Mazda Australia retailed 79,826 new vehicles in 2008, eclipsing the previous record of 77,734 set in 2007.

The company retained its position as Australia's fourth biggest automotive brand and best-selling full-line importer with a 7.9 per cent share of the new vehicle market (up from 7.4pc in 2007). Mazda's 0.5pc market share growth was the one of the highest posted by a top-ten brand.

Mazda ended 2008 with a new December benchmark (6,641 retails, 8.7pc share) and tightened its grip on fourth outright.

"This is a strong result for Mazda, especially in such challenging times," said Mazda Managing Director Doug Dickson. "Mazda outperformed the market by 6.3pc, and was one of only two brands in the top ten to post significant year-on-year growth."

Mr Dickson contributed Mazda's record-breaking 2008 performance to Mazda's strong product portfolio which continues to offer the right mix of style and substance at affordable prices.

"Mazda's CX range of SUVs and BT-50 light commercial came close to setting an all-time LCV record for Mazda, to," he said.

The Mazda3 small car came close to posting its best year ever in its fifth and last full year on-sale. Mazda3's 33,755 retails made it the third best-selling car in 2008, and contributed to Mazda's unprecedented 10.2pc share of the passenger car market.

Mazda2 was another stand-out performer for the Hiroshima carmaker. The Mazda2 3-door and Mazda2 5-door – named 2008 World Car of the Year – posted 15,797 retails, up more than 70pc year-on-year.

The Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 were all among the top three in their respective passenger car segments.