Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced that it has been recognised by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com as having the most affordable five-year cost of ownership among any other automotive manufacturer.

Mazda is the recipient of the ‘2013 5-Year Cost to Own Award’, a statement from the company said.

"This award celebrates everything Mazda has been working toward over the past few years so we are honoured to receive this recognition from KBB.com," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and chief executive, MNAO. "As we move forward with our new sixth-generation of products that showcase improved quality, fuel efficiency and driving dynamics, owning a Mazda will continue to be an enjoyable experience that doesn't have to break the bank to maintain."

"New-car shoppers often are most concerned with the upfront cost of a vehicle; however, consumers would be wise to consider their purchase from a more holistic standpoint by examining the total cost to own a vehicle over the initial five-year ownership period," said Dan Ingle , vice president of vehicle valuations for Kelley Blue Book . "Kelley Blue Book 's 5-Year Cost to Own winners provide the top options in multiple categories and at the brand level."

KBB.com cites Mazda's ability to offer customers low-maintenance costs and, due to SkyActiv Technology, excellent fuel economy in combination with consumer confidence in Mazda's low depreciation.

Mazda is now able to offer customers an ownership experience that is both enjoyable and affordable, two things that don't always accompany each other, the statement said. The award means that this experience can be had across all carlines in the Mazda brand, including Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-5 and CX-9.

The award helps shoppers make more informed new-car buying decisions by breaking down typical ownership cost details and naming the brands and models with the lowest projected five-year total.

With a network of 11 showrooms, 16 service outlets and 10 parts outlets spread across Oman, Towell Auto Centre (TAC) is the sole distributor of Mazda in Oman and is the only Mazda distributor in the world to win the Mazda Customer Service award five years in a row, it said. – TradeArabia News Service