The beginning of the year is always a time for reflection and regrouping for automakers. It serves a purpose to see if strategies from the previous year have been effective and impactful. The easiest way to decipher this is by looking at the sales numbers and Suzuki South Africa have shattered their existing record after a stellar 2021 which has also seen their highest ever market share locally.
In addition to this, the all encompassing Japanese lifestyle giant reported that Suzuki Motorcycles set a new sales benchmark in the hypersport-segment and Suzuki Marine was the top-selling outboard brand with over 50% market share.
The year was filled with records kicking off in February with the launch of the anticipated Vitara Brezza after Suzuki sold 2 142 new vehicles and welcomed its 100 000th customer to the family. The following month Suzuki hit a new record of 2 397 vehicles and the trend continued throughout the year. In the last quarter, Naamsa’s sales statistics revealed that Suzuki reached an average market share of 9.41% which is the highest it has ever been in the passenger vehicle segment. In total, Suzuki delivered 27 583 new models to customers throughout the year, the highest on record.
In a time where cost effective commuters are as important as ever, Henno Havenga, Manager of Auto Dealer Sales at Suzuki Auto South Africa stated that Suzuki had to source as many vehicles as possible despite delays and shortages that would present themselves to the needs of customers in the current economic climate.
With a full slate set for 2022 in terms of vehicle, motorcycle and boating customers – it is little wonder as to why the Japanese automaker has become one of South Africa’s fastest growing and most loved brands.
Words: Alex Shahini
