Suzuki New Zealand is set to lift some of its prices in response to the introduction of the Clean Car Standard.
Speaking to AutoTalk, Suzuki automobile general manager Gary Collins noted that some models have already incurred slight price rises due to rising production and freight costs, adding that more increases are on the way.
“Like most industries, we are experiencing cost increases for production and freight,” says Collins.
“There will also be increases in costs for most distributors in New Zealand from 1 January 2023 from the Clean Car Standard programme.
“Selling price increases will inevitable but the timing and the extent of the changes are still to be confirmed. We have already had some realignments in pricing so we will be trying to minimise any future changes.”
Asked which models are most likely to incur a price increase, Collins adds that “those decisions have not been made at this stage”.
Models to have recently had their prices increased include the Swift and Jimny, with prices up by around $1000 in each spec. It’s unclear when these minor price increases were first introduced.
The update follows Suzuki Australia’s decision to increase its prices by between AU$1000 and $3500 across Australia earlier this month, with only the Baleno not incurring a price rise.
The price change impacted all Suzuki Australia dealers, apart from those in Queensland.
In a brief statement to Drive, a Suzuki Australia spokesperson said that the recent price increases “are related to parts and materials shortages as well as the increase in shipping costs”.
The largest price hikes belonged to the Vitara, with each variant’s increased by at least AU$3000.
Suzuki Australia and Suzuki New Zealand have both recorded strong years in terms of sales. In August, the latter reported record levels of market share, stating that it was selling on average 747 new vehicles per month.
