While sales of new vehicles in South Africa appear to be slowing down, demand for Suzuki Auto South Africa’s range of passenger cars continues to accelerate.
The brand’s share of the overall passenger car market is at its highest level since December 2009, and its year-on-year growth is the second highest in the industry. That despite a new vehicle market that continues to show signs of decline.
According to vehicle sales figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (Naamsa), passenger car sales in November 2014 were down 2,5 percent on November 2013 sales. Year to date, 2014 passenger car sales have dropped by 3,4 percent.
Despite these negative indicators, Suzuki Auto’s year-to-date sales are up by 32,3 percent, proving that demand for the brand’s expanding range of compact passenger cars and SUV’s continues to grow.
“While the market is experiencing difficult trading conditions, Suzuki Auto continues to set new benchmarks,” says Charl Grobler, manager of product planning and sales. He attributes the brand’s strong showing to a strategy of model range expansion which saw the introduction of several new products during the course of 2014.
“This year, our model offering was strengthened by the arrival of the all-new SX4 crossover, the Ertiga seven-seater life utility vehicle, the Splash mini-MPV, the frugal Swift 1.2 hatchback, and the Swift DZire subcompact sedan.
“Due to public demand, an automatic transmission version of the iconic Jimny 4×4 was also added to the range – and we have more exciting plans in the pipeline for 2015.
“Suzuki Auto has already sold more cars this year than in any other year since commencing business in the country, while our dealer network continues to grow, with 12 new dealers opening their doors in the second half of 2014 alone. A total of 40 dealers now ensures convenient representation across the entire country,” Grobler concluded.
