Suzuki’s Swift journey to 10 million sales of hatchback
There have been 10 million global sales of the Suzuki Swift. Photos: Suzuki
The top-selling and long-time New Zealand favourite Suzuki Swift has accumulated global sales of 10 million units in two decades.
The most successful model in the Japanese brand’s history, the Swift hatchback is an iconic small car that continues to sell well above expectations.
With the exception of one year, the Swift has been the number one selling light segment model in New Zealand every year since 2005.
“Based on collective volumes during the past 20 years the Swift is the highest selling model to private customers in New Zealand, ahead of Toyota Hilux, Corolla, Ford Ranger and other models,” said Gary Collins, General Manager of Automobile Sales for Suzuki New Zealand.
The first Suzuki passenger car to wear the Swift badge was in 1983, but there was a real landmark with the arrival of the first generation world strategic model in 2005. Designed by Yasukazu Yuki and Hirohito Matsumoto, the Swift struck an enviable accord when it broke cover at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004.
Since the 2005 launch, 53,686 Swifts have been sold in New Zealand.
While the model is now in its fourth generation, it retains the styling inspiration of the 2005 Swift that appealed to so many buyers.
Of the 10 million units sold worldwide, 60% were in India, 14% in Europe, 8% in Japan and 18% in other countries. The second-generation model was introduced in 2010, and the third-generation arrived seven years later.
The first million units were reached in 2008, and more than five million Swifts had been sold by April 2016.
Since the 2005 launch, 53,686 Swifts have been sold in New Zealand.
The latest generation made its debut last year, and the Swift Plus 1.2 litre Smart Hybrid manual model is priced from $25,990 plus on-road costs.
In GLS automatic format, the Swift retails for $27,990 while the Swift RSC automatic is $29,990 + ORCs. The higher specification RSC Smart Hybrid model includes blind spot monitor, heated front seats and 16-inch polished face alloy wheels as standard.
“We are quite humbled by the on-going success of the Swift in New Zealand. It is constantly evolving with global market needs and remains the number one choice for compact cars, building on a long history of providing Kiwi customers with a car that offers low emission levels, fuel efficiency, comfort, performance, and affordability,” said Collins.
