Suzuki GB is aiming to grow its network to up to 165 dealers in the UK.

The news comes after the Japanese brand announced six simultaneous appointments to its network, bringing its total network up to 152.

The six dealerships are opening in Worthing, Queensferry in Flintshire, Dorchester, Manchester, Letchworth and Sittingbourne.

This six dealers coming online at the same time was an intentional decision by Suzuki after it prospected for new dealers to fill open points for the brand.

All will be fully operational by early September and Suzuki.
Suzuki told AM the dealer network is profitable. Based on the June 2009 composite; profitability has grown from a net profit of 1.4% in June 2008 to 2.2% in June 2009.

A spokesman for Suzuki said: “The new appointments are due to the interest created by both prospecting the open points and the interest of the prospects in the Suzuki franchise as a profitable and mainly retail franchise (approx 88%).

“The total size of dealer network really depends on future market conditions but Suzuki is aiming for between 160-165 dealers in the longer term.”

Dale Wyatt, Suzuki GB general manager of dealer development, added: “By opening six new dealerships nationwide, we are ensuring our showrooms are accessible to our customers and reducing customer drive-time for both sales and aftersales service.”

Suzuki is actively looking to appoint more dealers and is currently carrying out open point surveys.