The Suzuki Swift has just topped another production milestone.
Worldwide sales of the Swift hatchback since late 2004 exceeded 3-million units in January 2013 - exactly two years after the model celebrated the 2-million production milestone.
Suzuki launched the Swift eight years ago, and it quickly became the most successful passenger car model marketed by the brand in New Zealand. Production reached 1-million in June 2008 as numbers ramped up.
Launched in late 2004, the Swift was soon the best selling super mini in New Zealand, a position it has held for the past eight years. It was also the highest-selling car to private buyers and second overall best selling new passenger car last year.
More than 21,000 new Swifts have been sold in New Zealand since November 2004, and the compact Suzuki has continued to grow in popularity. It has been the fourth highest-selling new car in New Zealand for the past eight years.
First built in Japan, the Swift is now made in seven countries and sold in 125. In addition to Japan, the car is also built in Hungary, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
Almost one quarter of Swift sales occur in Europe where the car attracts a large following. More than 80,000 Swifts have been sold in Britain since May 2005.
The Indian market has accounted for 45 percent of sales, and Japan 13 percent of volume.
The latest Swift achieved a 5-star Euro Ncap safety rating.
The Swift also scored 94 points for adult occupancy protection in 2010 - the highest for vehicles in the class tested at the time.
The Swift’s safety package includes seven airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability programme, as well as child and pedestrian protection. The car makes extensive use of high-strength steel for occupant protection and fuel-saving lightness.
It has won 67 awards in 26 countries and was named Japan Car of the Year in 2005/06. The latest generation Swift continues gaining international acclaim winning the 2012 small car award in the Automobile Association/New Zealand Motoring Writers Car of the Year contest.
