Market reports – Guillaume Vuillardot (Suzuki): our V-Strom range deserves to be better known – Used SUZUKI

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Guillaume Vuillardot (Suzuki): our V-Strom range deserves to be better known

Market reports - Guillaume Vuillardot (Suzuki): our V-Strom range deserves to be better known - Used SUZUKI

With 10,400 registrations, Suzuki posted an increase of + 0.8% on the French motorcycle market. Guillaume Vuillardot, Commercial Director of Suzuki France, establishes for Site the 2014 balance sheet of the Japanese brand and reveals its 2015 objectives..

Site: What do you think of the general evolution of the French motorcycle market in 2014? ?
Guillaume Vuillardot, Motorcycle and Quad Sales Director of Suzuki France: Thanks to particularly good weather, the dynamism of the manufacturers, the aggressive commercial policies to sell off stocks and maintain market share, the year ended on a growing market. (read our, Editor’s note). And this, in an economic context that is still so delicate. However, this progression must be qualified in relation to a particularly bad one from a weather point of view..

MNC: What is your assessment for your brand in 125 and large cubes? ?
G. V .: In 125, Suzuki had a good year thanks to the. On large-displacement, Suzuki has stabilized its volume (motorcycles, scooters and quads) in France with an improvement in the product mix, especially in very competitive segments such as medium-displacement roadsters or trails..

MNC: Which models have performed particularly well this year ?
G. V .: La which behaves very well again with an increase in volumes of almost + 11%. Its success is deserved: it is a very good machine, offering good price positioning. The new Burgman 125 which, after a sluggish start, is now achieving good results. This scooter dominates the category of 125 GT scooters and this new vintage fully meets the expectations of users. Our cruiser range which increases its volumes by almost 40%, thanks to the Boss colourway on the which has breathed new life into this emblematic model. The cross range that is doing well and growing in volume.

"The sports segment continues to inspire dreams and is used by each manufacturer to create an image, but sales volumes are becoming anecdotal"

MNC: Who are those who have stayed behind? Why ?
G. V .: La finished in second position on the market but with volumes below our expectations. The model will settle over time. We are in the process of winning back and we are going to improve our positions. We are going to work more on the notoriety of our V-Strom range which deserves to be better known. The sporty range: the brawl every month between the first and third position in its market segment. However, even if it is a segment which continues to inspire dreams and which is used by each manufacturer to create an image, sales volumes are becoming anecdotal. (read in particular our, Editor’s note).

MNC: The French 100 horsepower law will end in 2016. Do you expect sales of powerful motorcycles to fall in 2015? ?
G. V .: We have a very close eye on the subject. Suzuki will be able to provide solutions for each of its customers to reassure and satisfy them..

MNC: How has your dealer network evolved this year ?
G. V .: The number of concessionaires remained stable in quantity. We are fortunate to have passionate and loyal brand-loyal dealers who we can rely on, even in these difficult times. From a qualitative point of view, we are in the process of deploying our new graphic charter which is very successful, whether with dealers or customers..

MNC: Did your new products for 2014 reach their commercial objectives? ?
G. V .: Yes for the Burgman 125, Burgman 200, RMZ450. Not quite for the V-Strom 1000.

"With its return to MotoGP, Suzuki’s strategy is to come back to the forefront"

MNC: What was the pleasant surprise of your 2014? And the less good ?
G. V .: The performance of the market and the evolution of the euro / yen parity which will support us in our efforts to win back volumes. The worst is this year of additional crisis.

MNC: In your opinion, what was the highlight of 2014 in the world of two-wheelers? ?
G. V .: The . This return was far from confirmed given that the markets are still struggling to recover. Despite this, Suzuki’s strategy is to come back to the fore and therefore to restore its image..

MNC: What are your good resolutions for the year 2015 ?
G. V .: Further expand our product plan, increase our sales volumes and create momentum around our return to MotoGP. We will therefore be positive and move forward.

MNC: What are your major events in 2015 ?
G. V .: Our return to Moto GP with the GSX-RR. We will also welcome our customers within a. 30 years of the GSX-R and the Paris Motor Show where we will unveil a new series of novelties.

MNC: To conclude, what Suzuki ordered from Santa Claus this year ?
G. V .: Come out on top for our brand and a few podiums in MotoGP.

Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE

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