Low Emission Suzuki Tops NZ Market

Low Emission Suzuki Tops NZ Market

Suzuki has scooped the title as New Zealand’s cleanest, low emission mainstream car brand for the year.

New cars sold here last year showed a reduction in CO2 exhaust emissions, but none of the other major franchises could match the green levels achieved by Suzuki.

Buyers warmed to this initiative by making Suzuki the fastest growing new car franchise out of the top 12 makes.

In 2008 the brand’s fuel efficient cars averaged 174.3 grams of CO2 per 100 kilometres - a figure unmatched by rivals.

This compared with an average of 210.7 grams/km for all new cars sold, a new low for the motor industry.

“We are delighted our cars averaged such a low CO2 figure which is constantly being improved,” said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand Ltd.

“The Suzuki figure is 17 per cent better than the average for the whole new car market and is already close to a government proposed standard of 170 grams/km which will not be implemented until 2015,” he said.

Suzuki’s lowest emitting model is currently the 1.5-litre Swift manual with a figure of 150 grams/km. The brand’s 1.3-litre Jimny produces 171 grams/km and is the greenest petrol SUV sport utility four wheel drive vehicle available in New Zealand.

“The latest Grand Vitara range has some models with emissions down by 13 per cent,” said Tom Peck.

A particulate filter, which eliminates soot from the exhaust, is fitted to the Grand Vitara diesel, while most petrol Suzuki’s are equipped with low emitting variable valve engines.

“Our range is only going to become more environmentally friendly, with the launching later this year of the thrifty, clean burning Alto mini car,” said Peck.

In 2002 Suzuki established a global environment charter and in New Zealand the marque has been a long-time supporter of the carbon crusade. This is a series of events where competitors participate in an off-road run or walk and plant trees as part of the activity.

After developing prototype fuel cell powered mini vehicles six years ago, Suzuki continued work on cars with hydrogen tanks and is heading for zero emissions.

Suzuki was the sixth best selling passenger car brand in New Zealand last year, with sales up 38.2 per cent. This compared with a drop of 1.7 per cent in total new car sales.

The two best-selling Suzuki models - the Swift and SX4 - increased their sales by 40.6 percent and 48.5 per cent respectively.

At the same time, the brand increased its share of the light car class from 21 per cent in 2007 to 24.3 per cent, while increasing penetration in the small car sector from 4.6 per cent to 6.5 per cent, according to Motor Industry Association figures.

Suzuki increased their market share in the SUV four wheel drive segment with the recently upgraded Grand Vitara range and the compact Jimny.

“While total motor industry volumes are up only marginally since 2004, Suzuki sales in New Zealand have increased a remarkable 39 per cent,” said Tom Peck

“We are a leading global automotive brand producing 2.7 million units annually,” he said.

“In the next two years Suzuki will consolidate the recent record growth with the arrival of a high profile medium D-Segment car, the Kizashi, and the new generation Alto. Both these cars will further broaden the market appeal of the make,” said Peck.

Suzuki’s real value policy, which minimises the cost of vehicle ownership and improves resale value, includes on-road costs and five year’s roadside assistance. All as part of the purchase price.

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