Suzuki Steers the Way This Transport Month

October in South Africa, that means it’s Transport Month—a chance to look at the millions of kilometers we rack up annually, ponder over potholes, and celebrate the sturdy steeds that keep our economy moving. This year, Suzuki Auto South Africa is riding in like a hero on wheels, announcing plans to help small businesses hit the road running (well, driving). With affordable, cargo-ready commercial vehicles and a cheeky twist on road safety awareness, Suzuki is giving the transport sector a few laughs, a lot of hope, and a whole new way to load up.

Affordable Vehicles that Mean Business (Literally)

Let’s be honest: entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous. For every coffee shop dream and artisanal bread pop-up, there are logistics to consider—and that’s where Suzuki’s stars, the Super Carry and the Eeco Van, come rolling in. Both vehicles were practically built to be workhorses: starting at an affordable R182,900, the Super Carry can lug around 750kg and has a load box so wide it practically invites small businesses to test its limits.

Hot on its heels, the Suzuki Eeco Van is doing its part to stand out with a cargo bay that devours a full-sized South African pallet and doors galore for easy access. And, at R212,900, it’s proving that affordable and versatile work vehicles aren’t just for the big leagues. As Brendon Carpenter, Suzuki’s Brand Marketing Manager, puts it: “We want our entrepreneurs to drive the Eeco; to see how much they can cram into the cargo bay and experience for themselves just how economical it is to run.” Well, if the Eeco's cargo bay were a meme, it would definitely be that clown car scene where endless people keep piling out. Who knew “fitting it all in” could be a business motto?

Trying Before Buying: A Three-Month Test-Drive Extravaganza

To give local movers and shakers a sneak peek, Suzuki rolled out a brilliant plan—three months of free Eeco Van use for select small businesses. It’s like a test drive, but instead of a two-minute spin around the block, these businesses get to take the Eeco for a full tour. Will they attempt to over-stuff it with merchandise? Probably. Will they see if it fits 500 rolls of fabric and a mini-fridge? Almost certainly. And will they love every second of it? Signs point to yes.

Suzuki’s “DriveSMART” Program: Because Memes Can’t Fix Everything

Now, here’s where Suzuki really shifts gears. South Africa’s roads aren’t just challenging because of traffic or (occasional) cows—14,000 road fatalities a year tell a pretty grim story, especially among drivers aged 17 to 29. Enter “DriveSMART with Suzuki,” an ambitious road safety initiative in collaboration with FleetMax Africa. Launched in August, this program aims to engage young drivers with 132 bite-sized road safety videos. No stuffy PSAs here; these videos are streaming directly on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and even WhatsApp. (Because if there’s one way to grab a Gen Z’s attention, it’s by putting it in the middle of their feed.)

Ashref Ismail, CEO of FleetMax Africa, explains: “With Suzuki Auto South Africa’s popularity among first-time buyers, their audience dovetails into our corporate social responsibility target of mostly novice drivers.” And in true 2024 fashion, the videos cover it all, from defensive driving to vehicle maintenance. Let’s hope the younger generation enjoys these videos as much as they do their #CarSelfies.

A Drive to Remember

So this October…or whats left of it, while most of us are just grateful for working headlights and a semi-functioning GPS, Suzuki Auto South Africa is thinking bigger. Whether by giving entrepreneurs a chance to test-drive the Eeco into new business ventures or creating a safer road culture for young drivers, Suzuki is making an impact far beyond the showrooms. With more affordable vehicles, more accessible safety content, and the most practical cargo space since the invention of the hatchback, it’s clear that Suzuki isn’t just celebrating Transport Month—they’re redefining it.

After all, sometimes a great van really can change the world, one road trip (or TikTok) at a time