Suzuki Jimny XL returns to market

SUZUKI Australia has lifted a temporary stop-sales order on its popular Indian-built Jimny XL five-door off-roader that had been in place for about a month.

Coinciding with the issuing of the order in July, and with no mention of the cause, Suzuki Australia said: “During this time, and with no confirmed timeframe for resolution, Suzuki advised its dealer network to prioritise customer experience by offering deposit refunds for customers that are waiting for vehicle deliveries”.

Speculation as to the reason for the stop-sales order centres on an undisclosed “operational error” by Suzuki which gives no clarity but prompted the temporary halt on deliveries while the “issue” was dealt with by head office in Japan.

The exact nature of the error remains unknown.

According to Suzuki Australia the stop sales and subsequent investigation carried out by Suzuki Motor Corporation head office was due to “quality, safety, performance and compliance concerns” surrounding the Indian factory where the model is manufactured.

The three-door Jimny is currently on production hiatus awaiting a new model, is out of a Japanese factory and was not “investigated”.

After an unsurprisingly favourable (self) investigation outcome Suzuki Australia’s general manager Michael Pachota said, “Following a thorough investigation, Suzuki Motor Corporation has concluded that there are no concerns regarding quality, safety performance, or compliance with regulations for this model”.

“Our customers well established trust in Suzuki is built on the promise that quality and safety always come first,” he added.

“While this pause was undoubtedly disruptive, it was absolutely the right step to ensure we deliver on this promise.

“I want to personally thank our customers and dealer partners for their patience and support throughout this period. With sales now resuming, we’re excited to continue delivering one of the most loved vehicles in our line-up for Australian drivers.”

Deliveries of the boxy but popular off-roader have recommenced with many going to customers already holding orders who elected to wait for the all-clear and not take a deposit refund.

“Effective immediately, wholesale and retail sales may resume, and stock held at ports and yards can now be released,” said Suzuki Australia in a statement.

Jimny sales have dropped nearly nine per cent year-to-date, to 4921 units placing the model in third-place in the light SUV segment.