Suzuki has recorded it most successful sales figures since December 1996, following an exceptional retail result for the month of March.

Whilst much of the sales success can be attributed to the arrival of the new Suzuki Swift, retail sales of other Suzuki models also lifted.

An impressive 1,053 units were sold in March 2005, with Suzuki achieving an increase in sales of over 70% compared with results issued at the same time last year.

An aggressive advertising campaign for the Swift and favourable reviews has increased the awareness of the model, as it has fast become the new benchmark for light passenger cars within Australia.

In its first real month of sales on the Australian market, the Swift has far exceeded Suzuki's expected target of 350 units, selling a total of 494 vehicles.

Following the release of the most recent figures, the Swift is currently enjoying a 6.4% share of the competitive light passenger car market, experiencing greater sales for the month than the Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2 and the Daihatsu Sirion.

With new models on the horizon and the popularity of the Swift growing, Suzuki expects its successful sales to continue through the year.

Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) was first founded in 1909, and since then has grown into a worldwide company of almost 15,000 people, who manufacture and/or distribute products in more than 190 nations. Suzuki's current annual global sales volume is just over 1.9 million units, surpassing the sales of respected Japanese brands such as Mazda, Subaru and Mitsubishi.