Worldwide sales of Suzuki Swift cross three million units

January 31, 2013: Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that cumulative worldwide sales of its Swift hatchback, which was originally launched as a world strategic model in late 2004, reached three million units in January this year (eight years and two months since the start of sales in 2004). When it was launched, the Swift brought a blend of eye-catching good looks, Japanese quality and European-inspired driving dynamics to the compact car segment.

The vehicle was first produced and sold in Japan as a world strategic model in November 2004. In the following year, production and distribution began in various countries, including Hungary, India and China. In March 2012, production and distribution were also launched in Thailand. Today, the Swift is a popular vehicle in more than 120 countries and regions around the world and cumulative worldwide sales have now reached the three million mark.

In the full model change of 2010, the Swift – the new standard compact car – was enhanced with the adoption of a sophisticated design which conveys a free yet stable image, underscoring the Swift's ‘nippy’ character, and also through the improvement of overall environmental performance.

Of the three million units, approximately 13 percent have been sold in Japan, 45 percent in India and 23 percent in Europe. The Swift is a popular buy in India, particularly in diesel guise, and sold 17,436 units in December 2012.

Commenting on the landmark achievement, R C Bhargava, chairman, Maruti Suzuki India, said:

"The Swift is the second best-selling car for Maruti Suzuki in India after the Alto and has been much appreciated by the consumers. It is an important vehicle for us and we will continue to make periodic improvements in its design and performance.”

SWIFT MILESTONES

November 2004: First-generation Swift – a world strategic model – is launched in Japan

February 2005: Production begins in Hungary

May 2005: Production begins in India

June 2005: Production begins in China

September 2005: The Swift Sport is released in Japan

November 2005: The Swift wins the 2006 RJC Car of the Year Award and in 2005–2006 the Japan Car of the Year Special ‘Most Fun' Award

January 2006: The Swift wins the 2006 Indian Car of the Year Award

June 2008: Total worldwide production reaches one million units

June 2010: Production of the new (second-generation) Swift for Europe begins at Magyar Suzuki in Hungary

September 2010: The new (second-generation) Swift is launched in Japan

November 2010: The new Swift wins the 2011 RJC Car of the Year Award

January 2011: Total worldwide sales reach two million units

March 2012: Production begins in Thailand

January 2013: Total worldwide sales reach three million units