Fuel efficient new Suzuki should move swiftly off showroom floors
Fuel efficient new Suzuki should move swiftly off showroom floors
KP–3G and Nomura Trading is hoping Suzuki's new eco-friendly car will prove a hit in the Lao market, as it is affordable by people on medium-level incomes, who are increasing in number.
The company's Managing Director, Mr Virasaykham Philaphandeth, made the comment to Vientiane Times after the new model – the Suzuki Swift Dzire - was introduced in Vientiane by the company last Thursday.
“With its sleek looks, high performance and efficiency, we are confident that this model, which will suit the needs of the Lao public, will be popular with people earning medium incomes and that sales will go smoothly,” Mr Virasaykham said.
The new Suzuki Swift Dzire is designed to meet the requirements of even the most discerning car buyer in terms of comfort and safety, featuring backward sensors, fog lights, safety equipment and excellent fuel efficiency.
The Dzire comes equipped with superior features like fuel-saving tech nology, a modern interior design, reverse air-conditioning, power steering, steering wheel stereo control and six-direction movable seats.
In terms of safety, the car features a backwards row-indicator, an anti-lock brake and electronic brake force distribution system, an immo biliser and child-safe back seats.
At four metres long, 1.7 metres w ide and 1.5 metres high, it can definitely be described as a compact car but powered by a 1,200cc four-cylinder benzene e ngine which features intelligent variable valve timing, the Dzire is more than capable of accelerating when the need arises.
Its strongest selling point by far however is definitely its fuel efficiency. Suzuki Motor Corporation Asia market specialist, Mr Jun Ito, said he was confident Suzuki will continue to have an influence in Asia with their attempt to develop new products that meet market needs, such as the small and fuel-efficient Dzire.
Laos is currently experiencing GDP growth of 8 percent annually. Last financial year, per capita income reached US$1,350 and is predicted to e xceed US$1,500 this coming year.
The increasing number of people who now have stable jobs and the recent salary hike for civil servants means more people are now looking at cars as an economically viable alternative to motorbikes, but want something that is relatively fuel efficient.
“Our target market is people who really want to own a car but also need something affordable. The comparatively low capital cost and fuel saving capabilities of the Suzuki Swift Dzire can provide that,” Mr Virasaykham said.
Currently Suzuki cars of all models share 5 percent of the vehicle market in Laos, while 10 orders have already been placed for the new Suzuki Swift Dzire since the model was launched in Vientiane.
According to Suzuki's Mr Jun Ito, Swift Dzire sales reached their highest point in India, with more than 15,000 cars sold each month.
“This was due to the fuel-saving ability of the car, at 19km per litre or 5.2 litres per 100 km, with the technology developed by Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Japan,” he said.
About 169,000 Suzuki cars were sold throughout the region in 2012, an increase of almost 40 percent from 2011, offering a market share of 4.9 percent. Mr Ito said he hoped regional sales would reach 170,000 cars in 2013.
KP–3G and Nomura Trading 's showroom can be found on Phontong Road in Savang village, Chanthaboury district. KP–3G and Nomura Trading is offering customers who purchase the Suzuki Swift Dzire a three-year or 60,000km warranty to demonstrate its confidence in the quality of the car.
vientiane times
