Japanese manufacturer Suzuki has adopted a more focused approach to its multifaceted product presence in the local market by integrating all of its divisions into a new, single business entity.

As of April 1, all of Suzuki’s brand interests in South Africa will be united, and will be trading under the auspices of Suzuki Auto South Africa (SASA), owned by the Japanese parent company.

Previously, Suzuki’s automotive interests were controlled by Suzuki Auto South Africa, while the motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and marine divisions were controlled by a separate company, Suzuki South Africa.

“We have followed a lengthy process of integration, which has now enabled us to represent all of the Suzuki brands in South Africa with a more cohesive, coherent and unified structure,” says SASA MD Yukio Sato.

“Suzuki offers a compelling product range across various market segments, all sharing the Suzuki Way of Life! brand strategy, and which clearly position the marque as innovative and progressive.”

Sato points out that the Suzuki product offering is extensive and versatile.

“It extends from our latest SX4 crossover and the exhilarating GSX-R motorcycle range, to any of our highly capable ATVs [all-terrain vehicles], and Suzuki’s high-tech marine products.

“Bringing all of these interests together under a single, unified brand umbrella allows us to continue building Suzuki’s strong momentum in the local market, and to improve the image and presence of the brand as a whole.

“It also dovetails with our philosophy of offering a complete mobility concept that is able to serve the needs of our customers through their entire automotive life cycle, for both business and pleasure.”

There will be no immediate impact on Suzuki’s national network of automotive and nonautomotive dealerships, which will continue trading as normal.

In the longer term, however, customers can expect a more integrated retail approach to the entire Suzuki product range, which should benefit overall availability.