Suzuki Middle East distributors' convention in Doha focuses on market consolidation strategy

The one-day convention was attended by Suzuki distributors from KSA, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, and Qatar, in addition to manufacturers from India and Indonesia, and distributors from Libya, Egypt and Sudan who played the role of observers.

A major highlight of the convention was a discussion on the strategy to be adopted to promote the all-new 2007 Suzuki XL7 midsize crossover SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) that was recently launched in the Middle East.

Mr. Kinji Saito, General Manager, Asia/Middle East/Africa Automobile Marketing Department, SMC, said,

'Suzuki has been witnessing steady growth in markets across the Middle East, which underlines the quality and reliability of our vehicles. We are noticing a market trend in many countries where customers are gradually shifting to small-sized and compact cars; while in the Middle East we are also seeing a growing demand for mid-sized sedans and SUVs. Suzuki has been quick to respond to this trend by launching sporty sedans and multi-utility vehicles that have demonstrated excellent market acceptance.'

'This meeting with our distributors from all over the region provided us an ideal platform to engage in one-to-one discussions with them to finalise our marketing and sales strategy, as we look to aggressively target new consumer segments and consolidate our market position,' added Saito.

Suzuki recently began the first stage of its global strategy by strengthening its product line-up which started with Grand Vitara, Swift, and SX4. With the highly acclaimed series of these models, Suzuki has enjoyed enormous success across the world, receiving 'Car of the Year' awards in many countries. As the result of its global strategy, Suzuki continues to build momentum and increase market share in recent years.

As for the Middle East market, Suzuki is expecting an increase of 75% in vehicles sales in 2007, and aims to triple its sales figures for the year 2005 by the end of 2009. The company hopes that the expansion of its product line-up in the midsize car segment and introduction of the all-new XL7 will help support continued market growth in the Middle East.