Suzuki Announces August Sales and Best Year-to-Date Since 1988
3 September 1998
American Suzuki Motor Corporation Announces August Sales and Best Year-to-Date Since 1988; Inventories at All-Time Low to Make Room for 1999 Models
BREA, Calif., Sept. 2 -_ American Suzuki Motor Corporation
(ASMC) reported U.S. sales of 2,435 for the month of August, representing a
16.8 percent decline in its monthly sales compared to 2,927 in 1997. So far
in 1998, American Suzuki has sold 25,733 automobiles representing a
28.4 percent increase over the same period last year when the total was 20,047
_ making this the best year-to-date since 1988.
The August sales decline was caused by low inventories in preparation for
the arrival of 1999 models including the Esteem line and the all-new Grand
Vitara, August sales represent the first time in 1998 American Suzuki monthly
sales failed to top last year's levels.
American Suzuki dealers started the month with 80 percent of normal
inventory levels to make room for 99models. The inventory situation began to
improve in late August when Esteem and Grand Vitara shipments began and will
continue to improve in September as more 1999 models arrive in dealerships.
"We're anticipating a substantial increase in September and strong sales
through the end of the year led by the new V6 Grand Vitara _ demand is solid,
dealer inventories are growing and consumer interest is strong _ this will be
a big year for us," said Gary Anderson, vice president sales and marketing,
American Suzuki Motor Corporation.
The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea,
Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC). ASMC markets
automobiles in the United States through a network of 300 automotive
dealerships in 49 states.
ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation based in Hamamatsu, Japan,
is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer. Founded in 1920, SMC has
134 distributors in 175 countries.
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Month End Reporting
AUGUST CYTD
1998 1997 1998 1997
SIDEKICK:* 552 588 4,473 3,526
SIDEKICK IMP: 29 374 275 430
SPORT: 643 1,177 7,928 7,898
GRAND VITARA: 227 0 227 0
SWIFT: 149 129 1,478 983
ESTEEM: 776 475 10,831 5,011
X-90: 59 184 5212 2,199
TOTAL: 2,435 2,927 25,733 20,047
TRUCK
DOMESTIC TRUCK: 552 588 4,473 3,524
IMPORT TRUCK: 958 1,735 8,951 10,529
TOTAL TRUCK: 1,510 2,323 13,424 14,053
CAR
DOMESTIC CAR: 149 129 1,478 982
IMPORT CAR: 776 475 10,831 5,012
TOTAL CAR: 925 604 12,309 5,994
TOTAL DOMESTIC: 701 717 5,951 4,506
TOTAL IMPORT: 1,734 2,210 19,782 15,541
GRAND TOTAL: 2,435 2,927 25,733 20,047
* Includes Samurai Data