September 23, 2004
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September 23, 2004 |
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Excerpt from dialogue between Mr. Hirotaka Ono, Director & Senior General Manager of Europe/America Marketing Division and Ms. Adriana Karembeu at the 2004 Paris Motorshow Press Conference |
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Adirana (“A” hereinafter): Now, may I ask you some questions about the New Swift? Could you explain the story how the project of the world strategic car started? Mr. Ono (“O” hereinafter): Of course, Mr. Tsuda initiated this project, when he and I traveled through Europe three years ago. We wanted to achieve a design and performance focused particularly on the requirements of Europe – this was the start of our project. If the car is accepted by the sophisticated European customer, we are sure that the car will be accepted in other parts of the world as well. The New Swift is the first model under such a concept. A: When did you start the project? O: We started this project in 2002. The Swift is based on the “Concept S” presented here in Paris in 2002. We also started our challenge for the Junior World Rally Championships in Monte Carlo in January that year. The feedback on the JWRC played a crucial role in the development of Swift. A: This car really seems to have been designed by a European. O: No, Adriana. The designer is Japanese, one of our young designer. He stayed in a European design studio for six months to create the first trial model. I myself visited him twice to make some tuning. A: You told that the experience of JWRC was crucial in the development of New Swift’s drivability. Why are they linked? Surely rallying is the different world to ordinary public road driving. O: Not really, rally takes place on ordinary roads, not on a race track. The drivers have to act against ever-changing road conditions therefore the “ease of machine handling” is the most important factor. Of course speed is essential, but the drivers’ requirement to improve acceleration, turning and breaking to be very user friendly is exactly what is needed in every day driving on public roads by ordinary people? A: I see. I thought rally racing had no relation with production cars. O: Yeah, I thought so too. But we recognized this fact through our JWRC challenge, which was a struggle in the first year, but we improved performance with this “easy drive concept” and won twice in the second year. This year, this is the third year, we have already won three times in 4 rounds! From this experience, we have developed a car which anyone from a beginner to a professional driver can enjoy sporty driving. A: The whole concept is rooted in Europe, isn’t it? Was it actually developed in Europe? O: No, in Japan. But, European professional drivers were involved in its development. Swift was tested in Europe in every key stage of each development by European professionals. That’s the reason why I said Swift meets European taste. A: Now I can see why Swift will be popular with European customers. O: I really hope so. And if Swift is accepted in Asia and other world markets as well, our ambition of the European taste for the world market will be realised. A: A world strategic car comes true, then! It is the new generation of Suzuki! O: Sure. In fact, we have already started the development of derivatives based on this platform. From now on, every year, we, Suzuki, will present brand new models at international motor show. A: Thank you for your exciting story, Mr. Ono. It’s clear the new generation of Suzuki is here today, and I for one will be thrilled to drive the new Suzuki Swift. A: But Ladies and Gentleman, this is only the beginning for Suzuki’s new generation so please watch out for Suzuki’s new wave. Medames et Messieurs, je vous demande de faire attention a la nouvelle vague de Suzuki. |
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