Suzuki Questions Victorian Government's First Car List

LAVERTON, AUSTRALIA – June 23, 2010: Suzuki Australia has questioned the logic behind the Victorian Government’s ‘First Car List’.

The list was released by the government this week to help parents and young drivers choose the safest second hand cars for under $15,000.

“While Suzuki applauds any effort to help lower the road toll, I’m amazed the list was restricted only to used cars,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“Parents wanting a safe car for their children can purchase a new Suzuki Alto – with six airbags and electronic stability program (ESP) as standard – for only $12,990 driveaway.

“That also gives them the peace of mind of a new car warranty covering three years and/or 100,000 kilometres.”

Devers said on close inspection the government list defied logic.

“On one hand the government is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars urging consumers to buy a car with six airbags and ESP.

“On the other hand it now promotes a register where only a handful of the 50 cars listed even has six airbags.

“Is this the same government that is the first in Australia to make ESP mandatory on all cars?” Devers asked.

He also questioned the logic behind selecting so many large, family sedans in the list when other governments around the world were trying their best to lower emission levels.

“What sort of message does it send when you promote a used car that produces more than 250 grams of CO2 per kilometre, but don’t include new cars like the Alto that makes just 110 grams?”

Devers invited parents looking for a new car to compare the credentials of the new Alto against any car on the First Car List.

“I have no doubt the benefits of buying a new car like the Suzuki Alto far outweigh any benefits of buying a used car on this list,” he said.