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European Journalists Enjoy Suzuki SX4 Test Rides

Suzuki SX4 demonstrates powerful performance on deep snow test track in Saalfelden.
 
Journalists scrutinize the SX4 “Bike Concept” model at Paris press event.
Test rides of the newly developed Suzuki SX4 crossover vehicle by European automotive press have been winning positive reviews for the new model’s innovative features.
   Forty journalists and photographers attended the first of two events, held 25–27 January at Saalfelden winter test tracks near Salzburg, Austria. Five SX4 1.6-litre, manual-transmission models and five New Grand Vitaras were extensively tested on the winter-drive experience course, snow-covered off-road course and ice course. Morning temperatures of under -10°C rose dramatically later, making road surfaces even more slippery, but the SX4’s sophisticated i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive), a switchable 3-mode 4WD system, and ESP® (ESP is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler AG) performance handled all road conditions superbly. Journalists praised the exterior and interior design as ‘pleasant and modern’ and ‘roomy and ergonomic’.
   The second event 6–10 March followed the world premier of the SX4 at Geneva International Motor Show, at Disneyland Resort Paris, France. Over 400 automotive journalists from 24 European countries participated in the event, testing SX4s either in a 1.6-litre petrol or in 1.9-litre diesel engine. The scenic test route travelled east from Disneyland toward the Champagne region, through a variety of motorways and winding country roads. Although the weather was rainy through most of the event, the conditions helped demonstrate the i-AWD system of the SX4.
   Many journalists commented favourably on the good torque and power of the engine. The superb handling with precise steering response also earned high praise. Overall, journalists were positive, citing the innovative ‘X-over’ concept and distinctive product characteristics: smart, stylish appearance; precise handling and strong traction provided by the unique i-AWD system.
     
  Outstanding Suzuki Dealers of Japan Invited to Convention in India

Convention banquet for outstanding Japanese dealers

Suzuki invited 2,235 members from among Japanese successful domestic automobile dealerships to attend the Excellent Dealer’s Convention held in India in February 2006.
   The participants, divided into 12 groups, enjoyed four-day programmes in India that included visits to the Maruti Udyog factory and local dealerships, plus the exclusive convention at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi.
   Suzuki Motor Corporation Chairman Osamu Suzuki addressed each convention about growing production and sales of Suzuki vehicles in India, and commended the best dealerships in attendance.
   The experience of visiting overseas production bases and observing the lively local economy renewed the motivation of leading sales staff members to continue expanding sales of Suzuki products.
     
  Swift Cup Championship Race in Guatemala

Colourfully painted New Swifts enter the Swift Cup race.
Guatemalan distributor Autos Suzuki in March 2006 inaugurated the Swift Cup Championship Race, a highly successful one-brand promotional event, to enhance the image of the sporty Swift and the Suzuki brand. The event may be continued in 2007, given the superior sales results.
   The Swift Cup consists of eight total rounds held at the end of each month until October, running 19 Suzuki Swift 1.5-litre 4-door vehicles specially tuned to maximum safety standards for racing conditions by Autos Suzuki mechanics. Since all entries compete with the same modifications, the race is highly competitive and exciting. The series helps create a sporty image for the Swift and Suzuki automobiles among Guatemalan drivers.
   All the races are televised and widely covered in magazines and newspapers. Autos Suzuki fully exploits the high profile created by the Swift Cup, exhibiting racing vehicles in malls, restaurants and showrooms, and employing race footage and images in TV commercials and print media.