- Suzuki network grows to 87 dealers
Suzuki Auto South Africa is preparing for a strong year-end sales drive to deliver as many vehicles to awaiting customers as possible.
The company sold 4 112 new Suzuki vehicles in October, which were shy of its recent sales records and internal sales targets but still over 1 000 units more than the fourth-placed vehicle brand. It also represents sales growth of 59% over October 2021.
“The turmoil at our main import harbour and global shipping delays have delayed some vehicle deliveries to dealers and customers,” says Henno Havenga, Manager for Auto Dealer Sales at Suzuki Auto South Africa.
“There is significant pent-up demand from customers and dealers, and we will make every effort to catch up in November and December.”
The automotive industry body, naamsa, reports that Suzuki sold nearly 8 500 vehicles in the past two months. In September, it delivered 4 364 vehicles and last month added a further 4 112 units.
Suzuki set a new overall record in July, when it delivered 4 734 cars to customers.
In October, the top-selling Suzuki model was the Swift, which was delivered to 1 693 customers. This made it one of the three most popular passenger vehicles in South Africa. Other Suzuki models that proved very popular include the Vitara Brezza (750 units), Celerio (274 units), Ertiga (269 units) and Baleno (233 units).
The Suzuki dealer network remains the main sales channel, with 3 066 sales to private customers and businesses. The fleet sales team added another 1 155 sales to fleet, rental, and government clients.
“You can tell by the sales of popular models, such as the S-Presso (206 vehicles) and Baleno (233 units), that certain models were in short supply. We are heartened to see customers for these and other Suzuki models patiently waiting for their new cars, rather than shop elsewhere.
“Our research and the feedback from our dealer network show that Suzuki owners, once part of the family, are willing to wait for their Suzukis.
“We do not take this for granted and have invested significantly in our head office capacity and dealer network to make sure that we maintain the level of service that has made our customers so loyal,” says Havenga.
Suzuki recently added three new dealers to its network in Malmesbury, Swellendam and King William’s Town. This brings its dealer network to 87 dealers and ensures that Suzuki owners are within a comfortable distance from their nearest service centre.
The group moved to a new head office and parts distribution centre in 2020 to meet the growing demand for Suzuki cars, motorcycles and other lifestyle products. It has since increased its head count to ensure that its support services grew in step with the rapid growth in customers.
“We are working around the clock to get customer cars to dealers. We look forward to the day that the current delays will be a thing of the past,” says Havenga.
