Thinking Bigger and Better: The Suzuki SX4/SX4 S

Global Communication Magazine
SUZUKI FAMILY
September 2013
138
GS550L’s Stunning Replica
Suzuki Double Podium at Suzuka 8 Hours
Under and on the Water with Suzuki Marine
and more...
Thinking Bigger and Better:
The Suzuki SX4/SX4 S-CROSS
Way of Life!
Sledding Europe’s Highest Mountain.
Suzuki’s 4x4 vehicles support la Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont-Blanc,
international dog sledding event.
Please see detailed story on page 14.
SUZUKI FAMILY
No.138
English version
Issued date: September 2013
Published by:
SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
300 Takatsuka-cho, Minami-ku, Hamamatsu City,
Japan 432-8611
Suzuki Family is always happy to hear from our readers. Please send your letter and photo(s) with Suzuki products to:
Suzuki Family Editor
Global Marketing Administration Department
Suzuki Motor Corporation (address shown left)
(Letters and photos sent to us cannot be returned, and may be edited for publication.)
Printed in Japan on recycled paper
Thinking Bigger and Better:
The new Suzuki SX4/SX4 S-CROSS
The world premiere of
a new C-segment
crossover evolution
In March 2013, Suzuki Motor Corporation staged the world premiere of the
SX4/SX4 S-CROSS, its first C-segment crossover utility vehicle, at the 83rd
Geneva International Motor Show. Based on the S-Cross concept car showcased
last September at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the SX4/SX4 S-CROSS is a new
production model created by uniting Suzuki’s compact car know-how with
technologies honed for sport utility vehicles. The result is a remarkably
sophisticated combination of styling, utility, performance and fuel economy.
The SX4/SX4 S-CROSS offers pure driving enjoyment and versatile family usage.
The freedom and
excitement of distinctive
crossover styling
Now evolved into a larger C-segment
crossover, the SX4/SX4 S-CROSS offers
a whole new level of performance and
versatility. Bold, dynamic crossover
styling and sophisticated looks combine
with strong lines and distinctive character to bring greater freedom to drivers.
The emotional appeal of its design sets
it apart from the crowd, while quality
appointments delight the eyes. Aerodynamic performance is expressed
throughout, from the rearward sloping
roofline and smooth side contours, to
the integrated roof rails and low-drag
wheels and door mirrors.
Panoramic sunroof with
world’s first double sliding
glass panels
The handling-any-road
performance of new ALLGRIP
4WD technology
Some of the lowest
CO2 emissions in
its category
The SX4/SX4 S-CROSS features a
panoramic sunroof that employs the
world’s first double sliding glass design to
realize one of the largest openings in the
class. The expansive area of the opening
provides a sense of freedom from any seat
in the car that invites the imagination to
soar to new heights. The combined length
of the glass panels is 1,000mm when
closed, and the opening measures 560mm
in length with the roof open.
Evolving its renowned 4WD technologies
for the SX4/SX4 S-CROSS, Suzuki produced
a new-generation 4WD system that
delivers all-weather, all road driving
pleasure and peace of mind, all while
suppressing fuel consumption. Four
driver-selectable drive modes – auto,
sport, snow, and lock – enable optimal
control to match road and driving conditions. Mode selection is performed easily
using the simple push-and-turn dial on the
centre console.
The SX4/SX4 S-CROSS is built to realize
better performance and fuel economy
combined with a remarkably low level of
CO2 emissions for a C-segment crossover.
Measures implemented toward this
purpose include refinements to the
1.6-litre petrol and diesel engine offerings,
a line-up of updated transmissions, and
superior aerodynamics. Its body incorporates a large proportion of high-tensile
steel for strength and lightness for an
added contribution to fuel economy.
Maximized space
for people
and luggage
Efficient use of the SX4/SX4 S-CROSS
C-segment dimensions provides rear seat
passengers with roomy comfort and
plenty of legroom. At the same time,
ingenious design of the utility space
delivers 430 litres* of luggage space,
even with five adults on board. Folding
the 60:40-split rear seatback forward
adds even greater flexibility that further
increases the capacity of the almost flat
luggage area.
