Suzuki goes it alone with ‘scrappage’ in Australia

AS THE federal government continues to favour tax incentives over a ‘cash for clunkers’ program to stimulate new-vehicle sales in Australia, Suzuki has initiated what it describes as its own scrappage scheme for the month of July.

With the ‘Suzuki Upgrade Bonus’, the Japanese marque is offering a guaranteed trade-in of between $1500 and $4000 on an old vehicle, regardless of age but on the proviso that it is registered.

The ‘bonus’ varies according to the model variant being purchased. The Swift and Swift S, for example, attract a $1500 discount, while Swift Sport offers a $2000 incentive. The SX4 raises the bar further with $2500 cash back.

The bonus on Grand Vitara starts at $2000 for the three-door, $2500 for five-door and turbo-diesel variants, $3000 for the four-cylinder Prestige and $4000 for the flagship V6 Prestige.

The Jimny Sierra comes with a $1500 bonus on all variants, while the APV van also offers a no-questions-asked $1500 trade-in.

According to Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers, the current political agenda which favours tax breaks over a scrappage scheme – despite success of the latter in a range of overseas markets – prompted the company to take matters into its own hands.

“We have been pushing hard for Australia to adopt a scrappage scheme similar to those being employed with great success around the world,” Mr Devers said.

“Customers in Europe, the US and even New Zealand are being encouraged with cash incentives to trade in their old cars for a new car with higher levels of safety and superior fuel economy.

“(So) Suzuki Australia has decided to offer its own scheme.”

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