Monitoring Page

Gearing up for the coming year, Suzuki Philippines Inc. held a national dealer conference for its automotive dealers at the Diamond Hotel in Manila last November 19, 2009. Appropriately entitled “On The Road To Success”, the conference included a review of year-to-date business performance, serving as inputs for 2010 business planning activities.

Vehicle Sales

One of the highlights during the conference was the marketing report which reflected Suzuki’s 10.8% increase in year-to-date sales of 2,078 units from Jan-Oct 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008. The positive sales growth classifies Suzuki with four other car brands to have posted increased sales in spite of the economic crisis, while the majority of other players suffered a constriction in number of units sold.

Suzuki passenger cars registered a 2.8% market share on sales of 1,067 units, placing Suzuki in the 7th spot well ahead of the other manufacturers/distributors in this category. In the same period, Suzuki was one of only two brands which posted growth in passenger car sales. Next year, Suzuki is aiming for the 4th position in this category. Meanwhile, in the highly competitive commercial vehicle category, Suzuki gained 15.5% increase in sales, selling 1,011 units for a 1.5% market share in 9th spot. Next year, Suzuki is targeting to hit and exceed the number 8 position in this category.

With the announcement of exciting plans for 2010 new model introductions, company officials expressed optimism that Suzuki would further strengthen its market position in the local automotive industry.

Top Dealers

Suzuki Philippines uses a balanced score card system for rating dealer performance in sales, parts and service, with points awarded for various criteria. With three quarter evaluations already completed, Suzuki announced the preliminary leaders for the Top Dealer award, with Suzuki Auto Laguna, Suzuki Auto Kalookan, and Suzuki Auto Cebu in the running for the sales category, and Suzuki Auto Kalookan, Suzuki Auto Cebu and Suzuki Auto E. Rodriguez vying for the top spot in the service category.

Also discussed during the dealer conference were changes in reporting procedures with emphasis on paperless communications. Currently, Suzuki has 18 auto dealerships nationwide catering to the needs of the public for Suzuki vehicle sales, genuine parts and reliable service.

Bestsellers

The Suzuki APV Type II SGX , a 7-seater family van, was recently chosen as the “2009 Compact People Carrier of the Year” by local automotive publication, C! Magazine. The Suzuki Alto, meanwhile, has recorded worldwide sales of 10-million units, and is the best-selling car in India with an average of 20,000 units sold monthly.