Suzuki Cars goes from strength to strength

Suzuki GB PLC is pleased to announce record year on year sales in the UK with a closing figure of 24,880 units, representing a growth of 24 per cent over 2011’s full calendar year volume of 19,800 units. 

Suzuki is currently the 2nd fastest growing franchise in the UK car market as well as being the leader in small Suzuki cars (Alto, Splash and Swift) amongst the five main European markets of Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

The highly acclaimed Swift Sport model has achieved 1,100 units since the end of January 2012 representing 104 per cent of its target and Alto and Splash have achieved 128 per cent of target each which again reflects the continuing demand for Suzuki’s low cost, stylish and fun to drive cars.

To help facilitate the increased sales volumes, car delivery times from the three manufacturing plants to UK customers have now been greatly improved with the recent launch of an all new Vehicle Import Centre in Grimsby. The new facility can accept two sailings per week from Zeebrugge over the previous one ship per week sailing into Portbury, Bristol.

Another key advantage of the new facility is a much shorter vehicle movement distance of just 400 metres from the ship to the vehicle preparation areas which has helped reduce the average lead time by 50 per cent. Transport delivery logistics to the 146 strong dealer network is now being handled by the GBA group of companies.

In the medium term and with the introduction of new models, Suzuki plans to reach a UK annual volume of 30,000 units which currently represents a 1.5 per cent market share.

Personally I like Suzuki, they offer a range of small good looking and economical cars, which in these tough times are just what a car company needs, it is these cars that are selling in bucket loads for them, the Kizashi is a mid range saloon, the name might not be one to remember but its price and equipment list makes it a nice different choice, if you like the idea on just one model a 2.4 CVT engine and four colour choices this is ideal.

The evergreen Jimny 4x4 and the SX4 and Vitara offer off road capability for a very reasonable prices, but don't expect Land Rover off road performance, or Range Rover levels of comfort and  equipment, you would need to spend ten times the money for that, but over all the Suzuki range covers teh best selling segments at present and that is great news for the company right now.