Suzuki Philippines (SPH), the local arm of Japanese car brand, has ended 2017 with a banner year after posting 34-percent year-on-year (YOY) growth, expanding in key cities across the country and receiving back-to-back recognition from renowned award-giving bodies.

Contributing to the continued sales growth was their best-selling life utility vehicle (LUV) Ertiga with 34-percent share, followed by the diminutive Celerio and Swift, with 15-percent and 13-percent, respectively.

On the other hand, Suzuki’s added 11 new dealers to complete the 66 dealership outlet across the country. Strategic brand-building efforts throughout the year also enabled the company to increase awareness about the different vehicles and their respective features.

Before closing the year, recognition from several award-giving bodies affirmed SPH’s efforts to offer only innovative and reliable vehicles. Seven of the company’s popular, well-loved vehicles won accolades in the annual DOE Fuel Economy Run, 2017–2018 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFMCA), Car Awards Group, Inc.’s Car of the Year (COTY) awards and the 12th C! Magazine Awards.

A STRONGER MARKET DOMINATION

The significant growth in sales, continuous market expansion, and successive awards and accolades prove Suzuki Philippines’ stronger foothold in the PH automotive market.

The Celerio, one of Suzuki Philippine’s best-selling hatchbacks, bagged the Best Value-for-Money award in the standard mini category in last year’s Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFMCA). The AFMCA aims to recognize the efforts of the automobile industry to provide best on-board features, style, performance and overall value.

The Suzuki Vitara GLX won in the recently concluded 2017 CAGI Car of the Year awards under the Subcompact Crossover Category. The Ciaz was named Best Personal Commuter in the 12th C! Magazine awards for its fuel efficiency, roomy interiors and enhanced driving experience.

In the 13th DOE Fuel Economy Run organized by the Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with Petron Corporation, Suzuki Philippines’ entries—hatchbacks Alto 800 M/T and Swift M/T, Euro-4 equipped light commercial vehicle Super Carry and the recently launched subcompact SUV Suzuki Vitara GLX A/T—were recognized in their respective categories.

The Alto 800 M/T and Swift M/T placed fourth and sixth, respectively, in the gasoline category with fuel economy ratings of 24.81km/L and 23.27km/L. The all-new Vitara was the second subcompact SUV to enter the top 15 gasoline-powered vehicles with a 20.57km/L fuel economy rating.

In the diesel category, the Super Carry performed well among the pickups and placed second with a fuel economy rating of 19.19km/L.