Suzuki Swift Sales Top Four Million Units

SUZUKI NEW ZEALAND LIMITED
PRIVATE BAG 3008, WANGANUI 4540
TEL: +64-6-3491222
FAX: +64-6-3491212

Press Release No: PRESS/AM14/10
Scheduled Release: 23 September 2014

Suzuki Swift Sales Top Four Million Units

The Suzuki Swift, New Zealand’s most popular small car, has achieved another milestone with sales topping four million worldwide.

Cumulative sales of the popular model was reached nine years and nine months after the launch of the new front wheel drive hatchback in 2004.

In year to date New Zealand sales, the Swift is the third best selling new car and it has consistently been the top selling small car since its introduction almost a decade ago.

Suzuki produced its first generation Swift back in 1983, but the launch of the world strategic model ten years ago was followed by a huge increase in sales.

Initially produced in Japan in November 2004, manufacture soon extended to Hungary, India and China. Following a model change in 2010, production also began in Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Vietnam and Malaysia and the car is now made in eight countries and sold in 140 countries.

Suzuki launched the Swift in Europe with a marketing programme that included footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and the car was an immediate hit. Of the four million Swifts sold so far, 19 percent have been in Europe, compared with 11 percent in Japan, while half of all Swifts have found buyers in India

The model rapidly became the most successful Suzuki passenger car sold in New Zealand, pushing the brand to record penetration of the local market.

“The Swift’s styling was extremely popular with local buyers right from introduction and consumers soon appreciated the car’s driving manners, safety rating and value for money,” said Gary Collins, general manager of motor vehicle marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.

“It has been seen as an iconic car of our times and captures a high rate of public awareness which is remarkable given the number of different cars on sale today,” he said.

“New Zealand is the only market where the Swift is the top selling vehicle to private customers, and is on track to be the top selling super mini for the last ten years which is a significant milestone,” said Collins.

The latest Swift boasts a 5 Star Euro NCAP safety rating, the highest possible level and also scores highly for adult occupancy protection.

In June 2014 Suzuki was the fastest growing brand in the world, with sales up 23.5 percent compared to the same month last year.

In a twice yearly survey of motor vehicle dealers run by the British National Franchised Dealers Association, Suzuki was rated among the top five brands, finishing ahead of several luxury makes.

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