Suzuki sales driven by private buyers, long waiting list for popular Jimny
Barely a few months after introducing the new Suzuki Jimny, the Japanese manufacturer of compact cars said this week there is such a long waiting list, its southern African distributor has to work on special strategies to improve the Jimny’s availability.
Suzuki Auto South Africa said it has increased sales by 30% in southern Africa for all models, compared to a general car market that declined by 1% in 2018. For the region as a whole, 12,123 new Suzuki’s found proud new owners during last year. This achievement ushered Suzuki into the 1000 unit a month club, only ten years after re-entering the market in southern Africa.
“We are particularly proud of the fact that the major part of our sales – 9375 units – came from dealer sales,” stated André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “This means that our growth is driven by private buyers who choose the brand and not by large corporate transactions that simply boost sales numbers.”
In December, Suzuki sold 938 cars and light commercial vehicles, giving it a share of 2.3% of the total market and 3.3% of the passenger vehicle market. It also cemented Suzuki’s position as number 10 in the Top 10 best-selling vehicle brands.
“For the year ahead, we will continue to strengthen our dealer network and our product line-up to further grow our sales. We are particularly excited to have received the thumbs up from Japan to introduce our Boosterjet turbocharged engines in the new year” said Venter.
Suzuki’s innovate Boosterjet-engines uses a short intake manifold, an integrated exhaust manifold, a turbo with intercooler and Suzuki’s lightweight-engineering to offer greater fuel efficiency and power from smaller combustion volume. The 103 kW 1.4 litre Boosterjet will first be introduced in the Suzuki Swift Sport.
Upgrades and improvements to the Vitara, the Ertiga and the Ciaz are also on the cards for this year.
