Suzuki New Zealand To Take Over Suzuki Marine Distribution

From September 1, Suzuki New Zealand Limited will once again be the distributors of Suzuki marine engines. The distribution and marketing of marine outboard motors was previously done through Suzuki in Australia, but the New Zealand subsidiary of Suzuki worldwide now takes over that responsibility for this corner of the planet.

"It's huge and we've recently employed extra staff to help cope," said Wanganui's Simon Meade, Suzuki New Zealand general manager of motorcycle/ATV and marine marketing.

He said that, as a small island nation, surrounded by many thousands of kilometres of coastline, New Zealand could be described as "the perfect environment for Suzuki’s ultimate four-stroke marine engines".

"Because New Zealand has one of the world's highest ratios of boat ownership per head of population, water safety is so important. We are a nation of boat lovers and enjoy so much coastline that it is vitally important that our marine services have the confidence to operate reliably."

Coastguard Wanganui is the first to join forces with Suzuki New Zealand to improve water safety and services, this volunteer coastguard organisation responsible for dealing with one of New Zealand's most challenging of coastlines, covering an area that stretches to the tip of the South Island.

The first confirmed sale of outboard engines has been made to Coastguard Wanganui, enabling them to upgrade their craft's power-plant from the current DF150 to new model DF175APX, "adding some much-needed performance to their rigid hull inflatable".

With a number of high-profile rescues associated with this organisation, the choice of Suzuki as an engine supplier is a strong endorsement of how the coastguard organisation regards the reliability and performance of these four-stroke engines.

Tom Peck, the CEO of Suzuki New Zealand Limited, said he was excited to have Suzuki Marine join the already successful motorcycle and ATV business and motor vehicle network.

"With our motorcycle brand holding the number one position in the New Zealand market since 1998, and a very strong market share in the small motor vehicle segment, we are looking forward to promoting Suzuki Marine from September 1," Peck said.

Words by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com. Photo by Steve Caudwell, Wanganui Photography