The Japanese automaker delays the debut of the subcompact.
Suzuki is having a hard time selling its cars in the United States. Although the sleek Kizashi is a clear winner and a capable competitor to other midsize models, its arrival in 2009 came as Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet and Hyundai strengthened their own offerings.
Other than the Kizashi, Suzuki doesn’t have much to offer the American car-buying consumer. Sales for the year were down as much as 75 percent from peak levels reached in 2007, which is not the direction the small Japanese automaker needs to take in this tough economy.
SX4 Line
Consisting of compacts and crossovers alike, the SX4 lineup is Suzuki’s best-seller, but no model stands out in the eyes of consumers. What Suzuki needs to do is go back to what worked in the past, namely its Swift subcompact. That car was sold in the US for a while, but was discontinued. The third-generation model is due out this fall, making its UK debut, but plans for a US unveiling have been postponed.
Why the delay in presenting the Suzuki Swift? Two come to mind as possibilities which include:
Importation costs — The rising value of the yen against the US dollar makes importing the Swift a more expensive proposition. The model has thin profit lines as it stands, but with the value of the dollar eroding that of the yen, the chances of Suzuki making a profit on the sale of the Swift seem remote. Unlike other foreign manufacturers, Suzuki has production capabilities in the United States, which means that all vehicles sold here are made in Japan.
volkswagen relationship — Last year, Volkswagen bought a 20 percent stake in Suzuki, a move made to help it in the subcompact category as well as gain access to new markets. Suzuki is one of the best sellers in emerging India, a country where VW’s presence is small. Also, Volkswagen is working to clarify which cars it will sell in the US Why sell the Swift if a VW model, like the Polo, is also sold here?
Suzuki hasn’t offered many details about its next-gen Swift, but we do know that it will be a bit bigger and wider than the previous model. However, thanks to the generous use of lightweight materials, the car will be lighter. Also, the Swift uses a slightly smaller 1.2-liter engine.
In general, customers will get a slightly larger, but more fuel-efficient vehicle, but when it comes to its US debut, that day will be delayed for now.