Suzuki 2014 Annual Report Download - page 8

6 SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
Year in Review
Automobiles
Suzuki’s Worldwide Manufacturing and Sales
Total overseas automobile production for scal 2013 increased to 1,859,000 units, 101.3% compared to the previous scal year. Worldwide
production, including Japan, decreased to 2,857,000 units, 99.3% compared to the previous scal year.
Sales of automobiles in overseas market decreased to 1,983,000 units, 99.7% compared to the previous scal year, while total global sales,
including Japan, increased to 2,711,000 units, 101.9% compared to the previous scal year.
Operating Results by Segment
In the automobile business, the operating income marked the highest ever, which increased by ¥28.7 billion to ¥179.3 billion year-on-year,
mainly owing to improvement in export prot from Japan by the impact of the exchange rate and increase in income in Asia.
The Japanese Market
1. Overview of the Japanese Automobile Market
Total domestic automobile sales volume in scal 2013 rose by 9% year-on-year to 5,692,000 units (an increase of 482,000 units). Sales declined in
the rst half but were boosted greatly in the second half by an economic recovery and by a rush to buy vehicles ahead of a hike in the rate of con-
sumption tax. Sales exceeded ve million units for the second scal year in a row. Sales of minivehicles showed a marked increase of 15% year-
on-year to a record-high 2,262,000 units. Overall sales of registered vehicles rose by 6% year-on-year to 3,430,000 units. They were up on the year
for the third scal year in a row.
2. Suzuki Sales
Suzuki’s domestic automobile sales volume in scal 2013 surged by 8% year-on-year
to a record-high 728,000 units. One key factor supporting the sales growth was
a series of launches of new models throughout the scal year. Another was
the rush to buy vehicles ahead of the hike in the rate of consumption tax.
Suzuki’s sales of minivehicles grew by 10% year-on-year to 647,000 units.
The Spacia, Carry, Hustler and other new minivehicle models that each
represent a clear response to market needs contributed to the growth.
Suzuki’s sales of registered vehicles declined by 5% year-on-year to 81,000
units. They were down on the year for the rst time in four years.
3. Suzuki Topics in Fiscal 2013
• In June 2013, Suzuki launched the Spacia Custom (a variant of the Spacia). In November 2013, the Spacia won the Car of the Year Japan
Small Mobility Award.
• In July 2013, Suzuki made enhancements to the WagonR. The improved model has the best fuel economy (30km/L)* of any miniwagon (a mini-
car with an overall height of at least 1,550mm) and incorporates advanced safety technologies such as collision-mitigation braking system.
• Also in July 2013, Suzuki enhanced the Swift compact car by adding a grade that includes the newly developed Dualjet engine (a unit that combines
great fuel economy with powerful performance) and the Ene-Charge energy regenerative system.
• In September 2013, Suzuki launched the rst comprehensively enhanced version of the
Carry minitruck in 14 years. The newly improved Carry has a roomier, more comfortable
cabin together with the class-leading** load-bed length of its predecessor.
• In January 2014, Suzuki launched the Hustler—a new-genre minivehicle
that represents a fusion of a miniwagon and a sport utility vehicle. The
Hustler has been a hit with customers across a wide range of ages. Or-
ders are accordingly strong.
* Measured in the JC08 test cycle with a vehicle equipped with two-wheel drive and a
continuously variable transmission. Veried by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism. Measurements made by Suzuki in July 2013 show that some
grades of the MR Wagon oer the same level of fuel eciency.
** Based on Suzuki’s research into the minitruck class in August 2013.
Tall miniwagon Spacia Custom
Minicar crossover Hustler