Sixth Straight Sales Record for Suzuki Australia

LAVERTON NORTH, Australia – January 6, 2009: Suzuki continues to be a shining star in the Australian automotive market after recording its sixth successive increase in annual sales.

Suzuki sold 1730 vehicles in December, boosting its total sales for the year to 22,523.

The record sales figure was a 4.4 increase on what was a record 2007 result, and continued the company’s remarkable run of six straight years of increased sales.

Since 2004 the company has more than tripled retail sales to cement its reputation as one of the fastest growing vehicle brands in the country.

“This is another record breaking year for Suzuki in Australia, and given that Suzuki cars compete in less than half of the market segments, our 2008 sales figure represents an outstanding result”, said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“Suzuki was one of just a handful of manufacturers to boost volume over 2007. Importantly, we also increased our market share 11 per cent year on year, which is now running at an all-time high of 2.2 per cent.

“With competitive pricing and strong value for money we have seen increased sales across almost every model in the Suzuki line-up”.

The company’s SUV sales were bolstered by the arrival of the award-winning new Grand Vitara range in the second half of 2008.

“With class leading fuel economy and increased levels of refinement and safety, the Grand Vitara is truly the best value compact SUV on the market. Together with the evergreen Jimny Sierra, we are highly confident of further growth in this segment.”

“We sold a total of 4844 vehicles in the compact SUV segment, up 8.5 per cent on the 2007 figure, in a segment that was down nearly 5 per cent for the year.”

The SX4 small car continued to draw increased customer interest with 4184 sales representing an 86 per cent increase on the previous year, while Suzuki’s APV light commercial again achieved record highs with 21 per cent growth.

Suzuki’s top performer for 2008 was again the Swift with 12,947 vehicles moving out of dealer showrooms.

“The Swift’s iconic design, driving performance and strong resale value continue to expand its customer profile. Swift is still one of the top choices for private buyers despite the addition of numerous competitors throughout 2008”.

Devers was extremely proud of the result, which he says has been achieved by the combination of an excellent product range and a strong and vibrant dealer network.

“I would like to congratulate Suzuki Dealers for their efforts. With an expanding model range that offers style, safety, reliability and excellent value for money, more and more customers are considering the Suzuki brand”.

Devers said 2009 promises to be another exciting chapter for the brand, as Suzuki enters its centenary year.

“Despite the doom and gloom surrounding the automotive industry, we are extremely confident that Suzuki is well placed to continue the momentum we have developed to become a significant player in the Australian market.