Autoshow, in Guayaquil, is a showcase where 33 brands show their new models and innovations until this Sunday, July 16, and for those who have recently directly entered the Ecuadorian market, it proves to be a thermometer of brand acceptance. In this 2023 edition, two Asian companies that have recently arrived in the country are looking to grow, one showing a new version of one of its most famous models and the other betting on new energy.

We are talking about Japanese Suzuki, which entered Ecuador as an independent brand in August 2021, and Chinese BYD, which arrived in the country last May on behalf of Andor Corporation. Cars of these brands were previously sold in Ecuador through dealers of other brands, but now they are present directly.

At the Autoshow, Suzuki presented a new version of the Grand Vitara, a model that, according to the brand, has sold more than 3.85 million units worldwide and is one of the best-selling Suzuki models in Ecuador.

The Grand Vitara was launched at the event priced at $26,990 in 4×2 MT (manual transmission), $28,990 4×2 AT (automatic transmission) and $30,990 4×4 AT versions.

New electric models, presented at the Autoshow 2023, mark the path of their brands towards long-term sustainability plans

The Japanese brand, one of five from that country that sells vehicles in Ecuador, is the ninth best-selling brand in the first half of 2023 with 1,974 vehicles, a 105% increase over the 963 vehicles sold in Ecuador. .the same period in 2022, according to the latest data from the Association of Automobile Companies of Ecuador (Aeade).

Juan Sebastián Becerra, Marketing Manager of Suzuki of Ecuador, he highlighted the brand’s results in its first two years as an independent brand in Ecuador. He reminded that in 2021, with only six months of operation, the Japanese brand sold 772 units, in 2022 it achieved a growth of 167% with 2,063 units, and the projection for 2023 is to exceed 4,000 units sold. If the brand’s projections come true, they would catapult it from the 15th position – where it was in 2022 – to retain the ninth position it currently holds in total sales at the end of the year, according to the data. ranking of Aeada.

“Suzuki started its operations with a share of 0.7%, which doubled to 1.5% by 2022, and doubled again to an average of 3% in the first five months of 2023,” said Becerra, who added that with with the development and opening of the Suziki Stores network, which has 10 stores across the country, the brand has created more than 200 new jobs with an investment of more than 25 million dollars.

Suzuki presented a new version of its cult model Grand Vitara at the 2023 Autoshow. Photo: Peter Tavra Franco

As for the new Grand Vitara, Becerra pointed out that it is a vehicle that is alienated from the trend in the automotive world for new energies by installing SHVS Hybrid Technology (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) with Dualjet injection, which through its “ISG” (Integrated Starter Generator) system and “Heartect” lighting technology give the vehicle superior torque and boost to achieve maximum performance with maximum fuel optimization with fuel efficiency up to 80 km/gallon.

When it comes to new energies, the Chinese brand BYD, with only three months in the country, already has four 100% electric models available in its catalog. The first three were launched in May with their entry into the local market: Han EV, Yuan Plus EV and Dolphin EV. While the latter starred in the brand’s premiere at Autoshows, it is the Tang EV model, a zero-emission SUV that, according to the company, develops a total power of 509 hp, 700 Nm of torque and acceleration in the range of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and a range that reaches up to 635 km per charge.

The Tang EV is offered at the auto show for $64,990.

These are the best-selling vehicles in Ecuador in the first half of 2023, nearly surpassing the records of 2011 and 2018.

“BYD is the first brand in Ecuador to present a complete portfolio of zero-emission vehicles, in May we launched three new 100% electric models, which are the Han EV, Yuan Plus EV and Dolphin EV, and we also introduced the Tang EV. All our cars offer a completely avant-garde design and conquer with their performance, power and driving experience,” he commented. Santiago Mena, brand manager BYD Ecuador.

The executive director pointed out that in the time they are on the market, they are very close to reaching the first 100 vehicle reservations. “We hope that more people will come to the Autoshow to discover the benefits of our zero-emission cars,” said Mena. Their projection is to reach sales of 500 units by the end of 2023 and also expand the brand portfolio.

BYD plans to open two parent dealerships in September, one in Quito and the other in Guayaquil. “These will have full exposure of the brand’s portfolio and also with our workshops and after-sales services for our customers,” said Brand Manager BYD Ecuador, who assured that by 2024 they will expand with more dealers to other cities.