Suzuki Australia Determined To Increase Sales

A few years ago the Suzuki badge was a rare sight on Australian roads. While the Swifts of old still paraded around reminding Suzuki fans of the good times. Suzuki had all but pulled out of Australia.
Then came 2005. Suzuki relaunched it self with the new Suzuki Swift, and the rest, well, thats history now. Last year Suzuki Australia sold nearly 16,000 cars (14,000 in 2005), with the best seller being the Swift.

However Suzuki Australia are still not happy, 16,000 cars isn’t exactly a ground breaking figure. So there is a new aim for the manufacturer, Suzuki hopes to increase sales to 40,000 by 2010.

In order to meet these objectives, Suzuki has hired a new general manager, Tony Devers. Mr Devers, was the former Honda Australia sales and marketing manager. He believes current supply problems with Suzuki as well as the limited model range are holding the brand back.

“We could have sold 20 per cent more Swifts if we had adequate supply,” Mr Devers said. “As for the SX4, I think we could have quadrupled its sales if we had enough.”

Suzuki’s supply problems are quantified by the lack of cars from Japan, Suzuki has long been a recognized seller of small and mini cars in Japan and in order to meet demand at home, the Australian market has been somewhat neglected. But not for much longer Mr Devers says:

“Suzuki has been the number one seller of mini cars in Japan for 33 years, but they are prepared to risk that position by freeing up some production of the Wagon R (mini car) for export volume. It is a huge decision to potentially relinquish that position.”

Suzuki will also expand its model range with the Suzuki Splash, a mid-sized sedan to take on the Corolla and Epica, as well as a seven-seater AWD wagon.

Suzuki’s reputation is an at an all time high with the success of the Swift. Perhaps as the market share increases, and a new generation of swifts come around, there will be potential for a turbo-charged Swift GTi? We hope so!

Source : GoAuto