A greater Suzuki is coming this year as the Japanese giant faces the challenge of 2015 with more aggressive efforts and global marketing approach as presented during its Dealer Convention in Parañaque on February 12. It was a night of glamour and sophistication as the brand also marks its 30tth year in the country as Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) – a company operating under Suzuki Motors Corporation (SMC) of Japan.
THE SUZUKI CHALLENGE
Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki – President Suzuki Philippines
With a rich history of providing the Filipinos with the best products at the most reasonable prices coupled with the best customer service that Suzuki is known for, the brand has secured its current position in the market today. Defying the trials of 2014 and emerging with a great performance in terms of sales volume securing an increased market share, Suzuki braces itself once again to the challenges of another exciting year with its competitive line up of new motorcycles, superior advertising and PR efforts, attractive retail support and global marketing strategies. The event commences a new set of challenges that Team Suzuki is delighted to face with its partners in the industry – the dealers, business affiliates and government institutions as one team with one spirit towards a single and mutually beneficial goal.
DEALER CONVENTION
Hosts Alice Dixson and Migz Azures
Taken place at the Grand Ballroom of the stunning and newly opened gaming and entertainment hub in the Philippines – City of Dreams Manila, the brand presented a very powerful set-up radiating the supremacy of Suzuki technology. Even at the entrance, Suzuki was already able to create a wow by displaying its complete line-up of products from all categories – Backbone, Scooter, Underbone highlighting the newly released colours of the Underbone King – Raider R 150 and Big Bikes with the GSX-RR which is the machine that Suzuki developed for its big return at this year’s MotoGP. The stage was a sight to behold with three big LED screens flashing dynamic presentations and astounding play of lights. Hosted by the alluring Alice Dixson and radio jock Migz Azures, the two-part program started with the Business Convention followed by the Dealer Awards Night.
BUSINESS CONVENTION
The Business Convention started with a review of the past year highlighting the main factors of the growth which can be attributed mainly to the aggressive campaign on Suzuki Fi-powered motorcycles – the Raider J 115 Fi and Shooter 115 Fi, the efforts to support the other product categories through on-ground activations, mall invasions, races, club supports, advocacy programs and other relevant activities. Drawing inspiration from the success of the previous year, the team gets ready for a greater Suzuki as the plans for 2015 were presented including the new motorcycle models to be released that will definitely challenge the players of their respective categories.
THE NEW LOOK OF THE UNDERBONE KING
Alongside the introduction of the new colors of Suzuki’s most saleable bike dubbed by the users themselves as the Underbone King, the Raider R 150 was launched in a very powerful number formally introducing its endorser – International Model Melissa Mitrovic who looked as striking and sexy as the bike she is representing. With its new blue lens headlight, appealing decals and colored mags, the new look of the R 150 will certainly hit the market by storm. A Meet and Greet segment was made for the guests to get up close and personal with Melissa during the banquet.
REVAMPED WEBSITE
As the market gets more and more internet savvy, a revamped website with an improved look designed to be more dynamic and comprehensive yet mobile friendly was introduced. The new website boasts of a Suzuki Fi microsite where customers can find more about the Suzuki Fi technology. It also features a product comparison table to help the customers decide easily when buying a Suzuki motorcycle with a dealer locator to point them to the nearest store where they can buy their chosen ride. The site also hosts a forum to gather all Suzuki riders in one place and answer their concerns efficiently. Downloadable contents such as wallpapers, jingles, images and e-brochures are also made available. And finally another first from Suzuki, a full 360-degree angle of each motorcycle model can be viewed for the market to fully appreciate each product.
GLOBAL RACES
2015 is a big year for Suzuki globally as this is the year that marks its comeback to MotoGP. Team Suzuki gets the show on the road with the GSX-RR, the machine that will hit it big at the mentioned race. Extending the feel of the highly-anticipated race locally, Suzuki will release MotoGP-inspired motorcycles in its scooter and underbone lineage.
At the regional level, Suzuki introduces the Raider R 150 at the Asia Road Race Championships through a One Make Race competition aptly called as the Suzuki Asian Challenge and the Philippines is allocated with two slots to represent in the race. At the end of the first quarter, Suzuki Philippines will host a local competition to determine the country’s two strongest riders who will battle it out among the tough racers in Asia.
BIG BIKES AND MODULES
Suzuki is expanding its network to make its products accessible to everyone and this year, they are opening Big Bikes dealership to all the existing distributors with a retail concept that identifies the power and performance of Suzuki Big Bikes.
Suzuki’s strength lies not only in its superior quality motorcycles but also in its dealers that is why this year, the brand is launching 3 retail modules themed on Scooter, Suzuki Fi Technology and MotoGP for their benefit. All of which boasts of an LED screen and provision for stickers and signages aiming to provide a comprehensive retail platform that will appeal to the customers.
Finally, for a bigger Suzuki Mall Invasion that aims to visit more than 60 retail destinations nationwide, the existing module was given a face lift to be more spacious to carry more bikes on display. Suzuki Fi girls will look more stunning with their new uniforms exuding a youthful and sexy vibe.
SUZUKI APPAREL
Following a holistic marketing approach in facing the challenges of 2015, Suzuki also presented its new line of trendy apparel and accessories to match with the brand’s equally stylish bikes.
DEALER AWARDS NIGHT
The night was all set for the Suzuki dealers, to show gratitude to their unwavering support and acknowledge their efforts in the year that passed. Rising as the Suzuki Dealer of the Year is Motortrade Nationwide Corporation. The top three dealers in Luzon are – Motortrade Nationwide Corporation, Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation and Royce Motorcycle Trade Corporation; in Visayas – Solid Motorcycle Distributor, Inc., DES Marketing, Inc. and Bacolod Eversure Marketing; and in Mindanao – Motorjoy Depot, Inc., Emcor, Inc. and Guilmark Trading Corporation. For 3S Shops, the Most Outstanding winners are Solid Motorcycle Distributot Inc., Motorcentral Sales Corporation, Royce Motorcycle Trade Corporation, United Excelsior Marketing and Venture Motorcycle Sales Corporation.