Press impressed with Tuscany test drive
In June 2013, 85 key European automotive and economic journalists put the SX4/SX4
S-CROSS through its paces at an exclusive preview in Italy. They test drove 15 prototype
vehicles of Suzuki’s new C-segment entry on through the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
The first leg led to a Tuscan castle where chief engineer Yasushi Sasaki outlined
the development concept for the SX4/SX4 S-CROSS and explained how it is built to
complement the diverse needs of today’s ‘Cross-Living Generation’ of users. The
second and longer leg gave the journalists a chance to test the SX4/SX4 S-CROSS on
both country roads and through urban areas.
Comments in articles published after the event include, “The spacious interior
will delight families looking for a compact and versatile SUV”, “The panoramic
sliding sunroof turns the SX4/SX4 S-CROSS into a moving ‘veranda’", and “handling is on par with that of the Suzuki Swift”.
*Measured using the German Association of the
Automotive Industry (VDA) method.
SUZUKI FAMILY
September 2013
2/3
How one man’s passion and skill gave form to
A Stunning 1/5-scale
Replica of the
Suzuki GS550L
Great things were bound to happen when Mario Tumini decided to combine
his lifelong passion for creating miniature replicas with his love for the GS550L.
asked if he wished to convey any comments to the
designer of Suzuki’s first 4-stroke export model,
Mario offered words of high praise. “This model is
perfect in every respect. I wouldn’t change a thing!”
Crossing the finish line
Despite a busy work schedule, Mario set aside
every spare minute for the project. After devoting
almost 2,900 hours of his time to it, he put the
Love at first sight
The story of the Suzuki GS550L replica begins on
Italy’s Adriatic coast in the summer of 1981. While
visiting the town of Vasto, Mario spotted a Suzuki
GS550L on display in a car dealership’s show
window. It was love at first sight. Knowing he had to
own that motorcycle, Mario sold his old ride and
purchased a GS550L in January 1982.
Demonstrating exceptional skill with his hands
since childhood, Mario was always building things.
His first miniature replica project was a
three-masted frigate he created while serving in the
Italian Navy over 40 years ago. He continued to hone
his skills over the next four decades while working
on electrical systems as a maintenance man at
DENSO Manufacturing Italia S.p.A in San Salvo, Italy.
reproductions demonstrate his sheet metal skills.
Going the extra mile, Mario built one homemade jig
on which to create each link of the drive chain, and
another jig with which to assemble the chain. He
outdid himself in perfecting the beautiful curves of
the seat, which he skillfully covered in stitched
leather.
Rea
Reali
listi
tic detailing extends to the meters,
Realistic
ignition key and turn signals
It’s all in the details
Mario began work on his miniature reproduction of
the Suzuki GS550L in January 1999. First determining
what scale would work best by comparing steel pipe
he had in his home workshop to the actual frame of
his beloved GS550L, he then set about meticulously
crafting each and every part by hand. It was a true
labor of love that would demand all his
spare time for the next 10 years.
Mario’s uncompromising
commitment to faithful reproduction is
readily apparent from all angles. Each
engine component is precision milled
and bolted together to achieve a
realistic appearance. The carburetors
mark another tour de force of fine
detailing. Mario bent the frame pieces
from pipe and applied his brazing skills to
join them. He employed a hand press to
form the curved parts for the headlight,
meters, mirrors and turn signals.
The meticulous carving of the tire
tread pattern and reproduction of wheel
design speak of Mario’s pursuit of
realism. The fuel tank and air filter box
Creating the GS550L miniature replica involved experimentation
and crafting a number of handmade jigs and tools
finishing touches on his GS550L miniature replica in
July 2012. This realized his goal of completing it
before retiring from his job.
The finished replica measures 45 centimeters
in length and weighs 2.5 kilograms. The only
visible difference from a stock Suzuki GS550L is
Mario’s reproduction of the aftermarket
windshield he mounted on the bike he continues
to ride today.
