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  • Suzuki Two Wheeler Sales Aug 2020 – Burgman Blue Colour Launched

    Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) reports August 2020 sales at 57,909 units
    Sales fell from 71,631 (Domestic + Exports) vehicles sold in August 2019. August 2020 domestic sales is reported at 53,142 units, and exports at 4,767 units. Total sales decline is reported at 19.15 percent. MoM growth is reported at 46 in August 2020 sales over July 2020, when 31,421 vehicles were sold, and 2,991 units exported.
    FY21 YTD sales slowdown

    Business at SMIPL is in strict adherence to extensive SOPs outlined to address the Covid-19 pandemic situation to ensure safety for dealer staff and customers. With lockdown relaxation, doing business has become easier than in May 2020, and that reflects in overall reporting of MoM sales by most manufacturers. Top selling Suzuki two wheelers in India are Access, Burgman, Intruder and Gixxer.
    Speaking about products, Suzuki has launched a new colour option for the Burgman scooter today. In official speak, it is called Pearl Suzuki Medium Blue No. 2. It is available at a price of Rs 79,700, ex-sh. Other colours on offer with Burgman are – Metallic Mat Fibroin Gray, Pearl Mirage White, Metallic Matte Black No. 2 and Metallic Matte Bordeaux Red. Below is sales table of Suzuki India for Aug 2020.
    SMIPL Aug 2020 Sales
    While lockdown has has created certain bumps that manufacturers now need to tide over, the auto market had been struggling even prior to lockdown. However, at the time Suzuki Mototorcyle India was able to report MOM growth even when others were struggling with sales growth, eventually equating to 5.7 percent growth in the last fiscal.
    A feat, that’ll be difficult to better seeing FY21 YTD sales. Previously, the company had announced a target of one million units annual sales by 2020. Despite all efforts, general market slowdown was going to make the task a difficult one, but with Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown and economic slowdown, he task is now an impossible ask.
    Suzuki operates a doorstep sales and service platform, which allows customers to book requirements as per convenience. SMIPL is confident that the upcoming festive season will bring in more positivity in the auto industry. For now, Suzuki’s inroad into the Indian two wheeler market sees its scooters do better than its motorcycles, contributing the king’s share of its domestic sales.
    With resumption of business, SMIPL has also announced price hike across a range of its products in recent weeks. With BSVI a mandate since April 1, 2020, plans had to be put on hold at the time owing to lockdown. As business restarted, Suzuki Gixxer BS6 variants were launched in May 2020.
    Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “This double digit sequential growth of more than 46% has been made possible with the continuous efforts and hard work of our dealerships.”
    Suzuki recall
    At the end of July 2020, SMIPL announced a recall of 612 scooters. This included BSIV Burgman and Access 125 units manufactured between July 2019 and October 2019. Potential defect was listed as Crankshaft R taper angle being not matched properly owing to a programming error in production line 4. The error meant less contact in generator rotor, wherein cyclic loads may cause fatigue failure of Crankshaft resulting in engine stoppage.
    Globally, Suzuki’s middleweight parallel-twin engine patent filing that is now accessible points to a lighter and cleaner, naturally aspirated engine that will power 650cc bikes. In India, they are getting ready to launch the BS6 V-Strom. More

  • Suzuki Dealer Launches Self Booking System For Gixxer, Access, Burgman Owners

    Automakers in India have commenced online bookings and service schedules in view of the coronavirus pandemic
    The COVID-19 pandemic that struck the world from earlier this year has changed the way of doing many things, which was otherwise taken as standard. Behaviour patterns have changed and people are no longer comfortable in close proximity of others. Social distancing, use of sanitizers and washing of hands frequently is the new norm and wearing of face masks is the new garb.

    Coronavirus has changed the way people conduct their businesses. Work-from-Home is being followed by most offices while other businesses and places of work are allowing a small percentage of workforce to come in on rotation on a daily basis.
    The car and bike buying experience has also changed drastically. Consumers are wary of walking into company showrooms and dealerships to make their choices. This has given rise to the online booking process and a particular Suzuki dealership in Bengaluru has initiated the self booking process.
    Benefits of Self Booking Process
    One of the largest Suzuki Two Wheeler dealer in India, NineStar Suzuki has launched an innovative system to help their customers in these times of Corona virus. Owners of Suzuki Two Wheelers like Gixxer, Intruder, Burgman, Access, etc; can make self booking appointment for getting their vehicle serviced. This can be done online.

