Mazda Sales Thailand is revamping its 96 showrooms across the country to welcome two new models, especially the highly anticipated Mazda2.

The Mazda2 subcompact is expected to begin rolling off the AutoAlliance Thailand assembly line in Rayong in November and will make its public debut at the Bangkok Motor Expo in December, along with the Mazda CX-9 sport crossover imported from Japan.

The company is spending 3 million baht per site to renovate existing showrooms and 10-15 million for each new showroom. The new design features separate areas for car displays and offices and interior decoration offering a more spacious and airy feel.

The Japanese car company says it has been satisfied with its first-half performance given the poor economy, with sales of 4,968 units meeting expectations.

Mazda3 is now the fourth best-selling passenger car locally with first-half sales of 2,300 units, representing 25% year-on-year growth and a market share of 7.2%. The BT-50 sold 2,648 units for fifth place in the pickup truck segment.

Managing director John Ray said the company had also delivered 18 of the new 20th anniversary MX-5 sport models to date to their customers.

Mazda is also expanding its dealership network to reach 120 next year to support the launch of new models.

The Mazda2 to date has won global acclaim with more than 50 awards from across the world. The CX-9 sport crossover, meanwhile, has sold 25,566 units within 10 months after its launch and is doing well worldwide.

Mazda is spending 3 million baht per existing showroom, such as this one in Pattaya, for renovations and 10-15 million for each new showroom, believing its new models will spur sales.