Suzuki targets ambitious sales push

SUZUKI Australia is confident it can lift sales from less than 16,000 last year to 40,000 in 2010.

The company’s new general manager Tony Devers told GoAuto last week the massive growth target was realistic.

"I have no qualms with that figure," he said.

Mr Devers, who joined Suzuki Australia this March, said increased global production, new models and an expanded Australian dealer network would allow the company to achieve the goal.

The former Honda Australia sales and marketing chief said improving supply of Australian Suzuki vehicles was imperative.

"We could have sold 20 per cent more Swifts if we had adequate supply," Mr Devers said. "As for the SX4, I think we could have quadrupled its sales if we had enough." Mr Devers said Suzuki Japan was taking the situation seriously and was even prepared to give up some domestic sales to make sure it satisfied demands of export markets.

"Suzuki has been the number one seller of mini cars in Japan for 33 years, but they are prepared to risk that position by freeing up some production of the Wagon R (mini car) for export volume," he said. "It is a huge decision to potentially relinquish that position."

Mr Devers (left) is confident supply of both the Swift and SX4 hatch will be improved, while Suzuki is also promising solid supply of the SX4 sedan, which will be launched in Australia late this year.

Suzuki Australia is aiming to introduce four new models to achieve its 2010 target including a mid-sized sedan, a seven-seater AWD wagon, while the Splash light car is also under consideration and could arrive next year.

Suzuki Australia recorded 15,798 sales in 2006, climbing from 13,794 in 2005 according to VFACTS figures.

Mr Devers said increased supply of existing models as well as the arrival of the SX4 sedan would enable the company to post 21,000 sales by the end of this year. Sales figures to the end of April show the company is already 1760 cars ahead of its tally at the same point last year.

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