Introduction
If you’re a car fan, you might be wondering if Suzuki cars are still sold in the US. The answer is yes, but with a few caveats. Suzuki experienced a bit of a decline in the US market in recent years, but they are still selling cars here. However, their selection is more limited than it used to be and they don’t have as many dealerships as they used to. So, if you’re interested in buying a Suzuki car, you’ll need to do some research to find one that’s right for you.
History of Suzuki in the US
In the early 1970s, Suzuki began selling motorcycles in the United States through a company called American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC). ASMC was founded in 1963 as a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Company, Ltd. and was based in Brea, California.
ASMC’s first project was to import and market Suzukis new line of two-stroke motorcycles, which were very popular in Japan but had never been sold in the US before. These bikes were an instant hit with American riders, and ASMC quickly became one of the largest motorcycle importers in the country.
In 1981, ASMC expanded its operations to include automobiles, and the first Suzuki cars arrived in dealerships across America. The initial lineup consisted of small cars like the Suzuki Swift and Samurai, which were perfect for budget-minded consumers.
The 1990s were a tough decade for ASMC, as the strong yen made Japanese imports much more expensive, and competition from other Asian automakers increased. In 2001, ASMC filed for bankruptcy protection and was acquired by General Motors.
GM then sold their stake in Suzuki to a group of investors led by Osamu Suzuki himself in 2006. Since then, Suzuki has been focussing on selling smaller cars like the SX4 and Kizashi in order to compete with other Japanese brands like Mazda and Honda.
Current models available in the US
As of October 2020, Suzuki still offers seven models for sale in the United States: the Celerio, the Swift, the Baleno, the Ignis, the Vitara Brezza, the S-Cross, and the Ertiga. The Celerio is a subcompact hatchback that seats five and starts at $9,990. The Swift is a subcompact hatchback or sedan that also seats five and starts at $13,290. The Baleno is a compact hatchback that seats five and starts at $17,490. The Ignis is a subcompact SUV that seats five and starts at $18,490. The Vitara Brezza is a compact SUV that seats five and starts at $21,990. The S-Cross is a compact crossover SUV that seats five and starts at $25,990. Finally, the Ertiga is a 7-seater SUV that starts at $27,990.
Why did sales decline?
Sales of Suzuki cars in the US have declined in recent years for a number of reasons. The global financial crisis of 2008 hit Suzuki hard, and the company has struggled to recover since then. In addition, Suzuki has been beset by quality issues in recent years, with a number of recalls affecting its vehicles. As a result, consumer confidence in the brand has been eroded, and sales have suffered as a result.
Are they making a comeback?
Yes, Suzuki cars are still sold in the US. However, they have been facing some challenges recently and their sales have been declining. In 2016, Suzuki sold just over 20,000 cars in the US, which was a significant drop from their previous year’s sales. Their sales have continued to decline in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, Suzuki only sold about 5,000 cars in the US. This is a very small number compared to other car brands.
Suzuki has been trying to make a comeback in the US market and they have been making some changes. In 2020, they started selling their new SUV, the Suzuki Vitara Brezza. They are also planning to introduce a new sedan and hatchback model in 2021. So far, it seems like these new models are doing well and Suzuki’s sales are slowly increasing again. Only time will tell if Suzuki can make a full comeback in the US market.
Conclusion
Yes, Suzuki cars are still sold in the United States. The Japanese automaker offers a wide range of vehicles for buyers, including sedans, hatchbacks, crossovers, and SUVs. While Suzuki doesn’t have the same name recognition as some other brands, its cars are well-made and offer good value for the money. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, check out Suzuki’s lineup to see if there’s a car that meets your needs.