Mario claims that he is not a hardcore
motorcycle enthusiast. Rather, it is the design of
the GS550L that particularly delights him. When
Mario’s time log for the project
and handmade jigs used to
recreate the chain
Mario’s GS550L miniature replica
Mario Tumini with his GS550L
and 1/5-scale GS550L replica
SUZUKI FAMILY
September 2013
4/5
Suzuki
Double
Podium
at
Suzuka
8
Hours
SERT Moves into the Point Lead for
WEC Championship
Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT)
he fact that Suzuki GSX-R1000s finished in
three of the top four slots at Japan’s prestigious
Suzuka 8 hours is just part of a great story from
the 28 July WEC event.
Yoshimura Suzuki’s Takuya Tsuda, Nobuatsu Aoki
and Josh Brookes finished second despite a crash and a
30 second time penalty. Near the head
of the pack from the outset, as a light
rain began to fall and darkness set in
during the waning minutes of the race,
Yoshimura chose not to pit to change
to Wets, a nail biting but correct
decision. Josh Brookes who suffered a
get-off but heroically held on to the
bike and kept going apologized for his
slip. Brookes said, “The bike was
perfect and it was a great honour to
be here as part of the team.”
For Team Kagayama, finishing third was a fitting
conclusion to a storybook day. Competing at Suzuka for
the first time in 21 years, 49-year old 1993 World Champion Kevin Schwantz lent star power to the event. Team
leader Yukio Kagayama exclaimed, “it feels unbelievable
to be on the podium with my hero Kevin Schwantz”.
Kagayama also praised the other rider, Nori Haga, saying
“He supported me a great deal!”
Yoshimura Suzuki Racing Team
Team Kagayama
T
And even though SERT
did not mount the podium
at Suzuka, they did climb
in the rankings and have
taken the lead in WEC
championship
points.
SERT’s solid fourth place
finish put the reigning
Endurance World Champions out in front with a
trademark consistent performance from the riding
team of Vincent Philippe, Anthony Delhalle and Julien
Da Costa. The strength and depth of the Suzuki
contingent is clear to all when you see that Suzuki
had two teams who finished ahead of WEC point
leader SERT.
Congratulations for a successful Suzuki Family
outing at Suzuka. Now on to Germany.
Defending World Champions
take the point lead
Yoshimura Suzuki at home
on the podium
Privateer ‘Dream Team’
creates a new legend
Defending its title as the 2012 FIM
Endurance World Champion, the Suzuki
Endurance Racing Team (SERT) placed
fourth at Suzuka and took the overall
point lead for the year. Piloting the
team’s Yoshimura-powered GSX-R1000
were French riders Vincent Philippe,
Anthony Delhalle and Julien Da Costa,
veteran riders with vast experience and
numerous victories in the Endurance
World Champion series.
Yoshimura Suzuki Racing Team, the only
team to have competed in every Suzuka
8 hours since its inception in 1978, took
second at the 29 July Suzuka 8 hours
Endurance Race. Grandson of Yoshimura
founder Pop Yoshimura, Team Manager
Yohei Kato’s riders included Nobuatsu
Aoki, making his tenth appearance at
Suzuka, and All-Japan Superbike racer
Takuya Tsuda. The third rider, Australian
Josh Brookes was fresh from a victory at
the Brand Hatch British Superbike
Championship.
Yukio Kagayama’s privateer team took
third place in its first entry in the Suzuka
8 hours endurance race. Inviting motorcycling legend Kevin Schwantz out of
retirement, Yukio Kagayama brought his
experience of riding for Suzuki in all
three championship classes. Joining
Kagayama and Schwantz on the podium
was former MotoGP, WSB and BSB rider
Noriyuki Haga.
