Magyar Suzuki faced numerous challenges in 2024, with its supply chain blighted by external factors such as market and geopolitical changes as well as natural disasters.

The Esztergom car manufacturer handled these challenges in an organised and flexible manner. Thanks to corporate-level cooperation and teamwork, and despite the difficult circumstances, they maintained the supply of parts, reduced costs through kaizen suggestions, and optimised operations. Production and sales remained stable, and the company preserved its key role in the Hungarian economy. 

 

 

Magyar Suzuki’s financial results in 2024:

• Net revenue from total sales: EUR 2,245.6 million (2023: EUR 2,871.3 million)

• Net domestic sales revenue: EUR 301.8 million (2023: EUR 272.6 million)

• Net export sales revenue: EUR 1,943.8 million (2023: EUR 2,598.6 million)

• Procurement-based investment: EUR 65.3 million (2023: EUR 54.7 million)

• Revenue from trade of imported cars, motorcycles and spare parts increased year on year, accounting for 15.5% of total revenue, or EUR 348 million.

 

Dealerships started year with stocked inventories

A total of 111,492 cars were produced in Esztergom in 2024 (92% for export), a decrease compared to the previous year. In 2023, the inventories of European distributors and Hungarian dealers were low due to the previous shortage of semiconductors, which generated a higher production volume. The 2024 production figure, however, aligns with the trends of previous years and medium-term expectations. 

 

Magyar Suzuki Corporation’s production data for 2020-2024

	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
S-CROSS	33,120	32,713	47,873	73,046	47,530
Vitara	79,355	75,261	81,149	87,292	63,962
TOTAL	112,475	107,974	129,022	160,338	111,492

 

Although forecasts projected single-digit growth for the Hungarian new car market overall, the entire sector achieved 12.9% growth while Magyar Suzuki posted a figure of 29.3% compared to the previous year. In 2024, a total of 121,607 passenger cars were registered in the country. With 15,732 new passenger car registrations and a 12.94% market share, Magyar Suzuki secured top spot on the Hungarian new car sales list, regaining its market-leader position for the 21st time since the start of mass production in Esztergom in 1992. 

 

The two Esztergom models remain in the lead

The S-CROSS and Vitara models produced in Esztergom played a key role in the successful Hungarian sales performance, along with the revamped Swift imported from Japan. The two Esztergom-made models secured the top two positions on the Hungarian sales list: 6,883 Vitaras and 6,607 S-CROSSes were registered during the year, representing increases of 38% and 11%, respectively, compared to sales in 2023. By vehicle category, the Vitara achieved a 29.3% share in the small SUV segment (B SUV), and the S-CROSS reached a 20.3% share in the compact SUV segment (C SUV), making both Suzuki models category leaders. The new Swift, with 1,867 units sold, ranked first in the B-segment for small cars. In February 2024, the four-millionth Suzuki manufactured in Esztergom rolled off the production line – a GLX trim hybrid Vitara. 

 

Models not produced in Esztergom but sold in Hungary accounted for 16.5% of the brand’s total domestic sales. Around 45% or 7,073 of the 15,732 Suzukis registered in 2024 were sold to corporate and institutional customers, placing the brand fourth among fleet sellers. 

 

Hybrid-only models for European markets

In 2024, a total of 123,369 cars were sold internationally in 123 countries across five continents, 116,500 of which were manufactured in Esztergom. Some 86.7% of all units sold (106,940 cars) went to export markets. Magyar Suzuki Corporation now sells the majority of its vehicles – exclusively with hybrid powertrains – in European markets. 

 

Marine division retains market-leader position

Magyar Suzuki Corporation maintains a significant national and regional dealership network and sales activities in the outboard motor and motorcycle businesses. Since 1999, the Marine division has distributed outboard motors, parts and boating accessories in Hungary. Since 2017, as a Central and Eastern European distributor, it has been selling outboard engines to 13 countries outside Hungary through its partners. Last year, a total of 416 outboard engines were sold domestically, retaining its market-leader status . In the export markets, 1 750 outboard engines were sold.

The motorcycle division supplies markets in 14 countries, including Hungary. A total of 384 Suzuki motorcycles were registered, achieving a 4.77% market share in Hungary. In export markets, a total of 1 836 motorcycles were sold.

 

 

Focus on recruiting skilled labour

In 2024, Magyar Suzuki’s HR and employer-branding activities centred around continuous training and development. A generational shift and technological transformation are currently underway, creating a need not only for more but better-qualified skilled workers. Last year, the Esztergom car manufacturer focused on hard-to-fill positions in the labour market. The Maintenance Academy was launched to allow operators to acquire maintenance skills. The Talent Support Programme was also initiated, enabling engineers to gain experience at the parent company in Japan. This programme supports professional development, knowledge-sharing, and better alignment with global automotive expectations. Training future professionals also plays a key role: the first academic year within the dual education programme concluded in 2024 at Magyar Suzuki’s training centre. Alongside their theoretical studies, students from the János Bottyán Technical School in Esztergom developed their practical skills in a modern educational environment equipped with cutting-edge tools. 

 

 

Stable operations remain top priority

In 2025, the greatest challenge for all automotive players will likely be ensuring and maintaining operational stability, staying competitive, as well as managing increasing market competition and inflation. In addition, supply chain vulnerabilities and the necessary reconfiguration as a result represent top priorities. Magyar Suzuki expects the overall domestic new car market to grow slightly compared to last year. Together with its suppliers, the Esztergom-based manufacturer is constantly seeking optimal solutions to avoid supply issues in 2025. The company plans to maintain similar production and sales volumes to the previous year.

 

Great expectations surround Suzuki’s first fully electric SUV model, set to arrive at Hungarian dealerships this autumn. The launch of the eVITARA marks a milestone for the brand – Magyar Suzuki’s ongoing goal is to make environmentally conscious driving accessible to as many people as possible, while following market developments closely.