    This process of booking keeps the customer safe. It allows for customer inflow in a spaced out manners. Staff can deal with each customer giving each buyer sufficient time to make their choices. This process helps in arresting the spread of COVID-19. It was noted that 36 percent of bookings were made outside of office hours. Below is a short video explaining the self-booking process.

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    NineStar Suzuki let their customers chose the date and time of arrival and choice of their service centers. The customer gets a Web link to make a booking via a text and/or whatsapp message. The customer just has to click on the link, punch in the vehicle number and choose the date and time slot as per his convenience. This can be done at any time of the day or night.
    Customers say it’s huge advantage and they don’t have to call or be nervous about the rush at the dealership as they can just open the link and check the available slots anytime. The event can be added to the customer’s calendar as well. Once the booking is made the customer gets 2-3 reminders via email and SMS before the actual booking time. Ninestar Suzuki has also given a QR code for future services to their customers.

    NineStar Suzuki
    Customers are extremely happy with the new process introduced by Ninestar Suzuki and are elated that they don’t come in contact with a lot of customers when they come for service. “The New booking system is excellent, hassle free and Very handy. Sends detailed confirmation email with re-schedule or cancel options and contact of assigned service technician” Ms Sujitha M. This is just the first step towards a completely contacts less dropping of vehicle for service, we envisage a time where the entire process of recording the repairs and estimation can be done online” says Mr Dharma Teja G, CEO & MD of Ninestar Suzuki. More

  • Suzuki Motorcycle, Scooter Sales July 2020 Declines 50% – Gixxer, Access, Intruder, Burgman

    MoM sales have increased, but YoY sales have declined by a staggering 50%
    Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) is witnessing revival of demand since manufacturing resumed on May 18, 2020. SMIPL sold 31,421 units in the domestic market and exported 2,991 units in July 2020. Total sales amounted to 34,412 units at sales decline of 50.29 percent from total sales of 69,236 units in July 2019.

    In July 2018, sales was reported at 58,805 units sold. Last year this time, the company was progressing well at 18 percent growth. Current Covid-19 pandemic related consequences have been far reaching, and two wheeler sales for the most part has been subdued across manufacturers.
    MoM sales grew 37 percent in July 2020 compared to June 2020 when sales was reported at just over 25k. This is by design as manufacturers have only been gradual been able to increase business activity considering lockdown has been lifted in a phased manner over since May 2020. In August 2020, SMIPL will enter the 3rd phase of ‘Suzuki at Your Doorstep’. Currently, the online platform is operational across 279 dealerships so more folks can make a purchase at their convenience.

    Suzuki Motorcycle Scooter Sales July 2020
    As sales gradually rebounds, Suzuki rolled out its 5 millionth bike at its Gurgaon plant in the first fortnight of July. SMIPL was on a growth track at the end FY20 at 5.7 percent over FY19. As early as 2016, SMIPL had set a target of 1 million units in annual sales by 2020. India isn’t just a humongous two-wheeler market, it’s also a growth market. SMIPL has been foresighted about India accounting for 50 per cent of Suzuki Motor Corporation’s (SMC) global sales.
    Suzuki BS6 bikes
    In the first week of March, most of the Gixxer series was introduced as BS6 compliant. About two seekers later BS6 Suzuki Intruder was launched. This was well within the end of month deadline to stop selling BS4 two wheelers.But before the deadline, came a countrywide lockdown owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Starting July 2020, SMIPL revised its BS6 Gixxer series price range by 2k. Suzuki next plans to launch the V-Strom 650 in BS6 avatar. Bookings have opened, and teasers have been released.
    Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “With the unlock phase, the automobile industry is now marching towards normalcy in terms of production, distribution and sales while continuing to adhere to all the precautionary measures.
    From August 2020, we will try our best to achieve Pre-Covid-19 production and sales volume. We at SMIPL follow detailed operating guidelines in addition to the Government norms and regulations emphasizing on social distancing and making wearing of masks mandatory for all employees at all times.
    The gradual increase in our sales that we witnessed in only the second full month of resuming manufacturing operations has been made possible after the launch of our doorstep sales and after sales service program – ‘Suzuki at Your Doorstep’. Considering these days most of the customers search about a Suzuki product online before purchasing, we added the digital model of sales as well.” More

  • 2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000R with new colours unveiled

    The Matte Black and Triton Metallic Blue colour options get subtle visual tweaks to mark the model year update
    It is the season of model year updates in the Japanese two wheeler world and a vast majority of this updates are limited to introduction of new liveries. The 2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000R is the latest motorcycle to receive fresh colour themes for the new model year. The updated liter class supersports bike is set to go on sale in Japan on 30th of July.

