Suzuki GB appoints new managing director

Suzuki has appointed Takanori Suzuki as its new managing director for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

He replaces Sam Suyama, who is taking up a new position as president of Suzuki Marine for the USA.

Suzuki, who is currently division general manager for Europe, Oceania and Latin America for SMC Automobile, returns to Suzuki GB having held the position of managing director between 2006 and 2010.

As well taking up his new role, Suzuki will retain his current position.

Suyama said: “I have very much enjoyed my eight years at SGB and would like to thank all our employees and dealers for their major efforts and achievements in sales, aftersales and above all, customer satisfaction of our products and retention where we continue to thrive. I will watch the market with interest and wish my friends and colleagues the very best of luck.”

The Japanese car maker’s electrification strategy includes the launch of five new electric vehicles by 2030.

The first EV is due to arrive in Europe in 2024, followed by four more cars in the SUV and B-segments.

Suzuki registered 17,378 new cars in 2022, 17.5% fewer than in 2021. Overall, the UK's new car market was 2% down last year.