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News Release

Record Suzuki Car Production Contrast with International Motor Industry Trends

Record global car production has been reported by Suzuki Motor Corporation, despite the economic downturn that has affected the motor industry.

Suzuki built more cars in 2008 than ever before and the result was mirrored in
New Zealand where the brand posted record sales and increasing demand.

Plants outside Japan contributed more than half Suzuki’s total production, reflecting the international strategy of the company.

Of the 2,623,788 production in 2008, 1,405,553 cars were made outside Japan - a 2 per cent increase on the previous year.

The marque’s Japanese assembly plants increased production to satisfy domestic demand even though total Japanese car sales were down sharply.

Suzuki sold 679,215 cars in Japan, an increase on 2007 and its Wagon R model, Japan’s best-selling car for the fifth consecutive year.

The company captured 31.6 per cent of the popular mini-vehicle market in the home market last year, an increase of 1 per cent.

In other Japanese market segments, Suzuki sales were up for the ninth consecutive year to an all-time high.

“To have such a positive result is welcomed amidst general economic problems,” said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand Limited. “Suzuki was one of only two car makers to boost sales in Japan.”

“Last year’s result comes after Suzuki had a record 2007 and struggled to keep up with demand both in Japan and in export territories,” he said.

In Saudi Arabia, for example, there was a 30 per cent increase in sales of new Suzuki cars in 2008, bolstered by a surge in popularity for the SX4.

Suzuki achieved its sixth consecutive year of increasing sales in Australia, with an increase of 4.4 per cent to 22,523 units.

The brand has more than tripled retail sales in Australia since 2004 and, like
New Zealand; its most popular model is the Suzuki Swift.

Tony Devers, General Manager of Suzuki Australia, said, “Despite the doom and gloom surrounding the automotive industry, we are extremely confident Suzuki is well placed to continue the momentum we have developed to become a significant player in the Australian market.”

Across the Tasman Suzuki increased market share by 11 per cent year on year, and its Grand Vitara and Jimny sales rose 8.5 per cent in a segment that had overall Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) sales down 5 per cent.

Sales of new Suzuki cars in New Zealand climbed 38.2 per cent last year in a total passenger market that sold fewer vehicles than in 2007.

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