    Apart from new colour options, there are no mechanical changes to Suzuki’s popular liter-class missile. The colour themes see only subtle changes to market the model year update. The 100th anniversary livery which was introduced earlier this year has been carried forward without any changes. This special colour theme with blue and silver combination with florescent green rim stripes, inspired by the brand’s MotoGP machine stands out from the rest.
    The new matte black colour option gets contrasting red decals on the fairing, fuel tank tailpiece and rims. The massive grey SUZUKI decals on the fairing add to the sportiness. The final colour options is Triton Blue Metallic white and florescent green accents. This colour option also give pride of place to Ecstar decal on the front fairing. In reality, one would be hard pressed to realize the tweaks to the colour themes.

    2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000R
    Specs
    As we said, there are no changes to the 2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000R apart from the updated colour themes. The modern sportsbike continues to employ the 999.8 cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine which belts out an impressive 197 hp and 117 Nm of torque. The motor is paired to a 6-speed transmission by means of a slipper and assist clutch.
    The flagship Suzuki Gixxer is equipped with a comprehensive Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which supports an array of electronic systems include 10-step traction control system, Motion Track ABS, launch control etc. Other feature highlights include three riding modes, quick shifter (for both up and down shifts), negative LCD instrument console, LED headlights, etc.
    The 2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000R continues to be underpinned by a twin-spar aluminium frame with adjustable swing arm pivot to allow modification for race tracks. The superbike sits on top notch Showa upside down front forks and rear monoshock. Braking is courtesy of 4-piston Brembo discs upfront and single-piston Nissin unit at the rear. The front and rear tyres measure 120/70-R17 and 190/55-R17 respectively. More

  • Suzuki Gixxer 250 added to Mumbai Police fleet – Part of CSR

    The Mumbai Police Suzuki Gixxer 250 units feature some interesting additions
    Suzuki Motorcycle India has handed over 10 Gixxer SF 250 motorcycles to the Mumbai Police; a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiative wherein the Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer regularly supplies its products to various police departments. Police fleets in Gurgaon and Surat already employ Suzuki motorcycles.
    Gixxer SF 250 Motorcycle For Police Fleet

    The specially kitted Gixxer SF 250 units are essentially stock motorcycles with add-on accessories specific to policing requirements. The Mumbai Police Gixxer SF 250 is white in colour like almost every other motorcycle used by the nation’s police departments. The colour isn’t available at dealerships. Viewed from the front, there is a red beacon (right) and a blue beacon (left) close to the handlebars.
    The tall extra windscreen has a ‘POLICE’ board (white against black). ‘POLICE’ is written in red at both sides of the fuel tank as well. Coming to the rear, there is a couple of side storage compartments. A blue beacon pole rises from one side.
    Corporate Social Responsibility

    Suzuki Gixxer 250 for Mumbai Police
    With CSR spending becoming more pronounced and noticeable in recent years, the availability of such police bikes has become a norm. Suzuki Motorcycle India is also one of the prominent names in the two-wheeler segment when it comes to supplying specially kitted bikes for polling duties across states.
    Gixxer SF 250 Specs
    Suzuki’s Gixxer SF 250 (and Gixxer 250) is powered by a BS6 249cc FI SOHC single-cylinder engine with SOCS (Suzuki Oil Cooling System). SOCS tech promises smoother acceleration, better output and higher fuel efficiency. It churns out 26.14bhp @ 9300rpm and 22.2Nm @ 7300rpm while paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Dual-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) features as standard.
    Business During COVID-19
    Alongside services designed for convenience and safety during COVID-19 pandemic, the company was able to introduce its BS6-compliant Gixxer range. This includes the Gixxer 250, Gixxer SF 250, and Gixxer SF 250 MotoGP edition. In fact, SMIPL’s (Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd.) five-millionth product was a Gixxer SF 250 from the Gurgoan plant.

