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Tokyo Motor Show 2003 Report
Brilliant Showing of Suzuki Cars and Motorcycles |
The 37th Tokyo Motor Show – for both passenger cars and
motorcycles – welcomed a spectacular 1.42 million visitors during the 13-day
run from 24 October to 5 November at the large-scale Makuhari Messe event site
in Chiba, Japan. Among the 268 exhibitors from 14 countries, Suzuki Motor Corporation
attracted enthusiastic crowds of motor fans and journalists with the company’s
wide range of innovative products. Suzuki booths in four- and two-wheel-vehicle
pavilions included four world-premiere concept models, as well as presentations
of technological features on safety and environmental protection.
Suzuki Automobile Booth Highlights Small Cars for a Big
Future
Under the slogan “Small Cars, for a
Big Future,” a variety of Suzuki exhibits impressively promoted three objectives
at the Tokyo Motor Show: 1) to establish a distinctive Suzuki brand image; 2)
to highlight the joy of driving so unique to Suzuki products; and 3) to meet the
challenge of promoting small car potential in cooperation with General Motors
(GM).
As Suzuki President and COO Hiroshi Tsuda pointed out in his
enthusiastic speech at the press briefing, the Suzuki automobile presence this
year clearly demonstrated the company’s deep commitment to a dynamic future
shaped by the potential of small cars. The following key reference exhibits highlighted
that promising plan. |
CONCEPT-S2
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| CONCEPT-S2 |
Further evolving the image and
concept inherited from the CONCEPT-S introduced at the 2002 Paris Motor Show,
the CONCEPT-S2 four-seat convertible model deepened its predecessor´s fun
factor. The newly developed three-piece electric rotating/retracting metal roof
enables efficient use of space inside the compact body, while allowing rear-seat
passengers to enjoy open-air driving in comfort. A large 13-inch monitor on the
instrument panel provides the convenience of a telematics-compatible multi-functional
information display. And the exhilarating performance of the CONCEPT-S2´s
1.6-litre all-aluminium engine and six-speed semi-automatic transmission delivers
true driving pleasure. As a dynamic example of Suzuki´s future-oriented
car making, the CONCEPT-S2´s destined to thoroughly enliven the Suzuki brand
image. |
S-RIDE
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| S-RIDE |
The S-RIDE is one of the latest results of Suzuki’s innovative trial efforts
to blend the virtues of automobiles and motorcycles together in exciting vehicles
that realize the enjoyment and versatility unique to Suzuki products. Developed
as an “active commuting car with urban mobility,” the S-RIDE has two
seats in scooter-like tandem layout surrounded by a lightweight aluminium outer
shell with canopy, an innovative design that blurs the boundary between the exterior
and interior. Combining the fun of bikes with the convenience of cars, the S-RIDE
points to a new direction for mini vehicles. |
LANDBREEZE
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| LANDBREEZE |
Another example of Suzuki’s trademark fun and versatility
is the LANDBREEZE compact SUV, created to enjoy and harmonize with nature. Constructed
of naturally recyclable materials and powered by a clean-running hybrid engine
system, the LANDBREEZE brings that great outdoors feeling into daily life like
a refreshing breeze. Measures to facilitate entry and exit give all passengers,
even small children, smooth access to the wilderness. Inside the bright, spacious
cabin, a dome-shaped monitor on the dashboard shows two different images, simultaneously
offering navigation guidance for the driver and nature information for the passenger. |
Mobile Terrace
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| Mobile Terrace |
As its name implies, the Mobile Terrace fuel-cell vehicle can be used to create
a relaxing personalized space anywhere you go. At favourite destinations, the
sliding doors on both sides and the gullwing roof can be opened wide and the floor
extended outward, while the seats rotate around a table which slides out from
the instrument panel. This innovative package in the four-meter-long body features
an underfloor fuel-cell system based on GM’s “Hy-wire” platform
and optimized by Suzuki to suit small cars.
In addition to the concept cars, the Suzuki automobile booth
displayed a wide-ranging product line-up including the new Wagon R, the Aerio
(Liana in overseas markets), the Twin and its special edition Twin My Style, and
the Ignis produced in Hungary. Also featured were cars participating in the world’
s toughest motorsports events, such as the Ignis Super 1600 currently performing
strongly in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship. |
Suzuki Technical Presentations for Environmental Protection
and Peace of Mind
| Suzuki, long committed to the “value
of keeping things small,” leads the industry with its foresighted corporate
policy of environmental-friendliness. Today we are devoting major technological
development efforts to make small cars safer and cleaner running. Among our related
innovative technologies exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show are the following. |
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Cutaway version of the Wagon R RR
reveals innovative technologies. |
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MR wagon FCV
| The MR wagon FCV is powered by a fuel-cell
system developed by GM integrated with a Suzuki-developed motor unit. Without
the use of secondary batteries, the high-performance fuel-cell system generates
electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, and emits no harmful exhaust gases and carbon
dioxide, only water. The FCV is efficiently packaged to accommodate major power-unit
components and hydrogen tanks neatly in the spaces for engine compartment and
fuel tank of the compact MR wagon. As a result, the FCV offers ample space to
accommodate four people plus their luggage, proving Suzuki’s outstanding
expertise as the small-car specialist. |
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| Fuel cell |
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| MR wagon FCV |
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Direct-Injection Turbo Engine
| Suzuki is the first carmaker to achieve practical
use of a direct-injection (DI) turbo engine on a production mini-vehicle. Combining
the knock-resistant DI design with a turbo charger, this engine used on the new
Wagon R RR offers more power and low-range torque, plus high fuel efficiency realized
by optimizing the air/fuel mixture ratio in the combustion chamber. Optimally
controlled fuel injection greatly reduces toxic emissions. Altogether, the DI
turbo engine delivers powerful yet clean driving with less consumption of precious
resources. |
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| DI turbo engine |
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TECT (Total Effective Control Technology)
| Among other outstanding safety features,
Suzuki’s shock-absorbing TECT body is designed to protect the occupants in
case of 64km/h frontal, off-set collisions. The TECT body on the new Wagon R has
been renovated with a new platform and structures newly designed using lightweight-yet-strong
high-tensile steel plates, as well as new welding and press moulding technologies.
The interior structure is designed to reduce head impacts. Furthermore, the Wagon
R’s TECT body employs measures to reduce injuries to pedestrians, among them
shock-absorbing structures for front fenders, cowl top, bonnet and wiper system,
all great assets for a small car so well-suited to crowded city streets. |
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| Off-set collision test |
Use of high-tensile steel plates |
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