Mazda expects its share in the Thai automotive market will more than double this year thanks to the success of the new Mazda2 subcompact.

The automotive market is projected to grow to 610,000 units this year, and optimists expect the figure could even reach 650,000 if the economy continues to recover.

John Ray, managing director of Mazda Sales Thailand, said Mazda hoped to win a 5.7% share of nationwide vehicle sales this year, more than doubling the 2.5% it fetched last year.

The Japanese automaker is pursuing further success in the sedan market with the Mazda2 after its Mazda2 five-door hatchback surprised the subcompact market with sales of 5,500 units since it was launched in late 2009. "The success of the Mazda2 has our competitors watching us closely," said Mr. Ray.

Mazda expects to have 130 dealers nationwide by December to expand its sales and after-sales service network to cater to increased servicing demand.

Mazda has set a sales target of 35,000 units for 2010, 164% sales growth over 2009. The Mazda2 sedan and hatchback models will continue to be the bestsellers this year with combined expected sales of 24,000 units. The company expects to sell 5,000 units of its Mazda3 compact, 6,000 BT-50 pickups and 78 units of its CX9 crossover and MX-5 sports car.

The Mazda2 sedan comes with a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) four-cylinder 16-valve engine with displacement of 1,500cc capable of producing 103 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The engine runs on octane 91 fuel and above as well as E10 and E20 gasohol.

Marketing director Suleetip La-ongthong said the customer base for the sedan was different than for the hatchback. "The customers are mature and do not like to follow others. This group consists of first-time workers and those that have just started their own business."

Four versions of the Mazda2 sedan are available with prices from 535,000-675,000 baht (US$ 16,500-20,800).