Suzuki Hits a Record for the New Zealand Market

Suzuki has achieved another New Zealand milestone in topping the nation’s new passenger car and SUV market.

The brand was the number one seller for the first time in February while also achieving a record 12.3 percent share of the New Zealand new car market (excluding commercial vehicles), according to Motor Industry Association statistics. Suzuki captured 29.7 percent of the new passenger car sector to hit the number one position with more than double the volume of the next best selling competitor.

In spite of total new passenger and SUV sales declining by 18.3 percent in February, compared to the same month last year, Suzuki increased its volume by 42.2 percent. For year to date sales the total market dipped 6.4 percent while Suzuki increased its volume by 13 percent.

For the opening two months of 2023 Suzuki’s passenger and SUV sales were up 13 percent compared to a decline of 6.4 percent for the total industry sector.

Leading the marque’s influence on the small car market in New Zealand, sales of the Suzuki Swift in February were 67.9 percent higher than the same month in 2022 and in the year to date period demand has increased 49.4 percent. The top selling Swift is taking a greater share of the small car market with 487 deliveries to customers in February, an increase of 197 over the same month last year.

Year to date Swift sales of 813 were well ahead of the 544 volume for the same period in 2022 as the evergreen model increased its domination.

Sales of the versatile and thrifty Suzuki Ignis super compact SUV more than doubled in February and were up 48.3 percent on year to date figures. A better supply situation resulted in a substantial increase in the sales of the popular Vitara.

“New Zealanders are appreciating Suzuki is offering some of the finest small cars on the market with the on-going success of the Swift which is one of the safest cars in its class,” said Aaron Wales, Automobile Sales Manager for Suzuki New Zealand.

“The market appeal for the Swift has increased with the availability of the in-demand and highly affordable Hybrid GLX and RS, while the affordable and thrifty Ignis with its endearing character is also proving popular,” he said. “There continues to be strong enquiry and sales for the compact four-wheel-drive Jimny, while the larger Vitara range maintains its enviable reputation and is attracting on-going demand.”

“Achieving the number one position for the brand’s total sales is testament to Suzuki’s growing reputation for producing the sort of cars that are appropriate and in tune with today’s marketplace,” he said.