SERT RACE HISTORY:
Endurance World Champion in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008,
2007, 2006, 2005, 1999, 1997, 1988, 1987 & 1983
The long-awaited return of
legend Kevin Schwantz
Team
Kevin Schwantz trained hard to prepare
for his international racing comeback at
this year’s Suzuka 8 hours. He continues
to be loved in Japan as the rider who won
the Japanese GP at Suzuka five times,
and who clinched the 1993 World Championship aboard his #34 Lucky Strike
RGV500 Suzuki.
“Suzuka holds a special place in my
heart because that is where I won my first
500cc Grand Prix in 1988. This time Yukio
made a very good team. Yukio said to me
‘You are my idol!,’ but I would like to say
to Yukio’ You are a Superstar!"
(SERT)
SUZUKI FAMILY
September 2013
6/7
The Experts Trust Suzuki
Winning Under and On the Water
with Suzuki Marine
Freediving Champion
Stephane Mifsud Powered
by Suzuki
Stephane Mifsud is a renowned freediver, environmentalist
and partner of Suzuki Marine. As a boy Stephane was able
to track fish over 50 metres deep without the aid of
breathing apparatus. As an adult he became a champion
freediver and founded the international freediving championship. During his outstanding his career, Stephane has set
numerous freediving records including the incredible feat
of holding his breath underwater for 11 minutes and 35
seconds in France in 2009.
Stephane has chosen Suzuki to power the boats of his
Mifsud International Freediving Association. Through years
of enjoying the sea and competition in freediving,
Stephane came to love and value the sea and every day he
shows his commitment to preserving the marine environment as a consultant to the Club Mer on the Côte d'Azur.
The semi-rigid boats of the Club Mer also are powered by
Suzuki’s DF250AP and DF300AP engines. The high-quality
performance and low-environmental impact are major
attractions for these Suzuki products.
Stephane said, “Good teamwork is necessary to
support and create a world record. Similarly, the excellent
performance of Suzuki outboards supports our training on
the ocean while also protecting the marine environment.”
Mimi Joins Suzuki to Keep
the Marine Environment Clean
Suzuki Runs in the Bass Fishing
Card Family
Misuzu Hirai, nicknamed Mimi, holds Japanese national and
Asian records in different disciplines of freediving, staying
submerged at depths as deep as 90m in the Constant
Weight with Fins (CWT) and 66m Free Immersion (FIM)
categories. She also led her team to take first place in the
2010 and 2012 World Championships in the CWT category.
Mimi trusts in her Suzuki outboard DF90A and with her
“Jack”, the Suzuki Marine boat mounted DF90A, she is
aiming for the World Championship. While she trains to
improve her freediving skills, she set up a marine environmental protection message site called “Marine Action”.
Suzuki is committed to supporting Mimi’s activities as
she competes in freediving competitions and works
tirelessly to promote the need for marine environmental
protection. Suzuki’s commitment to the environment is a
perfect fit for Mimi as she emphasizes the same theme
through “Marine Action.”
Suzuki Marine is proud to
sponsor Tennessee’s Brandon
Card, the Rookie of the Year in
the 2012 Bassmaster Elite
Series. Brandon, who grew up
in a bass fishing family, is
already putting in a strong
performance this year. The
2013 Series is a gruelling competition that brings together
100 contestants with 10 rounds of competition in lakes
and rivers throughout North America. After last year’s great
performance Brandon is now in a position where he can
challenge the overall series win.
When he appeared at the prestigious Bassmaster
Classic in Oklahoma in February, Brandon showed up on
his bass boat mounted with the Suzuki DF250SS. Both the
motor and the fisherman seem to be fan favourites receiving the rousing applause of the crowd.
Brandon said he has been attached to Suzuki since his
father chose Suzuki in the years when he was teaching
Brandon how to fish. Along with the knowledge of bass
fishing, the appreciation for the quality and performance of
Suzuki also crossed the generations. Suzuki is pleased to
have Brandon Card and his father as members of the
Suzuki Family.
SUZUKI FAMILY
September 2013
8/9
What’s Goin’ On?
