SUZUKI PH ENJOYS STRONG H1 2018 SALES

Riding on back-to-back strong sales performance for the first two consecutive quarters of the year, Suzuki Philippines (SPH) concluded the first half of 2018 with 6 percent growth in unit sales over the same period last year.

Aggressive marketing and expansion initiatives enabled SPH to overcome the challenges that beset the local automotive industry in recent months, foremost of which was the first-phase implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

Despite the 12 percent decline in sales performance for the entire local automotive industry compared with last year, SPH posted 6 percent growth in sales to secure the top seventh rank in the market.

The brand penetrated various regions, and strengthened its presence in key growth areas, in particular outside the National Capital Region, to extend the successes enjoyed during the first quarter of the year.

Top sales drivers

Consistent with their performance during the first quarter of 2018, the Ertiga, Celerio, Vitara and Ciaz drove Suzuki sales in Q2, accounting for more than 70 percent of H1 2018 sales.

The 7-seater family vehicle Ertiga remains the top-selling Suzuki vehicle in this year’s lineup, with a 33 percent share of sales.

Following Ertiga are the two award-winning Suzuki units, Celerio and Vitara, with 14 percent and 13 percent share of sales, respectively.

Ciaz remains a top-selling Suzuki brand. Its elegant design, excellent fuel economy, spacious interior and affordable price enable the car to stand out in the B-segment category, making the subcompact sedan a significant contributor to Suzuki’s sales

Expansion initiatives

SPH gears up for even more vigorous marketing and expansion efforts for the rest of the year.

More product launches are in the pipeline, as are dealership openings and other marketing strategies, all building up on the achievements of the first half and aimed at further boosting industry presence.

SPH introduced to the Philippine market last June two much-awaited Suzuki vehicles, the all-new Dzire and Swift, equipped with improved technology and safety features.

SPH inaugurated four dealerships this year in key growth areas such as Calamba, Laguna and Calasiao, Pangasinan, bringing the total number of Suzuki nationwide dealerships to 71.