Maruti Suzuki is India’s leading carmaker with two out of three cars sold having the Suzuki badge on it. However, Suzuki Motorcycles is struggling to boost market share in the two-wheeler market. Out of every 100 motorcycles sold in India, only one is a Suzuki. Meanwhile, it fares slightly better in scooters with 11% market share despite huge competition from main rival Honda and also because it has been in the market since seven years. Suzuki two-wheelers is now ready to take a leap by taking a leaf from its four-wheeler manufacturer’s page.
Suzuki’s every single product is regarded as the best finished and high quality bike in the business. The engines as usual are best in the segment providing great fun while returning excellent fuel economy. The only problem is the dealership network that was truly lacking. It is only the farthest corners which Suzuki has not managed to reach with the two-wheeler division while the four-wheeler counterpart is there since a very long time. Suzuki two-wheelers will ask help from existing four-wheeler dealers to take up their dealerships in the same vicinity and expand their market share.
Tier-I and Tier-II cities are covered but not thoroughly. Something which Suzuki also needs to concentrate and not forget in the midst of capturing the rural market. Increasing dealerships is the only thing which Suzuki needs to do to boost their market share because the products are great and the brand is well received by customers and media alike.
Suzuki says that they are welcoming Maruti dealers help, but there has been a mixed reaction from the dealer side. They have been telling existing motorcycle owners in the area to upgrade to a car from their motorcycle, which is usually a Hero or a Bajaj. If the same dealers open up motorcycle showrooms, things may get a bit confusing at several ends. Maruti is always keen on promoting cars to motorcycle owners and that is one of the reasons why they make cheap cars. We had reported this story long time back and Suzuki has finally started work in full swing.
Suzuki is taking things very seriously now. The price cut on the Inazuma, the amount being paid to the existing customers, the launch of the scooter Let’s, the very promising Gixxer and the upcoming 150cc super sports motorcycle which competes with the Honda CBR150R and Yamaha R15 (our scoop) is also confirmed indirectly. The Way of Life Suzuki has now chosen, is the best way of living life!
