Suzuki won further favour with New Zealand new car buyers in May reaching its best-ever penetration of the national car market.
The franchise achieved a record 9.55 per cent share of the new passenger car market and was the third top selling brand.
While total new car sales decreased compared to April, Suzuki volume surged ahead by 19 per cent.
“This was in spite of some supply constraints due to the devastating March earthquake in Japan,” said Gary Collins, Sales Manager for Suzuki New Zealand.
“Suzuki was the private car brand of choice, and the most popular Japanese make overall,” he said.
Swift, the marque’s best selling model, maintained its winning path and attracted even more buyers. Not only was the Swift once again the nation’s top selling new car but its May sales were 39 per cent higher than the second most popular model.
While total new car sales in New Zealand for May were up 7 per cent on the previous month, demand for Swift increased 15 per cent during the same period.
“After seven years of exceptional sales, the Swift remains an iconic car in our time, with the recently introduced new generation version making further advances,” said Gary Collins.
The versatile Suzuki SX4 crossover model had its best month year to date, outselling many of the lower medium size rivals.
Eight versions of the Italian Giorgetto Giugiaro styled SX4 are available in New Zealand with a choice of either five-door hatchback or four-door sedan body configurations.
With the arrival of winter, the optional all-wheel-drive SX4 incorporating a three mode four-wheel-drive system with electronic control has added appeal.
Suzuki said the efficient and well specified 2-litre SX4 hatchback was one of the most affordable all-wheel-drive cars available.
The 2.4-litre Kizashi, Suzuki’s premium model sedan, registered its second best sales month in May, outselling several medium size rivals.
Demand for the five highly equipped Kizashi models, which also includes an all-wheel-drive Sport version, was up 72 per cent on April.
Last year Suzuki was the sixth best selling make but has achieved further gains in 2011 with the strength of its model line-up and highly competitive pricing.
Unlike most makes, the recommended retail price for all Suzuki models includes all on road costs and a full five-year roadside assistance plan.
