STOCKTON – Not too long ago, the sales crew at Stockton of Mazda had three large pizzas delivered compliments of a happy customer.

It was a nice gesture of thanks and appreciation, sales manager Mike Castrucci recalled last Tuesday.

“Our salespeople are trained to listen and adapt to the customer’s needs,” he added. “We’re customer driven and hands on – we create an environment that they can enjoy.”

Evident of that are those customers traveling from outside the area to Stockton of Mazda. Try the Bay Area, Nevada, San Luis Obispo, Fresno and Bakersfield, Castrucci said.

The dealership relocated about three months ago to 3158 Auto Center Cir. Ste. #C, specifically, in the middle of the Stockton Auto Mall. Prior to that, Mazda of Stockton shared space just down the street with Hammer Lane Volkswagen.

The move was orchestrated in a rather timely manner.

“It took place on a Friday afternoon,” Castrucci recalled. “Our new car inventory was moved from (Hammer Lane Volkswagen) to this location in a matter of hours.

“All we had to do was turn on the lights and we were off and running – the furniture was already here as were the new computers and office machines.”

The move, as it turned out, was good for everyone. Both dealerships have more space to show and display cars. “Volkswagen is happier and Mazda is happier,” Castrucci said.

Mazda of Stockton now has a wider selection of cars, trucks and SUVs on the lot – included are 90 new vehicles – in turn, providing customers with a greater chance of driving one home that day.

“We’ve been able to increase the product at this new location,” said Castrucci.

Among his best sellers are the Mazda CX-5 crossover and the Mazda3.

The new CX-5 is a versatile and spacious with all-weather capability and advanced features. This includes the best highway miles per gallon this side of any SUV.

Tony Lotte and Robert Brumley, who are both certified sales consultants, credit that to the Skyactiv Technology engineered by Mazda.

Castrucci described Skyactiv Technology as a “fuel management system” which is equivalent if not better than the hybrid technology.

Mazda calls it “a 2.0-liter marvel that produces 10 to 15 percent more low/mid-range torque, along with 15 percent lower fuel consumption and emissions” than the previous 2.0-liter engine.

“The Mazda3 can roll up to 40 mpg (highway),” said Castrucci, referencing the stylish yet affordable 2013 Mazda3 four-door sedan.

He noted that top selling points for any Mazda are fuel efficiency, affordability, safeness, and reliability.

Castrucci recalled the tough times of a year ago for all auto dealerships.

“We also bottomed out but now we’re going back in the right direction,” he said.

Business has been good as Mazda of Stockton uses many of the available online resources including Facebook to interact with consumers.

On top of that, Castrucci said the new location also accommodates a service department.

“It’s convenient for our customers,” he said.

Gene Lange is the service manager.

For more information, call Mazda of Stockton at 209-242-0400 or log on to www.mazdaofstockton.com.