Five Millionth Milestone Achieved by Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift has topped an international sales milestone in the wake of becoming one of the most popular cars ever sold in New Zealand.

In the first week of April 2016 the five millionth Swift was sold, eleven years and five months after the model went on sale in late 2004.

The world milestone was reached two years after the Swift celebrated a decade as New Zealand’s top selling new car in the light car segment, a position it held since 2005.

Swift badged models were produced by Suzuki as early as 1983, but November 2004 marked the arrival of the world strategic model which was an instant success. The car was soon the recipient of independent accolades and has won more than 60 international awards.

Such has been the popularity of the compact hatchback that it is now produced in seven territories worldwide and sold in 140 countries. New Zealand sources its current Swifts from Japan and other production bases include Hungary, India, China, Pakistan, Malaysia and Thailand.

Popularity of the Swift has continued to increase in India where sedan and diesel-engined variants have been added. The Swift currently accounts for 30 per cent, or 430,000 units, of the annual Suzuki sales in India.

At the same time, the Swift has been extremely popular in Europe, its second biggest territory behind India, and ahead of Japan.

A year after the model’s introduction, the 2006 RJC Car of the Year Award and the Most Fun to Drive in Japan prize were presented to the Swift.

The second generation global Swift, unveiled in September 2010 and introduced to the New Zealand market early in 2011, resulted in a further increase in demand. For the second time the Suzuki won the 2011 RJC Car of the Year trophy.

Cumulative sales topped two million units in January 2011, and two months later production began in Thailand. The three millionth milestone was reached just one year later.

By August 2014 Swift sales exceeded four million units as the car continued to receive awards. These included the Wheels Australia Goldstar award, the BBC Top Gear India Small Car of the Year in 2011 and the AMI Insurance Autocar New Zealand Small Car of the Year in 2011.

“We have been overwhelmed and clearly delighted by the on-going sales strength of the Swift in New Zealand,” said Gary Collins, General Manager Automobile marketing for Suzuki New Zealand. “It is significant that the sustained popularity of the model in New Zealand is also reflected in overseas markets.”

Owners have continued to enthuse over the car’s styling, fun to drive characteristics, low cost running and the fact it is one of the safest cars in class with a 5 Star ANCAP rating.

The Swift was the top selling new passenger car model in New Zealand for March 2016 and, in line with last year, the bestselling compact car for the first quarter of this year.

Eight Swift variants are available in New Zealand, with the choice of manual and automatic transmissions, while the flagship performance Sport model is sold with a choice of 6 speed manual transmission or CVT with 7 speed paddle shift. Prices start from a highly competitive $18,990 plus on road costs.