Increasing popularity of Suzuki cars in New Zealand has prompted an expansion of the brand’s dealer network.
The key areas of Auckland and the Wellington region now benefit from the addition of new Suzuki dealerships.
The larger dealer network, which increases to 27 nationwide, comes as the marque continues to experience solid demand for its fuel efficient models.
Auckland market coverage is improved by the addition of Moyes of Panmure, complementing the Winger Suzuki dealerships in Greenlane and Glenfield.
In the Wellington area, the new Suzuki dealers are Mexted Motors in Tawa, Brendan Foot in Lower Hutt, Horowhenua Motor Company in Levin who have also taken over the franchise in Paraparaumu. These outlets replace the Williams and Adams dealerships which formerly serviced the region.
John Moyes, managing director of Moyes of Panmure, said, "The decision to add Suzuki to the Moyes of Panmure stable complements our brand which has been exceptionally strong in the Auckland market for 22 years.
"These innovative and well built vehicles are ideal in the current market environment where discerning buyers want a choice when purchasing their vehicles," he said.
"We pride ourselves in offering a high calibre of cars and we believe Suzuki meets our rigorous requirements to achieve the best value for our customers."
Alan Mexted of Mexted Motors echoed the reflections of Mr Moyes. "I researched Suzuki extensively and found their engineering and design to be very innovative," he said.
This was also proven in the New Zealand marketplace by the number of Suzuki’s on local roads and the brand’s market share in a relatively short time, said Mr Mexted.
"I have been in the motor industry for 35 years so these comments do not come lightly. For me, we are proud to be representing Suzuki," he said.
Suzuki made further in-roads in New Zealand car sales recently, greatly improving its local market share after a record breaking run last year.
In April Suzuki was the fifth best selling passenger car brand in New Zealand, according to official Motor Industry Association figures. This compared with sixth ranking for 2008.
At the same time, Suzuki captured 8.68 per cent of total new car sales, up from 7.49 per cent penetration last year.
The popular Suzuki Swift finished second most popular model in the total new car market during April, finishing only 22 units behind the number one best-selling car, the Toyota Corolla.
"We are delighted to add the much needed new dealers to the Suzuki network, especially at a time when the popularity of the franchise increases," said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand Ltd.
The New Zealand success story is being repeated internationally. Maruti Suzuki, the Indian arm of Suzuki, plans to increase production by an additional 200,000 cars over the next two financial years, focusing on its strength in the small car market.
Maruti Suzuki is currently selling 792,000 cars a year, and in April increased sales by 15 per cent to 71,748, despite total car sales in most markets being subdued.
The make’s Swift, the top selling supermini in New Zealand, is also a top model in the Indian market.
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