News Release

Suzuki Swift Still the One in New Zealand Market

11 March 2010
The most successful car in the history of the Suzuki Motor Corporation has again led the New Zealand new car market. 

A long standing top favourite in the small supermini class, the five-door Swift hatchback was the biggest selling new car model in February, according to Motor Industry Association figures. 

New variants like the SR6 limited edition model helped boost sales of the Swift and further widen the appeal of the compact Suzuki. 

The enduring Swift captured 5.4 per cent of the total new car market and was a comfortable winner over its rivals.

Swift sales year to date are up 74.5 per cent compared to the same period last year as the number of Suzuki owners and drivers continues to grow.

The boost in Swift demand contrasted with a 6.1 per cent decline in total light car sales during the same time.

Demand for new Suzuki Grand Vitara four-wheel-drive models increased by 42.2 per cent in January and February.

The versatile SX4, which is available in both two and four-wheel-drive forms, remains Suzuki’s second best selling model with sales up slightly so far this year.  

Suzuki new car sales in New Zealand for the first two months of 2010 were up 57 per cent, while total new car volume for all brands was down 1.9 per cent. 

Year to date Suzuki is the fifth best selling new car franchise in New Zealand with a market penetration of 7.9 per cent.   

Elsewhere the Swift is also proving highly popular. Sustained demand for the model in India helped push Suzuki sales to their best-ever performance in February.
 
Total Suzuki car sales in India last month were 84,765, a 20 per cent increase on the same month in 2009. 

Record sales of new Suzuki passenger car are being achieved in Australia this year, with volume well up on 2009 and healthy demand for the new generation Alto.   

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