Suzuki Motorcycle India recorded a slowdown in sales in the month of March 2020, clocking 40,636 units against 67,025 units in March 2019. This figure includes sales in both domestic and export markets. The slowdown can be attributed to the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the industry. Suzuki says the nationwide lockdown led to a production halt, and this too has affected the numbers, with domestic sales standing at 33,930 units.
On the positive side, Suzuki's strong performance throughout FY2020 ensured that the slowdown in March had little effect on its overall performance. The company registered a 5.7 percent increase in sales, clocking 7,90,397 units this financial year against 7,47,506 units in FY2019.
Koichiro Hirao, managing director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. attributed the overall growth to its dealer partners' support and determination. He also said, "The industry will overcome this difficult time and bounce back with positive growth in the coming months.”
The Suzuki Access 125 is one of the most popular scooters in the segment and has contributed significantly to the overall sales. The Company also introduced the Gixxer 250 and Gixxer 250 SF over the course of this fiscal year and the latter went on to win the Autocar Bike of the Year award.
The company has also been doing reasonably well in the domestic big-bike market, selling all the units of the much-loved Hayabusa, even before the BS6 deadline. India was one of the few places where Suzuki sold the Hayabusa in BS4 form, despite pulling the plug on the bike in most markets. Meanwhile, the new Suzuki Hayabusa is under development and we can't wait to see what they come up with.