Suzuki Swift Leads Overall Sales In NZ Market

Suzuki Swift Leads Overall Sales In New Zealand Market

The Suzuki Swift has become the first small supermini car to lead the New Zealand new car market in decades.

Suzuki’s most popular model was the top-selling new car in May and posted a 13.4 per cent gain over the previous month, according to Motor Industry Association statistics.

While the Swift hatchback has been the best selling supermini in New Zealand since its introduction in 2005, the May sales marked the first time the model had led overall sales.

Not only was May the best sales month for the Swift so far this year, but the result was 51 per cent up on the model’s average monthly sales for the first quarter of 2009.

Suzuki registered a total of 253 new Swifts in May; while the second placed Toyota Corolla’s volume for the month was 22.5 per cent lower.

For the first five months of this year the Swift remains the top selling supermini, and lies third overall behind the Corolla and Holden Commodore.

“This is the first time a Suzuki passenger car model has led the New Zealand car market,” said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand Ltd.

“It comes as a welcome present as Suzuki celebrates its 100th year birthday, a milestone in the motor industry,” he said. “The on-going success of the model is further confirmation that the Suzuki nameplate is a solid contender in the local car market.”

The brand sold 352 passenger vehicles in May for an 8.8 per cent share of the total new car market and was the fourth best make overall, behind Toyota, Ford and Hyundai.

With its appealing styling and high level of dynamics, the Swift has been a consistent showroom winner with New Zealand car buyers.

“The Swift continues to expand its popularity not only in New Zealand but internationally,” said Tom Peck. “At the same time our other models are also doing well.”

In May the Suzuki Grand Vitara lifestyle Sport Utility Vehicle had its best sales month to date this year, with sales up 65 per cent on April.

Demand for the versatile Suzuki SX4 also rose, with volume for May increasing by 13 per cent over the previous month.

Mr Peck said sales of the compact, efficient Suzuki models reflected the growing awareness and popularity of smaller vehicles.

Seven versions of the European inspired Swift are available in New Zealand, with prices starting from $18,500. The car is available with 1.5-litre or 1.6-litre engines and the choice of manual or automatic transmission.

ENDS

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