GM Inside News Forum - View Single Post - Versa, Sentra Drive 8.5% Nissan U.S. Sales Increase For July; Suzuki Up 2% on SX4

**Ming** · 08-01-2008, 06:53 PM

Notes on Suzuki:

- The SX4 Sport sedan (2WD) only became available within the last year. Up until then it was only offered as a 4WD Hatchback.

- The Forenza / Reno have been decontented over the past couple of years (not as good a value anymore, no alloy wheels standard, for example) and are being phased out this year.

- Forenza / Reno at their peak helped Suzuki break 10,000 in sales. Now that they are being de-emphasized, Suzuki sales have dropped .

- Suzuki USA does not have a true gas-sipper in its lineup (SX4 gets just mediocre fuel economy), and is intruducing a Nissan based Pickup soon...

Seems management at American Suzuki have been trying a little too hard to distance themselves from the image of a maker of motorcycles with all of the SUV and now Pickup focus. Even the SX4 Sedan emphasizes driving feel over fuel economy.

Where's the WagonR when they need it?

My guess is that alot of folks were drawn to Suzuki when gas prices rose, but many just turned and left when they found no Fit or Versa-like gas-sipper, seeking a Honda or Nissan dealer.

08-01-2008, 06:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ming GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SE Texas Posts: 13,410	Re: Versa, Sentra Drive 8.5% Nissan U.S. Sales Increase For July; Suzuki Up 2% on SX4 Notes on Suzuki: - The SX4 Sport sedan (2WD) only became available within the last year. Up until then it was only offered as a 4WD Hatchback. - The Forenza / Reno have been decontented over the past couple of years (not as good a value anymore, no alloy wheels standard, for example) and are being phased out this year. - Forenza / Reno at their peak helped Suzuki break 10,000 in sales. Now that they are being de-emphasized, Suzuki sales have dropped . - Suzuki USA does not have a true gas-sipper in its lineup (SX4 gets just mediocre fuel economy), and is intruducing a Nissan based Pickup soon... Seems management at American Suzuki have been trying a little too hard to distance themselves from the image of a maker of motorcycles with all of the SUV and now Pickup focus. Even the SX4 Sedan emphasizes driving feel over fuel economy. Where's the WagonR when they need it? My guess is that alot of folks were drawn to Suzuki when gas prices rose, but many just turned and left when they found no Fit or Versa-like gas-sipper, seeking a Honda or Nissan dealer. __________________ The Latest: Necromancer A Web Browser for the Commodore 64? Last edited by Ming : 08-01-2008 at 09:33 PM.