Global News

March 06 2007

Introduction

Suzuki booth highlights at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show

  • SX4 Sedan (also special exhibition model: SX4 Sedan Sport)
  • SX4 WRC concept
  • Swift Sport Rally Cup Car
  • Project Splash

In 2006, Suzuki enjoyed strong overseas sales of its world strategic models―Swift, Grand Vitara, and SX4―to post worldwide sales of 2,174 thousand units (an 8% increase over 2005) despite a consistent shortage of supply. As announced last August, Magyar Suzuki Corporation, Hungary, will further increase its production volume from 160,000 units in 2006 to 300,000 units in 2008, in addition, Suzuki plans to open a new Japanese factory in 2008 and increase production capabilities at all of its plants to target worldwide production of three million units a year in 2009.

In Europe last year, Suzuki sold 302 thousand units (11% up on the previous year), including 25 thousand units of SX4 that was launched last spring. For 2007, Suzuki plans to take the following measures for the SX4 to achieve 55 thousand units sales, and 340 thousand units (13% up on the previous year) in total.

  1. Launch the SX4 Sedan, which is ideal for family and business settings.
  2. Add a new 1.6-litre DDiS diesel model (for SX4 hatchback model / 1.6-litre 5MT: 66kW/4,000 rpm and 215N・m/1,750 rpm).
  3. Provide Japanese-made SX4 to help to mitigate the supply shortage.

For 2008, European sales of 360 thousand units (6% up on the previous year) are the target.

Suzuki also intends to put greater effort into motor sports activities in 2007 in addition to its current participation in the JRC, hill climbing races, and motorcycle racing.

From 2008, Suzuki intends to fully participate in the pinnacle of rallying events, the WRC, and in preparation it will enter two rounds on a test basis starting with the Rallye de France in October 2007.

At the same time as striving for the world title, Suzuki is going to sponsor the local Swift Sport rally cups from the coming spring in an effort to promote interaction between more motor sports fans and Suzuki in various countries.

SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
Production and Sales volume by business

(x1000)
Production volume  2006 resultult  2007 forecastecast
Automobile   Overseas 1,135(+10%) 1,350(+19%)
Japan 1,207(+11%) 1,209(+0%)
Total 2,342(+10%) 2,559(+9%)
Motorcycle/ATV Total 2,983(-10%) 3,573(+20%)
Sales     
Automobile    Europe 302(+11%) 340(+13%)
Overseas except Europe 1,177(+13%) 1,335(+13%)
Japan 695(+0%) 675(-3%)
Total 2,174(+8%) 2,350(+8%)
Motorcycle/ATV Total 2,910(-11%) 3,552(+22%)

■■ SX4 Sedan

The SX4 Sedan is the saloon version of the SX4, Suzuki's third world-strategic model. It has the elegance and practicality of a saloon and - for its overall size - a particularly roomy interior, plus the convenience and utility of Suzuki's high-roof wagon, which is one of the core attractions of its vehicles. Suzuki sees the new saloon as an expression of "upright comfortism."

The SX4 Sedan is stylish yet has the space to allow all occupants to sit with natural postures, and it also has the space that enables comfort expected of a notchback. A highly rigid body and rigid suspension mounts and links derived from the SX4 hatchback provide excellent driving dynamics. For the Geneva Motor Show, an SX4 Sedan Sport is on special display. Based on a production model, it is equipped with large 17-inch wheels and tyres and a 2.0-litre engine.

■■ Motorsport (SX4 WRC concept and the Swift Sport Rally Cup Car)

The development of the SX4 WRC, which is going to enter the WRC from 2008, is nearing completion. All Japanese testing was completed last month, with European testing beginning in April. Suzuki has also confirmed its entry - on a test basis - in the Rallye de France in October and the Rally GB in November to finally prepare the SX4 WRC for its debut in 2008.

Whilst Suzuki is targeting the world championship, it is also going to support the local Swift Sport rally cups in an effort to promote interaction between it and motor sports fans.

The Swift Sport Rally Cup Car is based on the Swift Sport Euro Spec. which reflects the experience developed in the JWRC.

■■ Project Splash

Suzuki Project Splash is a “clinic model” showing the direction of the second phase of Suzuki’s world strategy following the first-phase launches of the Swift, Grand Vitara, and SX4.
Based on the concept of a car for everybody in the family, it is intended to satisfy diverse people in varied user situations. A platform shared with the Swift provides driveability on a par with that of the Swift. The tall body is roomy and comfortable and the cabin combines a contemporary design with equipment that is particularly user friendly. The concept has received good reviews since it was displayed at the 2006 Paris International Motor Show.
Further studies are being conducted with an ultimate goal of production.