Suzuki seeing year-over-year sales gains in every bike, ATV category
With year-over-year sales gains in every category of motorcycle and ATV product, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., (SMAI) throttled into 2014 in convincingly strong style. Collectively, Suzuki dealers nationwide reported retail sales in January were significantly higher than those for the same period last year.
“Shoppers have a lot of reasons to visit Suzuki dealers,” said Rod Lopusnak, SMAI’s General Manager — National Sales. “With exciting new product arriving and our industry-leading retail programs led by the power of zero-percent financing on current Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs, Suzuki dealers have been attracting consumers, in spite of often challenging weather conditions.”
Sales of Suzuki Boulevard cruisers and touring motorcycles were particularly strong in January, with the new Suzuki Boulevard B.O.S.S. models drawing significant consumer attention. Suzuki also continues to be a leader in the DualSport motorcycle segment, and sales there remain strong. Sales gains were spread across the Suzuki product line, with growth in each category, from Suzuki QuadSport ATVs to Burgman scooters.
Suzuki kicked off its Deal Days retail promotion on New Year’s Day, and buyers have found the offers — including 0 percent financing or generous cash back — too good to pass up. Plus, the company has generated significant interest with new products such as the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS and Suzuki Burgman 200 ABS, and both new and veteran motorcyclists are eager to learn more.
The motocross segment — including Suzuki RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 — continues to gain media accolades. Combine that with the recent re-signing of Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing’s James Stewart — fresh off a Supercross victory — and Suzuki is primed for continued success in the motocross segment. Suzuki’s road racing future also got a boost in January with the announcement of Roger Lee Hayden’s addition to the Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing team. Hayden will join Martin Cardenas and Chris Clark, with all three competing in the AMA Superbike class aboard Suzuki GSX-R1000 sportbikes.
Suzuki also announced a new president early in 2014. Takeshi Hayasaki, who served as Assistant to the President of American Suzuki from 1998 to 2003, returned to the United States following executive roles in Australia and at Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan. His experience combined with SMAI’s increasing sales momentum is a sign of good things to come for the company.
The strong sales keep Suzuki and its dealers excited about the start of spring. Consumers will find the new Suzuki GW250 priced at $3,999, well positioned for new riders and offering features attractive to veteran riders.
I find it VERY hard to believe sales are UP when they let so many dealers go…… keep drinking the koolaid!