Kizashi Puts Suzuki On Track For Record Year

LAVERTON, AUSTRALIA – Jun 4, 2010: A highly successful launch of the stunning new Kizashi has Suzuki on track to notch another record sales year.

In only its first few days on sale, a total of 244 Kizashis were sold during May, helping Suzuki to its second best May result on record.

“The Kizashi launch has been an unprecedented success for the company,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“Inquiry via our website and at dealerships has set new records for Suzuki Australia and there is strong demand for the new car.”

Devers also announced the Kizashi had just been rated as one of the country’s greenest mid-sized cars by the Federal Government’s Green Vehicle Guide (GVG).

“The GVG has rated the Kizashi at four and a half stars out of a maximum five, ensuring Suzuki’s first ever mid-sized car is one of the cleanest and most fuel efficient cars in the segment.

“It means Kizashi is easier on the planet than key mid-size competitors including the Honda Accord Euro and Mazda6 and many small cars such as the Toyota Corolla and Holden Cruze.

“In fact, the Kizashi has a higher rating than many light cars, including the Holden Barina and Mazda 2.

“With recognition like that from the government, glowing media reviews and high levels of customer inquiry, we’re confident the Kizashi will continue to drive Suzuki sales throughout the year.”

Suzuki sold a total of 2260 vehicles in May – up 16 per cent on the 2009 figure.

“The year to date figure is even better, with a total of 9985 cars sold to the end of May, up 25.5 per cent on 2009 and confirming Suzuki as one of the fastest growing companies in the country.”

Devers said the year to date figure was ahead of Suzuki’s best ever sales year in 2008, when the company had sold 9721 cars to the end of May.

The increase in sales has lifted Suzuki’s market share in May to 2.5 per cent nationally.

“That puts us on track to meet our target of 25,000 vehicles and 2.6 per cent market share,” said Devers.

The award-winning Swift led the charge with 1115 sales, while 245 Altos were sold.

Devers explained demand for the Alto worldwide had initially placed restraints on availability for Australian customers, while works on an upgrade of the Mumbai Port in India had added another constraint.

“Demand for Alto continues to be strong and we are assured of stocks of GLX arriving in June and July which will help lift sales of our fuel economy champion,” Devers said.