Suzuki names new national sales manager

SUZUKI Australia has promoted Michael Pachota as national sales manager, replacing Doug Quick who retired in April after almost nine years with the Japanese brand and more than 17 years in the industry.

Mr Pachota previously served as state sales manager for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. He has worked for the company since 2012, having previously spent more than five years in automotive retail.

“I’m extremely confident that Michael’s outstanding relationships he has developed with Suzuki’s NSW dealer network will now be extended nationally, providing an even greater level of support to Suzuki dealers and customers,” said Suzuki Australia general manager of automobiles Andrew Moore.

“Michael will be an important member of the fresh new team and direction at Suzuki Australia.”

Mr Moore told GoAuto this week that the company was currently recruiting for a new NSW/ACT sales manager.

Mr Quick’s LinkedIn page declares that he is off “having a break – back in 12 months”.

He had served as national sales manager with Suzuki Australia since early 2008, moving up from dealer development manager. Prior to that, he was Kia’s southern region manager for more than eight years.

Mr Pachota’s first major launch will be the all-new Vitara, which is due for release here early September.

The new Vitara will be important in maintaining momentum for the brand, which has experienced a surge in sales this year with the release of the new Celerio and improvements across established model lines.

The company has also requested the factory make the iK-2 light hatch and iM-4 crossover available for Australia, following their unveiling in near-production concept form at the Geneva motor show earlier this year.