Bosses at Suzuki GB claim a novel approach to service devised to back a fleet-specific new variant will also set a fresh standard in customer care.

Suzuki will have a derivative of the new SX4 S-Cross aimed at user choosers - the SZ-T - which will feature standard equipment that appeals to business drivers.

The company is aiming to boost its customer service levels to fleets to take account if the increased interest in the brand as a result of new products.

"With a central ordering and invoicing system at their disposal, our dealers get the access to nationwide stock and the ability to supply vehicles to leasing companies and major customers with a consistent approach to invoicing," said national corporate sales and remarketing manager Andrew Wale.

"This means each of our 141 outlets can provide business motorists with the level of care they give to retail buyers. I’m confident this will give us an edge in future. Suzuki is small enough to provide the service that people appreciate and I think user chooser drivers will like the idea of having their cars cared for by their local dealers."

In an interview at the media launch of all-drive versions of the Swift supermini, Wale said he expected the SZ-T fleet version of the new crossover to achieve only around 10%of the 20,000 registrations forecast for the range over the next four years.

Wale added: "This car ticks all the boxes for fleets with high efficiency, low emissions, great packaging and a sub-£20,000 price. I think it will get us onto a lot of lists and all the indications are that it will have the strong residual values that will allow it to be a keen rival for the Nissan Qashqai at around 10% less cost.

"But even though it is our trigger model for the sector, we’re aiming for the organic growth that is sustainable. We have no plans for rental business – I’m more interested in developing our contract hire business via our partnership with Lex Autolease.

"We’re on course to achieve 30,000 registrations this year and our target for three or four years’ time is 40,000. But the SZ-T will lay an important foundation for the business we expect to win from 2015 onwards with a new B-segment SUV model to rival the Nissan Juke and the city car that will replace the Alto."

Author: Maurice Glover

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