It is the sad, but inevitable, end of the dealership that brought the first Mazdas into Australia in 1959. The manager of Mazda (WA), Mr Brian Butterworth, said the decision to close the dealership followed the death of dealer principal Len Bainbridge and was made by his family.

"Len was a dynamic dealer principal and Brooking Mazda’s success was largely due to his personal energy and years of retail experience." he said.

"His Melbourne-based family has no background in the automotive industry and because of this did not feel comfortable at the prospect of continuing the business."

Mr Butterworth said that current tight conditions in the WA automotive market meant that Mazda’s needs could be well met by the balance of the company’s metropolitan dealer network.

"Each Brooking Mazda client will be contacted and advised of alternative sales, service, warranty and parts options," he said.