    Suzuki Gixxer 250 for Mumbai Police
    Introduced in early June, Suzuki Motorcycle India’s doorstep sales-and-after-sales online channel is available across 279 cities. This is in conjunction and addition to dealerships that are currently operational under local lockdown protocols.
    With a full BS6-compliant portfolio, a price hike of roughly Rs 2,000 has also come into effect. While FY2021 ended on a positive note for Suzuki Motorcycle India, given the current circumstances, last year’s growth of 5.7 per cent (over FY2019) would be difficult to match in the months to come. More

  • Suzuki Gixxer 250 SF becomes vehicle no 50 lakh to roll out of Gurugram plant

    Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is the company’s 5 millionth vehicle produced from its Gurugram plant
    Suzuki Motorcycle India has achieved a major milestone. The company has rolled out its 5 millionth (50 lakhs) vehicle from its manufacturing facility at Kherki Dhaula, Gurugram. It was the new Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 that was this celebrated unit. The milestone timing is especially noteworthy as it is this year that the company also celebrates its 100th anniversary. This milestone production comes at a time when the company has noted increased sales to the extent of 5.7 percent in 2019-20 over sales in 2018-19.

    Mr. Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, “This year, Suzuki Motor Corporation celebrates 100-year anniversary. We are thrilled to add another feather to our success story in India by rolling out the 5 millionth Suzuki two wheeler product. This milestone is a testimony to the immense love and trust reposed by our customers on Suzuki products. We dedicate this achievement to all our customers, and our dealer partners and employees who have played a significant role in making our journey successful in India and helped us reach 5 million mark.”
    In view of the current pandemic situation in the country, Suzuki Motorcycle India introduced its online sales and service platform in June 2020. Customers can opt for test rides and after sales services while online booking and doorstep delivery are also introduced keeping the safety and well being of the customer and company employees in prime focus. The automaker claims that this online service will be expanded to over 112 cities in the country.
    Speaking about the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 BS6, it is the company’s flagship made in India product. It was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo earlier this year and launched soon after at Rs.1.74 lakhs which was around Rs.3,300 over its BS4 counterpart. Along with the regular model, Suzuki also launched Gixxer 250 SF 250 MotoGP Edition at Rs 1,74,900.
    Earlier this month, the company introduced a price hike across its Gixxer range by around Rs.2,000. This took the Gixxer SF250 price up from Rs.1,74,099 to Rs.1,76,140. Though the company did not offer any reasons for this price hike, it could be due to rising input costs. Price hike comes at a time when sales have been at a record low, adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
    The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is presented in two shades of Metallic Matte Silver with Metallic Matte Black and Metallic Matte Black and receives features such as a fully digital instrument cluster, all LED headlamps, clip on handle bars, split seats, brushed finish alloy wheels and a double canister exhaust.
    This fully faired quarter liter bike is powered by a 249cc, single cylinder, oil cooled, fuel injected engine offering 26 hp power at 9,300 rpm and 22 Nm torque at 7,300 rpm mated to a 6 speed transmission. Where suspension and braking is concerned, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 BS6 sports telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock. Braking is via single disc brake at both ends; with dual channel ABS. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 BS6 rivals the likes of KTM RC 200 and Yamaha Fazer 25. More

  • Suzuki Intruder 150 BS6 prices hiked by over Rs 2,000

    With this price hike, the Suzuki Intruder 150 BS6 cruiser has become costlier than its BS4 counterpart by Rs 14,000
    Suzuki Motorcycle India launched its Intruder 150 BS6 cruiser earlier this year at a starting price of Rs 1.20 lakh; roughly Rs 12,000 more than its BS4 counterpart. Now, the Japanese automaker has announced a price hike of just over Rs 2,000. This pushes the asking price to approximately Rs 1.22 lakh. All figures mentioned here are ex-showroom.

    After the updated pricing, the Suzuki Intruder 150 (actually ~155cc) has become more expensive than the Gixxer 150 and Gixxer SF 150. Even its primary rival from Bajaj Auto, Avenger Street 160 is priced substantially lower at about Rs 95,000 ex-showroom.
    The Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer has not mentioned any particular reason for this price hike. It could most likely be a result of adverse market conditions caused by COVID-19 pandemic. India’s automotive industry is making a slow recovery from a two-month total shutdown as part of the nation’s COVID-19 lockdown protocols. Major OEMs, including Suzuki Motorcycle India, have also introduced online sales platforms. However, sales remain relatively on the lower side.

