April 2006 Sales: American Suzuki Motor Corp

[VenSeattle]

Suzuki April 2006 Sales up 32 Percent

BREA, Calif.--May 2, 2006--American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) today announced sales of 10,669 units in April - an increase of 32 percent over April 2005 and the best April sales in company history. April is the second consecutive month in which Suzuki reported sales above 10,000 units. Year-to-date sales, which total 37,308 are up 38 percent. Suzuki's monthly and quarterly records continue its recent sales momentum which included record sales of 82,101 in 2005 - the best sales year in American Suzuki's 21-year history.

ASMC's growth was led by the sales of its Grand Vitara, which sold 2,741 units, an impressive 493 percent increase over last year's numbers. The top-selling Forenza family of vehicles also contributed to Suzuki's record month, with 4,938 units sold in April - an 18 percent increase over 2005.

"Suzuki's record-setting April, following the outstanding first quarter result, illustrates the company's positive sales momentum and puts us on track to sustain our growth during 2006," said Koichi Suzuki, president of American Suzuki's Automotive Operations. "The increasing popularity of the 2006 Grand Vitara, the continuing sales strength of the Forenza models and the excitement surrounding the two new vehicles (all-new 2007 XL-7 and all-new 2007 SX4) we introduced last month at the New York International Auto Show position American Suzuki for a successful campaign this year."

Suzuki's expanding product line in the United States includes the media-acclaimed 2006 Grand Vitara, the popular Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, the five-door Reno, the Aerio and Aerio SX, the Verona and the Suzuki XL-7, one of the most affordable seven-passenger SUVs sold in the United States.

In addition to the strong vehicle lineup, Suzuki automobiles feature America's #1 Warranty with its industry-leading 100,000-mile/7-year, zero deductible, fully transferable limited powertrain warranty.

AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP. MONTH END REPORTING

                         APRIL                        CYTD
               --------------------------- ---------------------------
                 2006     2005    MTD VS.    2006     2005    YTD VS.
                                 MTD PRIOR                   YTD PRIOR
                                    YR.                         YR.

      VITARA:        1        7     -86%        5      227     -98%
GRAND VITARA:    2,741      462     493%    9,956    1,866     434%
        XL-7:    1,585    1,982     -20%    6,372    8,890     -28%
       AERIO:    1,121      703      59%    3,535    2,385      48%
  FORENZA(a):    4,938    4,178      18%   16,150   10,806      49%
      VERONA:      283      752     -62%    1,290    2,934     -56%
       TOTAL:   10,669    8,084      32%   37,308   27,108      38%

(a) Please note: Forenza Wagon and Reno sales are included in the
    Forenza sales.

link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005415.html

[sciguy_0504]

Verona needs to be made competitive immediately. Hopefully, after what we have seen done to the Grand Vitara and next-gen XL-7, Suzuki will get on the ball with their cars.

I love the Grand Vitara.

[Satty]

I'll admit I like the Grand Vitara over the 'Nox/Torrent, RAV4, CR-V and Equinox. Only problem is thats its a Suzuki.

[Intrepidation]

I like it's japanese name, Escudo, better. But the SUV itse;f looks very nice...hard to believe it's a Suzuki. The Verona will probably redesigned soon, since the Chavey version of it is on sale in Europe now.

Edited May 3, 2006 by Dodgefan