SHOWTIME
Shanghai Exhibition Highlights
Outstanding New Suzuki Products
Suzuki’s New C-Segment Sedan Concept Signals
Exciting Future
On media day opening the 15th Shanghai International
Automobile Industry Exhibition 21-29 April, Suzuki Motor
Corporation unveiled its C-segment sedan concept model
“AUTHENTICS” .
Design
•A glamorous design with a sense of stability
Adopting a long wheelbase and a low height gives the model
an authentic sedan style while achieving dynamic body
shape through edgy character lines and elegant surfaces that
peak right below the character lines.
•Chrome details on the various parts of the body
Chrome parts on the body sides highlight the sportiness and
create an impression of wind-cutting sharpness.
Meet the
Ambassador
Promoting Healthy Lifestyle
with Suzuki in Chile
“You have to be where you want to be”,
Isidora’s Way of Life!
Isidora Ureta is perfect as an ambassador to promote healthy
living and outdoor lifestyle with Suzuki, and also a way to see
the country through various sports activities.
She is a 21-year-old athlete and was the national
champion of flowride, surfing artificial waves, in 2010 and
2011. While she is well known for her flowriding prowess,
she is also an accomplished surfer and snowboarder. And
when she puts the board away she spends her time
trekking and running. She has already participated in the
Suzuki Climbing Tour and will join other events throughoutt
the year as Suzuki Ambassador.
With her active lifestyle, Isidora is just the right
representative to promote the Suzuki Way of Life.
•A fusion of “sporty” and “elegant”
The elegant surfaces of the front hood, body sides and trunk
lid - combined with sharp, sporty lines and the blend of real
carbon and chrome plating at the fog lamps and the exhaust
pipe - add up to a fusion of “sporty” with “elegant” .
Exterior Colour
The exterior colour is called “Sparkle brown” for its ability to
attract people and the energy that flows from within. The
base brown hue exudes the forceful brilliance of gold,
expressing a strong-willed, powerful spirit. The contrast with
the chrome accents gives the radiance a further boost.
GW250, Redesigned for
Long Distance, Launched in China
Also at the Shanghai show, Suzuki Motor Corporation exhibited
the GW250S, which adds a half fairing to the GW250, highly
acclaimed for intrepid
styling and tractable
engine characteristics.
Manufactured by an
SMC joint venture for
domestic sales and
export,
Changzhou
Haojue Suzuki Motorcycle Co., Ltd., the
GW250S’ half fairing
accents bold styling
while achieving strong
wind protection and
rider comfort at high
speeds.
New Suzuki Exhibit Concept
Impresses Visitors at HISWA Boat Show
Dutch Suzuki distributor B.V. NIMAG introduced a new concept
for their exhibit at the HISWA trade association’s Amsterdam
International Boat and Water Sports Show, which ran 6-10
March this year. Suzuki Marine, in cooperation with seven
official Suzuki Marine dealers and partners, mounted a
prominent and large 550m2 show booth at the entrance of the
exhibition. In addition to the full Suzuki outboard line-up,
including the new DF20A/15A and DF140A/115A/100A, the
company displayed a wide selection of rubber boats, sports
boats, fishing boats and RIBs.
The impressive display of so many boats and outboards was
enhanced by a stylish and inviting wood-floored lounge area,
where visitors were invited to enjoy an espresso and could
register for the chance to win a spectacular RIB boat ride.
SUZUKI FAMILY
September 2013
10/11
AUTOMOBILES
MARINE PRODUCTSS
MOTORCYCLESS
Suzuki Connects with 1.2M fans
Through Social Media
family. Some 50,000 visitors over the two
days had a chance to get a good look at the
outboard engines and boats, with more than
700 people participating in 270 trials on the
Datteln-Hamm Canal.
What’s Goin’ On??
Second “Suzuki & Save the Green”
Is a Great Success in Italy
MOTORCYCLES
In March, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI)
celebrated the 1 millionth fan “like” on its
Facebook profile! Suzuki’s FB fans increased
rapidly from late 2012 and in to 2013,
currently topping 1,260,799 followers who
enjoy a variety of posts: race results, event
photos, historical pictures, product videos and
sweepstakes giveaways.
