American Suzuki Bests Own Sales Record

BREA, Calif.--Just before midway into the October sales month, on October 12, 2006, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) established a new annual sales record, exceeding its last year’s sales total of 82,101 cars and SUVs. Through September, Suzuki’s year-to-date sales totaled 81,328 units, up an impressive 28 percent from the first nine months of 2005, and only 773 vehicles from reaching the milestone. On October 12, 2006, reported sales of 822 vehicles put American Suzuki ahead of last year’s sales record with sales of 82,923 units.

“After only three quarters, Suzuki is pleased to announce record-setting sales in the U.S. for the third-consecutive year,” said Koichi Suzuki, president of American Suzuki’s Automotive Operations. “The company’s record year has been driven by the success of the Grand Vitara with an astounding 419 percent sales increase over the 2005 model year. As we approach the end of 2006, we see continued sales growth opportunities with the arrival of the all-new SX4 compact sport X-over and Suzuki XL7 midsize crossover SUV,” he added.

In 2005, Suzuki set what was then its all-time annual sales record in the United States and celebrated its second double-digit year-end sales increase in as many years. Building off an extraordinary 2005 campaign, ASMC sold 26,639 units in the first three months of 2006, marking the company’s best ever first quarter. Even more impressive, Suzuki eclipsed the 10,000 vehicle sales mark three consecutive months in March, April and May, ultimately leading to a record-setting 56,959 first half sales total, up 36 percent from the first six months of 2005.

ASMC’s year-to-date sales have been led by the top-selling Forenza family of vehicles and the popular Grand Vitara, which sold 21,287 units through September, a remarkable 419 percent over the previous nine months. With the 2007 SX4 X-over now in dealerships and the much-anticipated 2007 XL7 SUV due in showrooms in November, Suzuki is well positioned to reach its goal of 100,000 units in 2006.

Suzuki’s diverse product line now features the XL7 and Grand Vitara SUVs and a variety of cars to match the needs of every lifestyle. The 2007 vehicle line also includes the functional SX4 compact crossover, popular and versatile Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, European-styled Reno and sporty, yet fuel-efficient Aerio. The entire vehicle line offers something for everyone and exceeds consumer expectations with stand-out virtues for toughness, leading-edge style and high-end features at prices well below the competition. All 2007 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America’s #1 Warranty: 100,000-mile, seven-year, fully-transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of more than 520 automotive dealerships in 49 states. Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than 2 million new vehicles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 125 countries. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.