Suzuki Auto South Africa: A True 'Way of Life'

Online, August 18, 2010 (Newswire.com) - (Norwich, UK)- Japanese car manufacturer Suzuki returned to South Africa in a R106 million investment in 2008. Suzuki was previously distributed in the country through General Motors (then still Delta Motor Corporation), but this arrangement ended in 2004.

"The equity in Suzuki Auto South Africa is jointly held between Suzuki Motor Corporation (85 percent) and Suzuki South Africa (15 percent), the importer and distributor of Suzuki motorcycles, quad bikes and marine outboard motors," Francois van Eeden, National Marketing Manager told Manufacturing Digital. "Extensive market research was carried out prior to the Suzuki automotive brand re-entering the SA market in June 2008, and it showed that Suzuki was a respected brand among the South African motoring public so it was a calculated risk returning here," he adds.

Indeed, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) of Japan conducted research in the South African market for a number of years before deciding that South Africa was a growth opportunity.

"The decision to establish a subsidiary company ensures customers receive the best possible treatment from both a vehicle purchase and after-sales perspective," van Eeden explained.

The decision paid off. Suzuki has enjoyed tremendous success with the brand in the South African market. Last year, despite the downturn, it achieved a market share of 1.67 percent, representing unit sales of 3,761 units.

Growth is now returning to the market. And this year, van Eeden is hoping for better.

Read the full article here: http://www.manufacturingdigital.com/company-reports/suzuki-auto-sa.

About Suzuki Auto South Africa
Suzuki Auto South Africa is the official importer and distributor of Suzuki motor vehicles, spares and accessories.
With a head office at Linbro Park, in Sandton, it has built up a strong network in Southern Africa. It has 23 dealerships in all major centres, such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, and by year-end, it is expected that at least 27 dealerships will have opened their doors.
The firm was established in 2008.