Suzuki targets first-time buyers, eyes 24% sales growth for ‘12

DESPITE a dip in motorcycle sales last year, Suzuki Philippines Inc. believes they can grow 24 percent by the end of the year, if they sell 120,000 units in 2012.

During the launch of the new Suzuki GD110, assistant general manager for the motorcycle division Benedict Arreola said they will launch a few entry-level models, which are between the P45,000 and P55,000 price range.

While motorcycle sales in the country dipped four percent overall, Arreola said Suzuki’s sales grew 14 percent in 2011.

Arreola credits their focus on brand image for their growth.

The bike is the company’s answer to problems such as high gasoline prices, heavy traffic, and expensive auto maintenance.

At the launch, presenter Mel Aquino said the Suzuki GD 110 advanced commuter bike comes with features that make it affordable, durable, economical and user-friendly, which can ease the transition from commuter to motorcycle rider.

Its key features include a lightweight four-stroke engine that efficiently burns gasoline, four-speed transmission for simpler operation and fewer gear changes, a system that emits cleaner gases, a low seat height for easy mounting, and a slim 9.2-liter fuel tank.

For easy maintenance, Suzuki made their spare parts available piece by piece, not per assembly.

General manager of motorcycle sales and marketing Eiji Kobayashi said the motorcycle meets the needs of the commuting public and complements their campaign encouraging commuters to get their own motorcycle.

“For the Suzuki GD 110, we are looking at the first-time motorcycle owner market and the shifters from commuters to riders,” he said.

Kobayashi added that the Philippines has a big potential in the motorcycle market, even if it started later than neighboring countries in using motorcycles as a means of transportation.

Aquino said that the unit, which retails at P47,900, is one of the cheapest in the market.

Suzuki Philippines president Satoshi Uchida said the company makes it a point to study the best products for the Philippine market and brings it over from Japan.

“The company is strongly committed to the customers and it does its best to come up with products that address the needs of practicality and efficiency,” he said before introducing the new model.