48 | CEO of Suzuki NZ Gary Collins. But the brand is currently achieving good market share results with continued strong presence in the small vehicle market. The Motorcycle division has been a vital part to Suzuki’s success in the New Zealand market and has been performing well in the farm sector as the company has moved into winter, while Marine, a more recent acquisition into the business in 2018, recorded a market share of 21% last year. “That sector of the market is proving more challenging this year because of the lack of disposable income households are experiencing. “But we are confident as we move through to the latter part of the year we will see significant improvements.” A brand new Swift model has recently been launched at the National Fieldays in June and Gary says the company devotes a large share of its budget to development of new technologies. “Most of our models are moving toward hybrid technology and the all new Swift model line-up are all self-charging hybrids.” In the Marine sector Gary acknowledges a very positive trend, with development of an extensive range of products, with a focus also on improving environmental outcomes. The Suzuki 4-stroke range is recognised for it’s innovative design and features to enhance fuel efficiency and to reduce emissions. The conversation returns again to the benefits of being in Whanganui. Gary says, in fact, that the special character of the company’s culture is because it is based in the city and region. “We’re very non-corporate in terms of our office layout. It’s open plan with everyone working along side each other; a real team and family environment. Feedback from dealers is that the brand is one of their preferred choice, given the way the company operates with all staff being accessible including senior management. “We have a very extensive dealer network. At this time they are all performing as well as they possibly can.” T T Sue Russell Staying up to speed with industry trends In his role as CEO of Suzuki NZ Ltd, headquartered in Whanganui, Gary Collins is getting up to speed with all divisions within the organisation, though he understands the automobile division well, given his 30 year connection to that part of the company. Suzuki NZ Ltd is owned by Suzuki Motor Corp of Japan who bought the then family-owned business in 1984. The company is living proof that to be successful, a business doesn’t have to centre its base in a large metropolitan city, such as Auckland. In fact Gary says being based in a regional town comes with many benefits. “There are 45 full time staff based here. All our divisions are managed from here and a major benefit of being in Whanganui is that we have long-term staff who have based their whole career in working for the company, so there’s a lot of depth of knowledge of its history and a very strong work culture; more like a family,” Gary says. The company is structured around three product divisions, each incorporating sales, marketing and technical support – automobile, marine, and motorcycle. This is a sound business model enabling each entity to evolve as opportunity presents, while allowing for a mechanism in which the New Zealand business links with its Japanese owner. All the parts and accessories to service each division are based in Whanganui, along with finance and IT support. Gary says another benefit comes in terms of overheads in a smaller city compared to owning or leasing property in other parts of the country. “It’s certainly the case that when managing through tighter economic times, as we’re currently experiencing, its important to operate a fairly lean business to control operating costs. We have an experienced workforce that achieves a lot from a relatively low head count.” In the small car market, the space where Suzuki operates, it is the number one selling brand (light passenger and compact SUV segments) - a position the company has consistantly held. In 2022, the company sold 8,467 units. With economic and Government emission policy changes, the total market has reduced and Suzuki volumes aren’t at the heights of 2022. Suzuki NZ Ltd AUTOMOTIVE Shields Bros Panel & Paint, Whanganui Ltd 77 Taupo Quay, Whanganui 4500 PO Box 35-228, Browns Bay, Auckland 0753 06 345-3377 or 0800 744 353 whanganui@shieldsbros.co.nz www.shieldsbros.co.nz Proudly supporting local Whanganui business
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