks to their blend of efficiency, low running costs, high levels of standard equipment and distinctive design. Mazda3 remains a popular choice for company car drivers seeking a stylish, well-equipped hatchback, while the CX-30 has become an increasingly important fleet model as market demand continues to shift towards crossover vehicles.

“The CX-5 has also enjoyed sustained success with fleet customers, offering practicality, comfort and strong value for organisations requiring a larger SUV. In addition, Mazda2 Hybrid is attracting growing interest from fleets seeking a compact, highly efficient electrified option, particularly for urban, public sector and local authority applications.

“Prior to its withdrawal from the UK market, Mazda6 also maintained a loyal fleet following, particularly among drivers and organisations looking for a traditional D-segment saloon or tourer. The strong reputation established by the previous Mazda6 within UK fleets creates a valuable platform for the arrival of Mazda6e, particularly among customers seeking a return to the D-segment with a fully electric vehicle.”

My final question to Alex is about Mazda’s fleet and corporate plans for the rest of this year.

Janes said: “For the remainder of this year, our focus is on further strengthening Mazda's position within the fleet and corporate sector while supporting businesses as they transition towards lower-emission mobility solutions. We continue to work closely with leasing companies, salary sacrifice providers and corporate customers to ensure our line-up delivers the right combination of efficiency, driver appeal, quality and competitive whole-life costs.

“Mazda's fleet growth is being driven by a broader electrification strategy rather than a single model launch. Mazda6e represents the immediate opportunity, expanding our appeal within the company car and user-chooser market, while the forthcoming CX-6e will build on that momentum by bringing a fully electric SUV to one of the most important fleet segments in the UK. Mazda CX-6e represents the next milestone in our electrification journey and will further enhance our fleet offering and appeal to company car drivers and corporate customers seeking a stylish, practical and technologically advanced BEV. We are already working closely with our fleet and leasing partners to build awareness and ensure they are fully prepared to maximise the opportunities the new model will bring.

“Looking beyond this year, we remain committed to growing our fleet business through a combination of exciting new product introductions, a continued focus on a multi-solution approach including electrification, and an outstanding customer experience. Our strategy is centred on providing businesses with vehicles that not only meet their operational and sustainability objectives but also deliver the craftsmanship, design and engaging driving dynamics that are synonymous with the Mazda brand.

“From a communications perspective, we will continue to raise awareness of Mazda as a compelling choice for fleet operators and company car drivers. The all-new Mazda6e and arrival of the all-new CX-6e mark an exciting new chapter for the brand and will play a central role in our ambitions to achieve sustainable fleet growth and further strengthen Mazda's presence in the corporate market in the years ahead.”