Mazda’s relationship with the Kangaroos has been one of the AFL’s most enduring.
The unique partnership will enter a remarkable 16th season in 2014 and is set to continue through until 2016 in what will be an 18th season.
“To have a global brand like Mazda aligned with our club is something that has always been humbling for us,” North chairman James Brayshaw stated.
“Mazda has been incredibly loyal to this club over a long period of time and we value our relationship extremely highly.”
Mazda – Australia’s top selling import brand – began sponsoring North in 1999; the year the club won its fourth premiership.
“There have been some challenging times along the way,” Brayshaw added.
“In 2007, when we weren’t sure whether the club was going to remain in Melbourne or move north, Mazda’s loyalty and support was immense.
“They are a product of the highest quality and are run by people of the highest quality and it is an honour to be associated with them.”
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Mazda attributes parts of its significant growth to the lasting partnership between the organisations.
“When Mazda started its relationship with North Melbourne we were selling 27,000 cars a year and ranked just inside the top 10 selling car brands, now sales have almost quadrupled,” said Mazda Australia’s marketing director Alastair Doak.
“In 2013, thanks in part to our sponsorship with North Melbourne, we are approaching a record 105,000 sales and are one of the top three brands; and Mazda3 is Australia’s best-selling car.
“This tells us that as a brand building exercise the sponsorship has worked and worked well.
“Mazda and North Melbourne share a common DNA; both are youthful, innovative, energetic, stylish and sporty. Sharing these attributes makes staying on as major sponsor an easy decision,” Doak added.
“Our research tells us that there is a direct correlation between our sponsorship of North, improved brand awareness and familiarity, and increased purchase intent – our partnership has inspired more people to buy a Mazda.”
