AMERICAN SUZUKI PUTS PEDAL TO METAL, REVS UP FOR 2006
-- Successful Grand Vitara launch, expanded dealer network and
increased brand awareness highlight record-setting 2005 --
DETROIT – (Jan. 8, 2006) – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) continues to charge forward in the new year and build on all its recent success. In 2006, ASMC will look to make significant strides toward its goal to triple sales by the end of 2007. A few ASMC milestones from last year include:
Ø U.S. sales in 2005 were up 11 percent over 2004, as Suzuki sold an all-time high 82,101 vehicles, the best sales year in company history.
Ø Suzuki sales in 2005 were led by the Grand Vitara and the Forenza family of vehicles – up 78 and 67 percent respectively, over 2004.
Ø Monthly sales of the media-acclaimed 2006 Grand Vitara, which arrived in dealerships in early September, continued to skyrocket in the fourth quarter, increasing 145 percent in October, 241 percent in November and an impressive 316 percent in December.
Ø The all-new Grand Vitara recently was named “Best Kept Secret of 2006� by Autobytel andreceived a North American Truck of the Year award nomination.
Ø In October, the Suzuki Forenza Wagon was named one of edmunds.com’s “2005 Top 10 Cars Under $15,000.�
Ø Suzuki continued to sustain retail momentum, bolstering its U.S. dealer network in 2005. More than two-thirds of Suzuki dealers have signed up for the company’s Suzuki Square program, which offers buyers a unique, shopper-friendly environment.
American Suzuki Revs Up For 2006 2-2-2
Ø Suzuki’s new and invigorating “Way of Life� brand advertising campaign, which launched in September, is increasing brand awareness and catapulting the company into the outdoor enthusiast automotive landscape.
Ø With four additional vehicles set to debut as part of Suzuki’s plan to triple U.S. vehicle sales by 2007 – two to launch this year – Suzuki’s demographic reach and consumer appeal will continue to expand.
“We are pleased with Suzuki’s accelerated sales growth in 2005 and look forward to a strong year,� said Koichi Suzuki, president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “With the increasing popularity of the all-new Grand Vitara, two new vehicle introductions and an aggressive marketing/advertising effort to communicate and promote brand awareness, Suzuki is well positioned
for a solid 2006.�
New Vehicle Introductions
Providing the U.S. market with another fun-to-drive vehicle that is both practical and economical, ASMC will introduce the all-new Suzuki SX4 in 2006. The versatile five-door features an available allwheel- drive system, sophisticated 2.0 liter DOHC engine and will offer customers the choice of a fivespeed
manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The SX4 will make its North American debut at the 2006 New York International Auto Show and is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms in the fall.
In addition to the SX4, Suzuki will introduce the all-new XL7 a mid-size, seven-passenger, SUV at the New York International Auto Show in April. Expanded Product Line
With the introduction of the all-new 2006 Grand Vitara, Suzuki offers an even more impressive and versatile product line, which also includes the popular Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, the fivedoor Reno, the Aerio and Aerio SX, the Verona and the Suzuki XL-7, one of America’s most affordable seven-passenger SUVs.
To communicate its “Way of Life� brand essence and illustrate how its products play an integral part of consumers’ active lifestyles, ASMC developed the “Suzuki Live Series� – specially modified concept vehicles designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers. The vehicles, coined “Blizzard,� for snow sports enthusiasts; “Dune,� for off-road experts; “Wave,� for lake sports aficionados; and “Sea,� for active surfers; will continue to be displayed at various auto shows and lifestyle events around the country.
In 2006, Suzuki will look to infuse more of its “Way of Life� brand essence into national programs/initiatives, including partnerships and sponsorships, as well as local-based dealer efforts.
