December Auto Sales: Suzuki
Suzuki's US vehicle sales fell 5 percent in 2012, sharp drop after announcing plans to exit
BREA, Calif. (AP) -- American Suzuki Motor Corp. said Thursday that 2012 U.S. sales fell 5 percent as the company, which is exiting the U.S. car business, said inventory shortages caused a drop in December sales.
BY THE NUMBERS: The company said it sold 25,358 vehicles in 2012. December sales tumbled 24 percent from December 2011 to 1,946. The company said it was making a final shipment from Japan of 2,500 cars, which will be allocated among U.S. dealers.
TOP SELLER: The SX4, at 12,860, an increase of 3 percent over 2011.
HOT MODEL: The SX4 was the only model in Suzuki's lineup that posted an increase.
The company filed for bankruptcy protection in early November and said it would stop selling cars in the U.S. but honor warranties. Still, sales rose 22 percent in November. The company plans to focus on selling motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and boat engines after emerging from bankruptcy.
