First shipment of cars arrives at Bristol Port as Mazda UK’s new direct from Japan import route begins
For the first time since the founding of Mazda UK in 2001, the Japanese vehicle-maker has begun shipping cars directly from Japan to the UK, bringing benefits for dealers and customer alike.
Having previously operated a logistics model that saw cars imported into Europe via Zeebrugge – and then distributed into regional hubs in the UK – Mazda UK has now invested in a new distribution process that sees cars imported directly from Japan to the Port of Bristol.
Mooring at Bristol’s Royal Portbury Dock on the 28th March, the NOCC Atlantic delivered 2,355 cars to Mazda’s new automotive port handling centre within the Bristol Port Company estate. This opening shipment sees Bristol Port become the fourth port of entry in Europe for Mazda Logistics Europe, joining Barcelona, Antwerp and Zeebrugge. Over the course of the next 12 months, the new centre will receive a vessel every 10 days or so with 1,000-1,200 Mazda cars on board.
Located within the Port of Bristol estate, Mazda’s new compound facility provides capacity for over 8,000 vehicles, as well as a centre for vehicle inspection and preparation.
With all Mazda UK production coming from Mazda’s Hiroshima, Miyoshi and Hofu plants, the new Japan-to-UK shipping logistics route streamlines UK deliveries as part of Mazda’s long-term strategy to ensure the very best logistical efficiencies and removes the risk of delays caused by Europe to UK transit issues, such as disruption at the Channel Tunnel or ferry issues. In addition, the new Mazda2 Hybrid, which is built in France, will begin arriving into Bristol later in the spring, shipping from Zeebrugge, Belgium on a regular basis.
The Port of Bristol handles the import of over half a million vehicles a year.