In January, the page celebrated Suzuki
Motor of America, Inc.’s 50th Anniversary with a
sweepstakes to thank our United States fans
SHOOTER 115Fi Introduced
to Indonesia
In June, Suzuki Australia transformed the
Queensland Raceway with a Hayabusa Show
and Shine event coinciding with the national
media launch of the 2013 model.
Suzuki stole the show during the
Australian Superbike (ASBK) round, with
GSX-R riders Robbie Bugden and Wayne
Maxwell starring on the track while Suzuki
owners enjoyed activities featuring the iconic
Hayabusa in the pit area. Alongside examples
of the 2013 Hayabusa, a collection of
Suzuki’s finest bikes through history were on
display, in a variety of colour schemes.
The impressive array of contestants
challenged the judging panel – including
three-time ASBK champion Shawn Giles,
Team Suzuki Race Manager Phil Tainton, IEG
Managing Director Yarrive Konsky and Suzuki
Australia Motorcycles General Manager Perry
Morison – to choose among them to award
Best Custom, Most Original, Best in Show and
Racer’s Choice.
On May 4 over 50 members of the press and
more than 200 representatives from all around
Indonesia were on hand at Bandung, West
Java, for the unveiling of the “SHOOTER 115Fi”.
The new model marks the first introduction by PT. Suzuki Indomobil Motor (SIM) of a
fuel injection system for a economical
commuter model and it impressed guests with
its better fuel consumption, improved acceleration and enhanced durability.
The next day, there was a press tour,
outdoor exhibit, spot sales and a drag race to
acquaint the public in depth with the new
Suzuki SHOOTER 115Fi.
and help stimulate dealership visits. The page
introduced Suzuki brand new SUZUKI BOULEVARD
models in May by introducing a million+ fans to
our stylish new Suzuki B.O.S.S. “blacked out”
models! SMAI’s profile features a “dealer locator”
page where Suzuki dealers can post links to
their own Facebook accounts, giving shoppers
even more ways to connect with Suzuki.
Visit SMAI’s Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/SuzukiCycles
MARINE PRODUCTS
German Harbor Festival
Appeals to Younger Boaters
showcase the DT15L two-stroke motor and
the AX 100 motorcycle.
The Suzuki CFAO Motors Congo team
arrived in Songolo as the fishing industry was
holding its annual meeting. And in Tchilassi
they met with a successful fisherman with a
fleet of 13 boats who was particularly
interested in the range of Suzuki Marine’s
products. In addition to fishing, prospective
Suzuki customers were also looking at how to
use Suzuki products in their mining activities
and for pleasure boating to introduce local
people to the Suzuki Way of Life.
Suzuki’s Way of Life in
Southern Congo
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.’s Facebook
Hayabusa Shines at
Queensland Raceway
shore of the Stura River.
The Province of Turin promoted the event
in cooperation with an environmental
association, intending to raise awareness of
residents and local authorities about the
problems of dumped garbage and erosion of
the shore.
Suzuki cleared an area of 950 square
metres in the town of Turin, where 50 adults
collected 110 bags of unclassifiable trash, 25
bags of plastics, 50 bags of glass, 4 vehicle
tires and 4 cubic metres of oversize refuses.
Saturday 6 April in Turin, the second edition
of “Suzuki & Save the Green” involved volunteers from dealers in Piedmonte and Suzuki
Italia’s employees, their families and friends
in the project “Clean Up the Stura” on the
Suzuki’s Way of Life is attracting attention
along the waterways of the southern Congo.
Laurent de Mas Latrie, head of new brand
development for motorcycles and marine in
Sèvres, along with Virgil Comault visited
villages along the Kouilou River to
Mauritians Consistently Favour the Suzuki Brand
Emcar Team Celebrates Suzuki as #1!
