Suzuki Sales Data, Trends & Analysis for the Chinese Automotive Market
China auto sales statistics for Suzuki only include the models that are locally produced in China through the Changan-Suzuki and Changhe-Suzuki Joint Ventures with local manufacturing partners Changan Auto and Changhe, and excludes import models. In 2018 the brand announced it would step out of these joint ventures and retreat from China. Changan built the Alivio, Alto, Lingyang, S-Cross, Swift and SX4 sedan and hatchback for Suzuki, while Changhe built the Beidouxing/Big Dipper (Wagon R) and Liana sedan and hatchback for the Japanese brand.
Suzuki China Sales Figures & Recent Highlights
Suzuki was one of the early entrants into the Chinese market, establishing its presence in the 1980s. Suzuki set up two significant joint ventures in China. One was with Changan Automobile called Changan Suzuki, established in 1993. This joint venture was responsible for producing several Suzuki models tailored for the Chinese market. The second joint venture was with Jiangxi Changhe, named Changhe Suzuki, which was established earlier but became an official JV in 2002. Suzuki offered several models in China, some of which were unique to the Chinese market or adapted to local tastes. Popular models included the Suzuki Alto, Swift, and Vitara, among others.
In the late 2010s, Suzuki faced challenges in the Chinese market. The increasing competition, both from international brands and rising domestic Chinese brands, along with changing consumer preferences, affected Suzuki’s sales. Additionally, the shift towards larger cars and SUVs, along with stricter emission norms and a push towards electric vehicles, presented challenges for Suzuki, which has traditionally been strong in small cars. Given these challenges and declining sales, Suzuki decided to exit the Chinese market. In 2018, the company announced it would cease its operations and sold its stakes in the joint ventures to Changan Automobile.
After exiting the Chinese market, Suzuki indicated a shift in focus towards its home market of Japan and other strongholds like India, where the brand has enjoyed consistent success and market leadership through its joint venture, Maruti Suzuki.
Suzuki Annual Sales, Growth and Market Share in China
Below we have a table that shows total Suzukit sales volumes for the Chinese automotive market, broken out by year. This data captures all Suzuki vehicle sales for the entire Chinese automotive market.
| Year | Sales | YOY Change | Marketshare | Marketshare Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 35,155 | 0.00 | 6.21 | 0.00 |
| 1998 | 42,093 | 19.74 | 7.24 | 14.19 |
| 1999 | 51,082 | 21.36 | 7.46 | 3.00 |
| 2000 | 53,958 | 5.63 | 7.21 | -3.53 |
| 2001 | 44,387 | -17.74 | 5.35 | -34.78 |
| 2002 | 68,516 | 54.36 | 6.07 | 11.88 |
| 2003 | 136,412 | 99.10 | 6.09 | 0.33 |
| 2004 | 131,156 | -3.85 | 5.21 | -16.83 |
| 2005 | 117,789 | -10.19 | 3.71 | -40.38 |
| 2006 | 157,841 | 34.00 | 3.91 | 5.00 |
| 2007 | 161,659 | 2.42 | 3.19 | -22.34 |
| 2008 | 184,232 | 13.96 | 3.51 | 8.96 |
| 2009 | 230,946 | 25.36 | 2.94 | -19.50 |
| 2010 | 275,672 | 19.37 | 2.67 | -9.84 |
| 2011 | 301,552 | 9.39 | 2.70 | 1.14 |
| 2012 | 253,556 | -15.92 | 2.13 | -26.82 |
| 2013 | 229,535 | -9.47 | 1.60 | -33.20 |
| 2014 | 261,416 | 13.89 | 1.61 | 0.80 |
| 2015 | 194,660 | -25.54 | 1.05 | -53.45 |
| 2016 | 115,149 | -40.85 | 0.52 | -100.58 |
| 2017 | 88,365 | -23.26 | 0.39 | -36.15 |
| 2018 | 39,899 | -54.85 | 0.18 | -113.40 |
| 2019 | 22,688 | -43.14 | 0.11 | -60.68 |
| 2020 | 21,092 | -7.03 | 0.11 | 0.54 |
| 2021 | 10,818 | -48.71 | 0.05 | -110.94 |
| 2022 | 10,468 | -3.24 | 0.05 | -5.72 |
Suzuki China Annual Sales Units & Market Share Chart
Below is a visual representation of Suzuki China sales units over time. We have both the Suzuki’s sales units and the market share in the Chinese market. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
Suzuki China Growth Rate & Growth Chart
Below is the annual growth rate for the Suzuki brand in China, shown against the Suzuki’s marketshare changes in China. This gives you a good look into how Suzuki has faired against the other brands in terms of absolute sales and effect on marketshare. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
The Best-Selling Suzuki Cars & SUVs in China
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