Suzuki Motor Corporation is pleased to announce that its cumulative automobile sales in Japan are on track to reach 20 million units*1 by the end of January 2010.
Suzuki began offering automobiles in 1955 with the Suzulight, the forerunner of today’s minivehicles. Subsequent highlights of Suzuki’s history as a manufacturer of minivehicles include the 1961 launch of the Suzulight Carry, which evolved into today’s Suzuki Carry mini truck; the 1970 launch of the Jimny, which had full-fledged four-wheel-drive capability; the 1979 launch of the Alto, with which Suzuki laid the foundations of Japan’s current market for minivehicles; and the 1993 launch of the Wagon R, which helped expand the market thanks to outstanding user-friendliness.
Suzuki also enjoys success as a manufacturer of compact cars. Its distinctive, appealing compact-car offerings began in 1965 with the Fronte 800, continued with models such as the Cultus*2 and Escudo*3, and moved into a new phase in 2004 with the launch of Suzuki’s first world strategic model, the Swift.
A philosophy of creating customer-focused, value-packed products underpins Suzuki’s ongoing success as an automobile manufacturer. To mark the 20-million-unit domestic sales milestone, Suzuki has designed commemorative versions of five models and will launch them in Japan on 21 January.
1955 | Oct | Suzulight debuts. |
1961 | Oct | Suzulight Carry debuts. |
1965 | Aug | Fronte 800 debuts. |
1967 | Apr | Fronte debuts. |
1968 | Mar | Carry Van debuts. |
1970 | Apr | Jimny debuts. |
1977 | Oct | Cervo debuts. |
1979 | May | Alto debuts. |
1982 | Aug | Jimny 1000 debuts. |
1983 | Feb | Mighty Boy debuts. |
1983 | Oct | Cultus debuts. |
1984 | Aug | Aggregate sales of Suzuki cars in Japan reach 5 million units. |
1984 | Nov | Jimny 1300 debuts. |
1988 | May | Escudo debuts. |
1991 | Nov | Cappuccino debuts. |
1993 | Sep | Wagon R debuts. |
1994 | Apr | Aggregate sales of Suzuki cars in Japan reach 10 million units. |
1995 | Jan | Cultus Crescent debuts. |
1995 | Jan | Aggregate sales of Suzuki minivehicles in Japan reach 10 million units. |
1997 | Feb | Wagon R Wide debuts. |
1998 | Jan | Jimny Wide debuts. |
1998 | Oct | Kei debuts. |
1999 | Jun | Every+ debuts. |
2000 | Dec | Wagon R Solio debuts. |
2000 | Dec | Grand Escudo debuts. |
2001 | Jan | Aerio debuts. |
2001 | Dec | MR Wagon debuts. |
2002 | Jan | Alto Lapin debuts. |
2002 | Jul | Aggregate sales of Suzuki cars in Japan reach 15 million units. |
2003 | Jan | Twin debuts. |
2004 | Jan | Aggregate sales of Suzuki minivehicles in Japan reach 15 million units. |
2004 | Nov | Swift debuts. |
2006 | Jul | SX4 debuts. |
2008 | Jan | Palette debuts. |
2008 | Oct | Splash debuts. |
2009 | Oct | Kizashi debuts. |
2010 | Jan | Aggregate sales of Suzuki cars in Japan reach 20 million units. |