In 2012, Suzuki achieved record sales of 1,970 motorbikes and
scooters of greater than 100cm3 displacement in Mauritius.
Clearly, Suzuki is by far the preferred brand on this small island
of only 1.3 million inhabitants!
The Suzuki market share in the over 100cm3 motorbike
market segment in Mauritius reached a record level of 30.2%,
while capturing 20.4% for the global market, where total sales
for the year attained 9,464 units.
Suzuki has been the preferred brand of Mauritians for the
last three years, thanks to the dedicated efforts of each staff
member at Emcar Ltd., who have made the most of the
constant support of Suzuki.
Suzuki Marine Competition Popular
with Anglers
The Suzuki Marine Fishing Competition was held on 23 March this
year. This annual competition has become an important event in
the fishing competition calendar and big game fishing enthusiasts
wait eagerly for this exciting event.
This year again, about 30 boats and over 110 fishermen participated, turning up early in the morning at the Morne Anglers Club in
Black River on the west coast of the island. Emcar Marine Star Prizes
were attractive Suzuki outboard models and the Suzuki Marine
trophy went to Team No Limit who landed a 378lb Black Marlin.
The Emcar Suzuki Marine Team congratulated the winners and
is confident that the value of The Suzuki Marine Trophy will be
even bigger next year.
Suzuki Marine showcased a wide range of
outboard engines and boat types at
Germany’s Bergkamen Harbor Festival in
June. Suzuki provided 16 boats from small
inflatables up to a Dutch sloop in the
license-free class of up to 11.0kW(15PS) for
free half-hour test drives at Marina Rünthe.
The trials were especially popular with
young families, who were convinced by the
experience that boating is fun for the whole
SUZUKI FAMILY
September 2013
12/13
AUTOMOBILES
MARINE PRODUCTSS
MOTORCYCLESS
What’s Goin’ On??
AUTOMOBILES
Suzuki’s 4x4 Vehicles Support
Dog Sledding Event
German Drivers Enjoy SDX
Using the Swift Sport
The 2013 Suzuki Driving Xperience (SDX) is
underway, combining professional safety
training with a sporty driving experience in
small groups using the Suzuki Swift Sport.
Participants learn techniques to improve
driving safety and vehicle handling from a
team of experienced instructors led by
professional rallye driver Niki Schelle, who
also appears in the Swift promotional videos.
(PV URL:www.globalsuzuki.com/automobile/lineup/swift/)
The theoretical introduction is followed
by sessions on determining optimal seat and
steering wheel positions, correct braking in
emergency situations, driving exercises, a
handling and slalom course, evasive
manoeuvres and an introduction to racing.
The 12 fully booked events in Germany
take place at selected driving safety centres
near Berlin, Cologne, Augsburg, Hanover,
Baden-Baden and at the Sachsenring race
track. Participants can look forward to train
in a very special vehicle with engine power of
100kw (136 h.p.) and extremely dynamic
handling. The Swift Sport makes every ride a
joyful experience!
Owner Satisfaction Award
Goes to Suzuki, Again!
La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont-Blanc is an
international race for 30 of the world's top
mushers and 400 four-legged athletes. As the
official car of this dog sledding event,
Suzuki's 4X4 vehicles, the Swift, the Jimny,
the SX4 and the Grand Vitara showcased their
high performance capabilities and provided
logistical support for the dog sled teams that
challenged the wintry conditions of the
1000km course.
Stéphane Magnin, Sales Director of
Suzuki France, explained Suzuki’s contributions: “We supported all 8 stages by supplying
vehicles, plus we were able to provide
spectators chances to see and test our
models, thanks to the support of our dealers.
Suzuki shares the value that men and
animals can work in perfect harmony while
respecting and protecting the natural world.”
New Zealand Suzuki owners
are more satisfied than
owners of any other brand.
According to the results of an
independent survey by Roy
Morgan Research, for the
second
successive
year,
Suzuki topped the list of the
ten most popular makes of cars, with the
highest rating of 96.4 per cent in the
customer satisfaction survey for 2012, earning
SMC the Car Manufacturer of the Year title.
