American Suzuki Sales up 24 Percent in September
BREA, Calif.--Oct. 1, 2004--American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) continues to achieve strong sales, posting a 24 percent increase in September 2004 compared to the same month last year and a 25 percent increase in year-to-date sales. In total, ASMC dealers sold 5,042 vehicles in September 2004 and 57,329 vehicles this calendar year.American Suzuki's success comes from the rapid introduction of new cars, such as its top-selling Suzuki Forenza premium compact and Suzuki Verona midsize sedan, both introduced late last year. Continued growth is expected due to the launch of two additional vehicles to the 2005 model year line: the five-door compact Suzuki Reno and versatile Forenza Wagon, both scheduled to arrive in showrooms this fall.
"We're very encouraged by the record sales achieved this year," explained Koichi Suzuki, president of American Suzuki's Automotive Operations. "Our value-packed vehicles are continuing to bring new customers to Suzuki and increasing awareness of Suzuki's automotive brand and products in the marketplace. We are certain that sales will continue to grow as we complete the necessary steps to reach our goal of tripling Suzuki's U.S. sales by 2007."
About American Suzuki
The Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corp., Brea, was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corp. ASMC markets automobiles in the United States through a network of about 500 automotive dealerships in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC), was founded in 1909, incorporated in 1920 and is based in Hamamatsu, Japan. SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer with 139 distributors in 125 countries.
Note to Editors: Due to recent technical difficulties with American Suzuki's dealer sales reporting system, some sales from Thursday, Sept. 30, will be reported with American Suzuki's October sales totals.
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP. MONTH-END REPORTING September CYTD 2004 2003 DSR % 2004 2003 DSR % Change Change VITARA: 183 515 -66% 2,915 4,130 -30% GRAND VITARA: 346 514 -35% 3,487 6,456 -46% XL-7: 1,288 1,449 -15% 14,481 18,023 -20% AERIO: 399 1,048 -63% 7,753 16,464 -53% FORENZA: 1,851 0 NA 18,722 0 NA VERONA: 975 365 156% 9,970 365 2620% TOTAL: 5,042 3,893 24% 57,329 45,551 25% TRUCK DOMESTIC TRUCK: 183 515 -66% 2,915 4,131 -30% IMPORT TRUCK: 1,634 1,963 -20% 17,968 24,479 -27% TOTAL TRUCK: 1,817 2,478 -30% 20,883 28,610 -27% CAR DOMESTIC CAR: 0 0 NA 1 5 -80% IMPORT CAR: 3,225 1,415 119% 36,445 16,936 114% TOTAL CAR: 3,225 1,415 119% 36,446 16,941 114% TOTAL DOMESTIC: 183 515 -66% 2,916 4,136 -30% TOTAL IMPORT: 4,859 3,378 38% 54,413 41,415 31% GRAND TOTAL: 5,042 3,893 24% 57,329 45,551 25% Selling Days: 25 24 230 229