OAKVILLE, Ontario -

Mazda Canada has struck a deal with LGM — which provides OEM-branded extended warranty credit insurance, wear protection and vehicle theft deterrent products — to allow its dealers to offer lease customers an added layer of protection and perhaps lead to a better-conditioned vehicle upon return to the dealership.

The companies have rolled out Mazda Wear Protection, which aims to protect a leased car’s appearance and uphold the “new-car experience.”

And if the leased car’s appearance is taken better care of, it’s likely to be in better condition when it is returned to the dealership to be remarketed. From a consumer standpoint, it can help the lessee avoid any end-of-lease extra costs for extraneous damage.

Through Mazda Wear Protection — which is available immediately — dealers can offer lessees the following:

—Interior protection
—Front windshield and head/tail-light protection
—Paintless dent removal and paint repairs
—Curb scuff repair.

Customers can also opt for tire and wheel protection if they so choose.

"Mazda’s leasing program is in top gear and we are offering customers an innovative product that helps protect against common mishaps such as windshield stone chips and shopping cart door dents,” stated LGM’s manager of OEM development Diana Ricketts.

“Typical lease-end wear and tear programs only address wear issues at lease termination. The benefit of the Mazda program is consumers can have the vehicle repaired immediately and maintain the new-car appearance throughout the lease,” Ricketts continued.

Don MacPhee, Mazda Canada’s director of customer service, added: “Customers benefit from the protection they need and are fully supported through our network of Mazda dealers. Our dealers are better able to service their customers over the life of the lease, and Mazda customers can enjoy their vehicles in a continual like-new condition.

“Customers simply visit a Mazda dealer for repairs, resulting in worry-free coverage and improved customer satisfaction. In addition, the program guarantees that only Mazda genuine parts are used when a part replacement is required,” MacPhee added.