Despite the Covid-19 pandemic that caused the Thai auto market to plunge by over 20 per cent in 2020, Suzuki was able to achieve a 7-per cent growth with total sales of 25,528 units.
According to Suzuki Motor (Thailand) Co Ltd, the company plans to sell 30,000 vehicles in Thailand this year as well as increase the number of dealerships to 140 nationwide. The company also plans to introduce a new Swift model in February with refreshed looks in order to boost sales for this model.
Minoru Amano, President of Suzuki Motor (Thailand) Co Ltd, said, “The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic forced all sides to work with extra effort to overcome the situation. And although Suzuki was slightly affected, we were able to generate a sales volume of 25,528 units, an increase of around 7 per cent and equivalent to a market share of 3.22 per cent.”
He added that in 2020, a total of 793,021 vehicles were sold in Thailand, a decline of 21.29 per cent compared to 2019.
While sales of the Swift (10,320 units), Ciaz (3,047 units) and Ertiga (2,766 units) decreased in 2020, the Celerio (4,351 units), Carry (2,433 units) and Jimny (51 units) increased. Suzuki also sold 2,560 units of the XL 7, which was introduced last year.
He added that Suzuki enjoyed sales growth for various models mainly due to consumers adapting their spending behavior. “Many consumers have opted to only make purchases which are absolutely necessary and worthwhile, and that includes buying a new car. Drivers are now looking for a vehicle that serves their needs in everyday life but with the right price. Various models from Suzuki fit the description quite well, especially during the ongoing pandemic, as shown by the total sale in 2020 which have seen growth.”
“This is why, with the pricing starting at only Bt328,000, the Suzuki Celerio is also regaining its popularity (2020 sales grew by 195 per cent), due not only to its outstanding performance and fuel consumption, but its highly affordable pricing and how it caters to the need of consumers looking for more privacy when travelling,” Amano said.
Wallop Treererkngam, executive director for sales and marketing, said total automobile sales in Thailand is expected to reach 840,000 units in 2021.
“There are still some worrisome factors this year as Thailand is now seeing the new wave of the pandemic which has disrupted various sectors including the industrial sector, export, and tourism, as well as overwhelmed the public’s confidence and spending power.”
Nonetheless, Wallop said Suzuki is confident that with the Thai government’s Covid-19 preventive measures and economic stimulus packages, together with the public’s experience in facing the first wave, Thailand should be able to handle the situation much better.
“And if everyone come together and is determined to defeat this crisis as one, everything should return to normal at a rather quick pace,” he said.
Wallop noted that in 2021 Suzuki will move ahead with its all-round management plan in order to give existing customers improved service, while making sure that the company can reach more targeted customers.
