The world of technology

Mazda has rebranded its used car programme across its franchise dealer network to increase acceptability by consumers of online car buying. The new Mazda Approved Used Cars Programme follows investment by Mazda in web-based technology that enables used vehicle availability to be accessed by buyers via mobile phones as well as online. Mazda franchised dealers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are involved in Mazda Approved Used Cars Programme which was previously known as Zoom Zoom +. In a Mazda-first, franchised dealers can also advertise their non-Mazda models in the stock locater, buyers will be able to search for used cars in Sheffield or anywhere across England. Fleet and used car marketing manager for Mazda UK, Michael Stewart, said: "25 percent of all web browsing originates via a mobile device and this trend is growing. It is therefore extremely important that Mazda invests in cutting-edge web-enabled capability. Additionally, for many people, mobile phones and iPhones provide access to websites so it is equally vital that our stock of used cars is accessible from such hand-held devices and consumers can liaise directly with our dealers." Mazda dealers are able to buy cars via online auctions, as well as search the online 'showroom' for their chosen vehicle and access a finance calculator to find the most suitable purchasing method and how much its cost using the Mazda Financial Services. Stewart said: "In the future, dealers will be able to text potential customers to notify them of the availability of a vehicle that may be of interest."