    Suzuki Motorcycle India has also increased the BS6 Gixxer’s pricing by a similar margin to touch Rs 1.14 lakh ex-showroom. Similarly, its faired ‘SF’ sibling carries a price tag of Rs 1.24 lakh as against the initial BS6 pricing of Rs 1.22 lakh. In other, almost all major products from the brand have become dearer by Rs 2,000 on average. Unlike the Intruder 150, either Gixxer model comes with major revisions in terms of styling and equipment.
    Notable highlights of the 2020MY Suzuki Intruder BS6 extend to a triangular headlamp design, digital instrument console, dual-outlet exhaust, single-channel ABS, LED tail lamp and a relaxed riding position. It is offered in three colour choices: Metallic Matte Black / Candy Sanoma Red, Glass Sparkle Black / Metallic Matte Titanium Silver and single-tone Metallic Matte Titanium Silver.
    The Suzuki Intruder 150 rides on 100/80R17 and 140/60R17 tyres at the front and back, respectively. In the process of becoming compliant to newer emission norms, the motorcycle gained 4kg over its BS4 counterpart to hit a kerb weight of 152kg. Fuel tank capacity stands at 11 litres.

    Powering the Suzuki Intruder 150 BS6 is a 155cc air-cooled SOHC FI single-cylinder engine making 13.4bhp @ 8,000rpm and 13.8Nm @ 6,000rpm. This is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Output figures are slightly lower than before. The phased-out Suzuki Intruder BS4 (was available in carburetted format) offered almost 1.2bhp and 0.2Nm more from basically the same power plant. More

  • Suzuki Gixxer 155 and Gixxer 250 range prices increased – July 2020

    The Suzuki Gixxer BS6 series is now significantly more expensive than their rivals
    The Suzuki Gixxer BS6 family which consists for four variants – Gixxer, Gixxer SF, Gixxer 250 and Gixxer 250 SF – has received a price hike. The move to increase the prices comes just two months after the introduction of BS6 upgrades which was also accompanied by considerable inflation.

    The Suzuki Gixxer and Gixxer BS6 variants are dearer by up to INR 2,070. The Gixxer is now priced at INR 1,13,941 while the fully faired Gixxer SF retails at INR 1,23,940. The Gixxer SF MotoGP edition is priced at INR 1,24,970. This make the 155 cc Gixxer twins significantly more expensive than their competitors.
    The Gixxer 250 BS6 witnesses a hike of INR 2,041 to 1,65,441 while the Gixxer 250 SF and 250 SF MotoGP edition receive price hike of INR 2,140 (INR 1,76,140) and INR 2,041 (INR 1,76,941) respectively. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
    Suzuki Gixxer 155, 250 – July 2020 Price list
    Suzuki
    New Price
    Old Price
    Diff
    Gixxer 155
    1,13,941
    1,11,871
    2,070
    Gixxer SF 155
    1,23,940
    1,21,870
    2,070
    SF 155 MotoGP Edition
    1,24,970
    1,22,900
    2,070
    Gixxer 250
    1,65,441
    1,63,400
    2,041
    Gixxer SF 250
    1,76,140
    1,74,099
    2,041
    SF 250 MotoGP Edition
    1,76,941
    1,74,900
    2,041
    There are no changes on any of the four motorcycles. The Gixxer and Gixxer SF are powered by a 155 cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine which developed 13.4 hp and 13.8 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 5-speed unit. The twins lock horns with the likes of Bajaj Pulsar 160 NS, TVS Apache RTR 160, Honda X-Blade, Yamaha FZS and the newly launched Hero Xtreme 160R.
    The quarter liter contenders employ a 249 cc oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine that is tuned to develop 26.5 hp and 22.2 Nm of torque. The motor is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The Gixxer 250 twins compete with the Yamaha FZ-25 and KTM Duke 250. While the 155 variants make do with single-channel ABS, the 250 cc variants offer dual-channel system. All the four variants feature LED headlamps and fully digital instrument cluster, and front and rear disc brakes.

    Suzuki Motorcycles India did not reveal any reason for the price hike. We think it is to compensate for the rising input costs and reduced sales during the pandemic. More two wheeler manufacturers may announce similar price hikes in the near future but increased burden is the last thing a prospective customer wants during these difficult times.
    In related news, Suzuki is working on Intruder 250 cruiser. The stylish cruiser will be deriving its motor from the Gixxer 250 but we expect the gear ratios to be tweaked to suit relaxed cruising. The motorcycle is likely to derive its sporty styling from the existing 155 cc variant. One can expect the Suzuki Intruder 250 to feature LED headlamp, fully digital instrument cluster, alloy wheels, front and rear discs with dual-channel ABS, and so on. More