Four Pak Suzuki hatchbacks, the 660cc Alto, 1000cc Cultus & WagonR and 1300cc Swift have recorded their lowest ever sales in the month of March 2020 according to the latest data released by Pakistan Automobile Manufacturers Association (PAMA).
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The Pak Suzuki Swift which was long seated at the bottom of domestic sales chart sold just 84 units in the month of March which is 57% less than the 186 units it sold in February 2020, and 79% less than the 386 units sold in March 2019.
The craze of Suzuki Alto 660cc seems to have been completely subdued after the thousands of pre-booked units were delivered to the customers. Having posted record breaking sales of 4,924 units in September 2019, the Alto saw its lowest sales last month with just 1,620 units leaving the showrooms. Now however, the Alto has broken its own lowest sales record with just 884 units in March 2020 which is 45% less than its previous lowest sales figure.
The once bestsellers Cultus and WagonR also saw deplorable sales in March. Suzuki Cultus with just 710 units, recorded its lowest-ever sales which was 54% less than February’s figures (1,535 units) and 69% less than 2,253 units it sold in March 2019. WagonR which was already witnessing a hopeless period for quite a few months saw just 310 units sold in March– its lowest-ever compared to 699 units sold in February rendering a 56% decline. Compared to stats from March 2019 which were an impressive 2,982 units, the WagonR saw a horrible 90% reduction in sales.
Part of this has to be blamed to COVID-19 lockdowns which were enforced towards the third week of March, however the downward sales trend was a continuous headache for local automakers including Suzuki for several months. The company for the first time also observed non-production days in the first two months of this year due to reduced demand.
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Interestingly the other vehicles in the market didn’t do as bad as these once hot selling Suzukis, the details of which will be posted in our upcoming post. However stats for April 2020 are expected to be even more horrifying as local automakers are observing plant shutdowns in order to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Stay tuned to CarSpiritPK for an unbiased coverage of the local auto industry.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
