This year is not only the 80th anniversary of Gasan's appointment as Ford's Malta franchise holder, it also marks 35 years of Gasan Enterprises Ltd's association with Mazda Motor Corporation.

In a letter, Mazda's chairman and CEO Hisakazu Imaki extended his congratulations to Joseph A. Gasan, chairman of Gasan Enterprises. It was Mr Gasan who visited Hiroshima 35 years ago and returned with the Mazda franchise.

Mr Imaki wrote: "The sales growth that has been achieved in Malta reflects a strong partnership, which combines the commitment and customer focus of your organisation with the exciting 'Zoom-Zoom' products which we have launched over recent years. I understand that sales in 2008 will provide a market share of 3.5 per cent, which represents the best performance in 15 years."

Mr Imaki noted: "This month also marks another key landmark for Gasan Enterprises with the completion of the new showroom in Tripoli and the commencement of Mazda sales in Libya."

A framed copy of the letter was presented to Mr Gasan during the Gasan 80th anniversary reception by Ian Crawford, regional manager at Mazda Motors UK.

Mr Gasan said he was proud to have been singled out as the sixth largest Japanese carmaker before the Ford Motor Company decided to take a shareholding. "Mazda has been a volume brand for Gasan Enterprises and this year's success with such models as the Mazda 2, the Mazda 3 and the Mazda 6 have ensured that we have increased our local market share to the best in 15 years."

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