Swift’s market appeal boosted by availability of in-demand hybrid GLX and RS, says marque.
Suzuki has achieved a milestone by topping New Zealand’s new passenger vehicle and SUV market in February.
The marque was the number-one seller for the first time last month while also achieving a record 12.3 per cent share of the new-car market, excluding commercials, according to Motor Industry Association statistics.
Suzuki captured 29.7 per cent of the new-car sector to top the ladder with more than double the volume of its next best-selling competitor.
Despite new passenger and SUV sales declining by 18.3 per cent in February when compared to the same month last year, Suzuki increased its volume by 42.2 per cent. For year-to-date sales, the total market dipped by 6.4 per cent while Suzuki registrations climbed by 13 per cent.
For the opening two months of 2023, Suzuki’s passenger and SUV sales were up 13 per cent compared to a decline of 6.4 per cent for the total industry sector.
Leading the marque’s influence on the small-car market, sales of the Swift, pictured, in February were 67.9 per cent higher than the same month in 2022 and year-to-date demand has jumped by 49.4 per cent.
The top-seller is taking a greater share of the small-car market with 487 deliveries to customers in February for an increase of 197 over the same month last year. Year-to-date sales of 813 for the Swift were well-ahead of t 544 for the same period in 2022.
Sales of the Ignis super-compact SUV more than doubled last year and were up by 48.3 per cent year to date. A better supply situation resulted in a substantial increase in the sales of the popular Vitara.
Aaron Wales, automobile sales manager for Suzuki NZ, says: “New Zealanders are appreciating Suzuki is offering some of the finest small cars on the market with the ongoing success of the Swift, which is one of the safest cars in its class.
“The market appeal for the Swift has increased with the availability of the in-demand and highly affordable hybrid GLX and RS, while the thrifty Ignis with its endearing character is also proving popular.
“There continues to be strong enquiry and sales for the compact four-wheel-drive Jimny, while the larger Vitara range maintains its enviable reputation and is attracting ongoing demand.
“Achieving the number-one position for the brand’s total sales is testament to Suzuki’s growing reputation for producing the sort of cars that are appropriate and in tune with today’s marketplace.”
Keyword: Suzuki leads the way