Al Rostamani Trading Co, Suzuki’s sole distributor in the UAE, has achieved a remarkable 180 per cent growth in sales for Suzuki vehicles for the period January to October 2008, compared to the same period last year.

The company also announced that it is currently displaying select Suzuki models at the International Automobile Show being held at the Expo Centre Sharjah from November 18-22, 2008.

Headlining Suzuki’s showcase at the event are the new Grand Vitara and the SX4 sedan, two of Suzuki’s most successful models in recent months, especially in the Middle East.

Suzuki is leveraging the popularity of International Automobile Show to reaffirm its ever growing brand appeal in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE where ARTC has consistently maintained an impressive sales growth.

The new Grand Vitara and the SX4 sedan being showcased at the event have been in high demand among customers in the region looking for vehicles that offer optimum performance, contemporary design, high reliability and cost efficiency, a spokesman said.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara has created a niche for itself in global markets with its excellent on-road handling; uniquely sporty, tough-looking exterior design; and outstanding off-road performance. Earlier this year Suzuki had incorporated key modifications to its 2008 Grand Vitara to enhance the SUV’s overall performance, looks and comfort.

One of the significant changes to the new Grand Vitara is the newly-designed petrol engines; the latest version of the SUV is powered by a choice of 2.4-litre four-cylinder and 3.2-litre V6 petrol engines to enhance performance.

Further, driving is made quieter by a redesigned powertrain and new acoustic materials; off-road performance is improved by (ESP) hill hold control and hill descent control (applicable to the five-door vehicles with the 3.2-litre petrol engine only); and braking performance is improved with the adoption of rear disc brakes. The new Grand Vitara also gets a jazzier and tougher look with new designs for the front grille and bumper accentuating the sportier exterior, he said.

On the other hand, the Suzuki SX4 sedan is available in 1.6 (107 hp) or 2.0 (143 hp) liter, four-cylinder 16-valve engine, and automatic or five-speed manual transmission versions.-TradeArabia News Service