Suzuki Auto South Africa has once again been recognised for its strong partnership with its dealer network, earning Platinum status in the 2026 National Automobile Dealers' Association (NADA) Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) Awards. It is the second time the Japanese brand has received the prestigious accolade, reaffirming its commitment to building enduring relationships with its dealer partners.
The Platinum Award, introduced as part of the NADA DSI Awards in 2018, is presented to vehicle manufacturers that achieve an overall DSI score of 85% or higher. It recognises excellence in supporting dealer networks and fostering strong, sustainable manufacturer-dealer relationships. This year, four brands qualified for Platinum status, with Suzuki Auto South Africa achieving a DSI score of 85.8% to place third overall.
Established in 1996, the NADA DSI is South Africa's longest-running dealer satisfaction survey. Independently researched by Lightstone, it provides an objective measure of the relationship between vehicle manufacturers and their franchised dealer networks while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement across the automotive retail sector.
The 2026 survey attracted a record 1,610 dealer responses, with participation from 92% of South Africa's franchised passenger and light commercial vehicle dealerships, and 80% of commercial vehicle dealerships. Conducted between 7 April and 15 May 2026, the research evaluated 36 automotive brands through comprehensive questionnaires completed by dealer principals.
Manufacturers were assessed across three key indices: Dealer Friendly (20%), Investor Friendly (40%) and Customer Friendly (40%). The passenger and light commercial vehicle industry achieved a record overall DSI score of 79.8%, reflecting continued progress in dealer-manufacturer relationships across the sector.
Suzuki Auto South Africa has participated in the DSI for many years and considers the survey an important measure of its relationship with dealers. The carmaker uses the detailed feedback gathered through the process to identify opportunities to strengthen the support it provides across its dealer network.
"Receiving Platinum status for a second time is a meaningful endorsement of the partnership we have built with our dealer network," says Cristine Knight, Senior Manager: Sales and Dealer Development at Suzuki Auto South Africa.
"Achieving a DSI score of 85.8% and placing third overall makes this recognition especially rewarding. Our dealers play a vital role in representing the Suzuki brand and delivering the ownership experience our customers expect. Their insights help us refine the way we support them, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to listening, collaborating and creating an environment where both our dealers and the brand can continue to grow."
Suzuki Auto South Africa regards the strength of its dealer relationships as an important measure of its long-term success. Alongside its own dealer engagement initiatives, the company continues to use the NADA Dealer Satisfaction Index to gauge dealer sentiment and inform its approach to dealer support. Looking ahead, strengthening dealer relationships will remain central to its long-term growth strategy as it continues to expand its presence across Southern Africa.
