SUZUKI has reiterated its commitment to its dealer network in the light of potential fleet desire to deal directly with manufacturers in a post-block exemption world. The car distribution block exemption is due to expire in September 2002, and is under review by the European Commission.

Suzuki insists, however, that it will channel all its corporate business through its dealer network, and that it has no plans to enter into direct supply arrangements with the fleet market. David Seward, Suzuki GB sales and marketing director, said: 'As a result of regulations introduced in the wake of the Competition Commission report on new car pricing, we made our network fully responsible for all fleet sales from the start of this year. We will stand by our decision that every corporate registration is made via one of our dealers.'

At the international launch of the company's new Liana hatchback range in Italy, Seward said Suzuki GB would achieve a 12% expansion by selling more than 30,000 vehicles this year. 'We're on course to be registering in excess of 40,000 units by 2005 to give us a 2% market share. A 25% rise in sales so far this year shows the downsizing trend is gathering pace,' he said.

Suzuki's Liana is only the first of a series of new products designed to drive the Japanese company to a 2% share of Britain's new car market by 2005. XL-7, a rival to the Land Rover and Discovery and Mitsubishi Shogun, will be launched this autumn. Seating seven and fitted with separate air conditioning systems for the front and rear compartments, it is expected to be priced about £20,000.

Suzuki GB officials are said to be 'actively considering' introducing a four-wheel drive version of the Liana and plan to offer a turbodiesel GLX at under £12,000 by early 2003. 'The UK is already Suzuki's biggest sales area in Europe market and after selling 26,747 vehicles last year, we're confident of reaching more than 30,000 units this year. Steady growth will take us further and our marketing will be product-led,' said Seward.