The Roy Morgan Award is New Zealand's
largest and most prestigious on-going single
source survey. Tom Peck, CEO of Suzuki New
Zealand said, “Clearly owners like their Suzukis. Buyers also appreciate the transparent
pricing and ownership benefits.”
Suzuki Ertiga a Winner in
India and Indonesia
India- The Indian public and the media are
both taking note of the Ertiga. It has been
chosen to be the prestigious MPV Car of the
Year by Autocar India magazine and has also
won six other honorable awards.
The Ertiga is becoming popular in India
where the 7-seater Ertiga seems particularly
well suited for Indian families’ Way of Life.
The petrol and diesel fuel options were an
instant hit and a CNG option is now also
available.
Indonesia- Suzuki’s Ertiga was named Car of
the Year 2013 by Indonesia’s leading Automobile Magazine “OTOMOTIF” at a major event at
FX Lifestyle Plaza in Jakarta on 21 March. In
accepting this highest honor, Managing Director of PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales Seiji Itayama
thanked the people of Indonesia and pledged
“through our continuous sales and after sales
service…we would never disappoint you, our
loyal customer.” The Ertiga has also been
awarded “Best of the Best MPV” and “Best
Small MPV”.
In May, PT. Suzuki Indomobil Sales staged
the Pesta Otomotif Mobil
Suzuki (Suzuki Automobile Festival) 2013 to
show its appreciation to
customers. The event
featured a Suzuki exhibit
to showcase all models,
a test drive, games for
the whole family and a
raffle for visitors.
HQ News
1
2
Environmental Brand SUZUKI GREEN Realizes
Responsible SMC Policies
Suzuki Motor Corporation - committed to passing on to
future generations a clean environment and bountiful
society - has instituted the Suzuki Environmental Plan
2015, a program dedicated to environmental preservation
that will be in effect from FY2012 to FY2015. In addition,
SMC established the Suzuki Biodiversity Protection Guideline, a code mandating protection and sustainable “biodiversity” practices throughout Suzuki’s business activities.
Also, to realize the Suzuki Global Environment Charter,
Suzuki has introduced an environmental brand, SUZUKI GREEN,
which clarifies our environmental policy, next-generation
eco-conscious technologies, and environmental activities,
with wide appeal inside and outside the company.
For details please visit:
http://www.globalsuzuki.com/corporate/environmental/index.html
SMC Tops Worldwide Automobile Sales
of 50M
In March, Suzuki Motor Corporation achieved accumulated
worldwide automobile sales of 50 million units over our
history since the launch of the historic Suzulight minivehicle in October 1955: 21.95 million units in Japan and
28.05 million units overseas. Suzuki currently has 13
automobile production bases in 12 countries, including
India, Hungary and Indonesia. Suzuki automobiles are
favoured in 181 countries and regions worldwide.
50
50
million units
10
million units
June 1989
20
40
million units
3
30
March 2013
June 2009
million units
million units October 2004
June 1998
50,000,000 !
3
New Suzuki Minivehicles Launched in Japan
Japan has a unique vehicle standard for the “Kei car”
(minivehicle) category, with engine displacement limited
to 660cm3, along with compactly limited length, width,
and height, and an overall capacity of four occupants. At
Suzuki, we integrate our most advanced technologies for
body weight reduction and low fuel consumption into
these vehicles. Sales of minivehicles have increased
rapidly in recent years, which currently account for nearly
40% of vehicles sold in Japan, thanks to their economical
performance and high maneouverability. Competition to
improve fuel economy of these minivehicles
even further continues to be intense.
Suzuki, utilizing our historical
expertise with minivehicles, has
developed the fuel-efficient yet
roomy Spacia and Spacia
Custom, and is aiming
directly at young female
buyers with the attractive
“Alto Lapin Chocolat”.
Spacia
Spacia Custom
Alto Lapin Chocolat
SUZUKI FAMILY
September 2013
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