Global News

February 15 2008

Suzuki establishes automobile importer and distributor in South Africa

Suzuki Motor Corporation has established an automobile importer and distributor in South Africa in anticipation of sales growth in the expanding South African market*.

The new company, Suzuki Auto South Africa, is a joint venture with Suzuki South Africa, which imports and markets Suzuki motorcycles and outboard motors. It is capitalized at 106 million rand (about ¥1.7 billion), with Suzuki Motor Corporation holding an 85% stake.

Suzuki Auto South Africa will import the Swift, SX4, and Grand Vitara from Japan and start marketing them in June 2008. It targets sales of 2,700 units in its first 12 months of operation, and it plans to start additionally importing compact vehicles from Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki India.

By increasing its global product-supply bases such as India, Suzuki is working hard to strengthen sales networks in Central and South America, the Middle East, and Africa as well as expanding its sales channels in Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific.

*According to Suzuki research, annual automobile sales in South Africa reached 710,000 units in 2006 and are continuing to grow at a rapid pace.

Suzuki Auto South Africa overview

Company name: Suzuki Auto South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
Managing Director: Kazuyuki Yamashita
Capital: 106 million rand (about ¥1.7 billion)
Investment ratio: Suzuki Motor Corporation: 85%; Suzuki South Africa: 15%
Models handled: Swift, SX4, Grand Vitara, and Maruti Suzuki India-made compact vehicles