Swift Tops Three Million Milestone

The Suzuki Swift, New Zealand’s most popular small car, has just topped another production milestone.

World-wide sales of the Swift hatchback since late 2004 exceeded three million units in January 2013 - exactly two years after the model celebrated the two million production milestone.

Suzuki launched the Swift as a world strategic car eight years ago, and it quickly became the most successful passenger car model ever marketed by the brand in New Zealand. Production reached one million in June 2008 as numbers ramped up.

Launched in late 2004, the Swift was soon the best selling supermini in New Zealand, a position it has held for the past eight years. It was also the highest selling car to private buyers and second overall best selling new passenger car last year.

More than 21,000 new Swifts have been sold in New Zealand since November 2004, and the compact Suzuki has continued to grow in popularity. It has been the fourth highest selling new car in New Zealand for the past eight years.

First built in Japan, the Swift is now made in seven countries and sold in 125 nations. In addition to Japan, the car is also built in Hungary, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Almost one quarter of Swift sales are in Europe where the car attracts a large following. More than 80,000 Swifts have been sold in Britain since May 2005.

The Indian market has accounted for 45 per cent of sales, and Japan 13 per cent of volume.

“Swift reflects Suzuki’s expertise in the compact or small car sector and is both stylish and fun to drive,” said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.

He said the car’s strong safety factor had been another significant driver in expanding sales. The latest Swift achieved a 5 Star Euro NCAP safety rating, the highest possible level.

The Swift also scored 94 points for adult occupancy protection in 2010 - the highest for vehicles in the class tested at the time.

Swift’s safety package includes seven airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability programme and child and pedestrian protection, putting the car tops in the small car class.

The car makes extensive use of high-strength steel for exceptional occupant protection and fuel-saving lightness.

It has won 67 awards in 26 countries and was named Japan Car of the Year in 2005/06.  The latest generation Swift continues gaining international acclaim winning the 2012 small car award in the Automobile Association/New Zealand Motoring Writers Car of the Year contest while the Swift Sport won the 2012 Ami / Autocar small car of the year.

The lineup of Swift models offered locally includes petrol and diesel engine options and a high performance flagship Sport version with uprated power and torque.