Ertiga brings Suzuki PH its highest year-to-date sales increase

Suzuki Philippines (SPH) is in full-throttle for the first quarter (Q1) of 2018, as it records exemplary—and market's highest—year-to-date (January to March) sales increase. The Japanese automaker was able to reach 21.4% YTD sales growth, putting it on the 6th spot in the local automobile sales.

Related: Suzuki PH previews 2018 Swift Dzire ahead of its launch

Like almost all brands in the local market, SPH experienced a slowdown in terms of market sales, credits to the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Despite the infamous law hurling down on car manufacturers in the local market like a thunderbolt, SPH decided to absorb the blow by sticking to its 2017 price list to boost sales – kind of like how Thor does it with the Mjölnir.

“We were prudent with our marketing efforts for the first quarter of the year because we anticipated developments in the business landscape as a result partly of the TRAIN Law and of course other factors. The Suzuki brand has been consistently driving forward, strengthening its market footprint nationwide.”

Shuzo Hoshikura
SPH Vice President and Automobile Division General Manager

Q1 wouldn't be as good to Suzuki without these three nameplates: Ertiga, Celerio, and Vitara. Still reigning to be the brand's best-selling models, the three nameplates coined 58% of SPH's sales in Q1 2018.

Related: Suzuki gives 2018 Celerio a new face and we dig it

According to the Japanese brand, Ertiga remains to be the choice of customers who are looking for a family car. It accounted 33% of the total Q1 sales, making it the top-selling model for the company. Celerio and 2017 Car of the Year title-holder in the subcompact crossover segment Vitara follows with 13% and 12%, respectively.

SPH is aiming to continue its climb in the local automotive sales ladder and it’s doing this by conducting brand-building efforts. The company has expansion plans and network building initiatives up its sleeves. Dealerships opening such as the one in Isabela, as well as the future ones in Rizal and Batangas, helps the company reach remote areas in the country.