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Suzuki pulls the handbrake on the XL
Suzuki Australia has hit the brakes hard on the Jimny XL, telling dealers to cancel all existing orders and refund deposits as the stop-delivery order drags into its second month. The five-door version of Suzuki’s cult 4X4 has been sidelined since July due to what the company describes as a “non-safety related technical issue” that requires rectification before any further deliveries can be made.
Suzuki Australia General Manager Michael Pachota’s statement said:
“Considering the uncertainty surrounding the timeframe for resolution and based on our experience of similar matters in the past, we recommend the dealers cancel existing Jimny XL orders and return customer deposits where appropriate.
“I believe this is the most transparent and customer-centric course of action at this time and the best thing to do for our customers that are waiting on delivery of their new Jimny XL.”
Refunds or the waiting game
For buyers who had been patiently waiting, the news that they are having their Suzuki Jimny XL orders cancelled isn’t great. Dealers have been instructed to offer full refunds, although customers can choose to stay in the queue for when (or even if) sales resume. Sources suggest the issue is linked to compliance with Australian Design Rules, but Suzuki has yet to confirm specifics.
Sales hit and enthusiast disappointment
The stop-delivery has also dented Suzuki’s sales momentum, with July figures showing a noticeable dip, especially in the Jimny lineup. While the three-door continues unaffected, the XL’s absence is a blow for those wanting extra space without stepping into a larger SUV.
What Happens Next?
For now, the advice is simple – if you’ve got a Jimny XL on order, expect a call from your dealer. Whether Suzuki fixes the issue and reopens the order books in the short term remains to be seen, but given the model’s popularity, demand will be fierce if and when it returns.
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