Suzuki

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This article is about the Japanese car company. For other uses, see Suzuki
(disambiguation).
Suzuki Motor Corporation

Logo since 1990

Suzuki headquarters in Hamamatsu

Native name スズキ株式会社
Romanized name Suzuki Kabushiki-Gaisha
Type Public (K.K.)
TYO: 7269
Traded as
OTC Pink: SZKMF
ISIN JP3397210000
Industry Automotive
Founded October 1909; 112 years ago (as Suzuki Loom Works)
Founder Michio Suzuki
Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Headquarters ,
Japan
Area served Worldwide
Osamu Suzuki
(former chairman)
Yasuhito Harayama
Key people
(vice chairman)
Toshihiro Suzuki
(president)
Products Automobiles, engines, motorcycles, ATVs, outboard motors
Production output 2,966,659 (2020)[1]
Revenue ¥3.5 trillion (2020)[2]
Operating income ¥215 billion (2020)[2]
 Net income ¥134 billion (2020)[2]
Total assets ¥3.33 trillion (2020)[2]
Total equity ¥1.8 trillion (2020)[2]
 The Master Trust Bank of Japan (10.65%)[3]
 Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd (5.24%)[3]
 Toyota (4.94%)[3]
 Tokio Marine Nichido (3.70%)[3]
 MUFG Bank (3.30%)[3]
Owners
 Shizuoka Bank (2.49%)[3]
 JPMorgan Chase (2.35%)[3]
 BNY Mellon (1.84%)[3]
 Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd (Trust port 5) (1.70%)[3]

Number of employees 68,499 (2020)[2]

 Maruti Suzuki
 Magyar Suzuki
 Suzuki Indomobil Motor
 Pak Suzuki Motors
 Bari Suzuki
Subsidiaries  Suzuki China
 Suzuki Motors Gujarat Private Limited
 Suzuki GB PLC
 Suzuki Motorcycle India Limited
 Suzuki Myanmar Motor Co., Ltd

Website www.globalsuzuki.com

Suzuki Motor Corporation (Japanese: スズキ株式会社, Hepburn: Suzuki Kabushiki-

Gaisha)[4] is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Minami-ku,
Hamamatsu, Japan.[5] Suzuki manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles
(ATVs), outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a variety of other small internal
combustion engines. In 2016, Suzuki was the eleventh biggest automaker by production
worldwide.[6] Suzuki has over 45,000 employees and has 35 production facilities in 23
countries, and 133 distributors in 192 countries. The worldwide sales volume of
automobiles is the world's tenth largest,[7] while domestic sales volume is the third largest in
the country.[8]

Suzuki's domestic motorcycle sales volume is the third largest in Japan.[9]

Contents
 1 History
o 1.1 Leadership
o 1.2 Timeline
 1.2.1 1909–1959
 1.2.2 1960–1969
 1.2.3 1970–1979
 1.2.4 1980–1989
 1.2.5 1990–1999
 1.2.6 2000–2009
 1.2.7 2010–2015
 1.2.8 2018–present
 2 Subsidiaries
o 2.1 Maruti Suzuki India Limited (Formerly Maruti Udyog Limited)
o 2.2 American Suzuki Motor Corp.
o 2.3 Pakistani Suzuki Motor Company Limited
o 2.4 Suzuki Canada Inc.
o 2.5 Suzuki GB PLC
o 2.6 Suzuki Indomobil Motor
o 2.7 Suzuki Motorcycle India, Private Limited
 3 Production facilities
 4 Automobiles
o 4.1 Production automobiles
o 4.2 Concept automobiles
 5 Motorcycles
o 5.1 Models
 5.1.1 Two-stroke engines
 5.1.2 Four-stroke engines
 5.1.3 Other power sources
o 5.2 Concept motorcycles
 6 All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
 7 Event sponsorship
 8 See also
 9 References
 10 External links

History
In 1909, Michio Suzuki (1887–1982) founded the Suzuki Loom Works in the small
seacoast village of Hamamatsu, Japan. Business boomed as Suzuki built weaving looms for
Japan's giant silk industry.[10] In 1929, Michio Suzuki invented a new type of weaving
machine, which was exported overseas. The company's first 30 years focused on the
development and production of these machines.[citation needed]
Despite the success of his looms, Suzuki believed that his company would benefit from
diversification and he began to look at other products. Based on consumer demand, he
decided that building a small car would be the most practical new venture. The project
began in 1937, and within two years Suzuki had completed several compact prototype cars.
These first Suzuki motor vehicles were powered by a then-innovative, liquid-cooled, four-
stroke, four-cylinder engine. It had a cast aluminum crankcase and gearbox and generated
13 horsepower (9.7 kW) from a displacement of less than 800cc.[citation needed]

With the onset of World War II, production plans for Suzuki's new vehicles were halted
when the government declared civilian passenger cars a "non-essential commodity." At the
conclusion of the war, Suzuki went back to producing looms. Loom production was given a
boost when the U.S. government approved the shipping of cotton to Japan. Suzuki's
fortunes brightened as orders began to increase from domestic textile manufacturers. But
the joy was short-lived as the cotton market collapsed in 1951.[citation needed]

Faced with this colossal challenge, Suzuki returned to the production of motor vehicles.
After the war, the Japanese had a great need for affordable, reliable personal transportation.
A number of firms began offering "clip-on" gas-powered engines that could be attached to
the typical bicycle. Suzuki's first two-wheeled vehicle was a bicycle fitted with a motor
called, the "Power Free." Designed to be inexpensive and simple to build and maintain, the
1952 Power Free had a 36 cc, one horsepower, two-stroke engine.[11] The new double-
sprocket gear system enabled the rider to either pedal with the engine assisting, pedal
without engine assist, or simply disconnect the pedals and run on engine power alone.[citation
needed]
The patent office of the new democratic government granted Suzuki a financial
subsidy to continue research in motorcycle engineering.

1955 Suzulight

By 1954, Suzuki was producing 6,000 motorcycles per month and his company had
officially changed its name to Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. Following the success of his first
motorcycles, Suzuki created an even more successful automobile: the 1955 Suzuki
Suzulight. The Suzulight sold with front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension
and rack-and-pinion steering, which were not common on cars until three decades later.
[citation needed]

Volkswagen held a 19.9% non-controlling shareholding in Suzuki between 2009 and 2015.
This situation did not last, as Suzuki accused Volkswagen of not sharing promised
technology while Volkswagen objected to a deal where Suzuki purchased diesel engines
from Fiat.[12] An international arbitration court ordered Volkswagen to sell the stake back to
Suzuki.[12] Suzuki paid $3.8bn to complete the stock buy-back in September 2015.[13]

Leadership

The company was founded by Michio Suzuki; its current Chairman is Osamu Suzuki,[14] the
fourth adopted son-in-law in a row to run the company,[15] Osamu Suzuki, the 91 year old
Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, will retire in June 2021, handing over to his son
Toshihiro.[16]

Timeline

This subsection is in list format but may read better as prose. You can help by
converting this subsection, if appropriate. Editing help is available. (April 2019)

The Suzuki Loom Company started in 1909 as a manufacturer of looms for weaving silk
and cotton. Michio Suzuki was intent on making better, more user-friendly looms and, for
30 years his focus was on the development of these machines. Michio's desire to diversify
into automotive products was interrupted by World War II.[17] Before it began building
four-stroke engines, Suzuki Motor Corp. was known for its two-stroke engines (for
motorcycles and autos).[18] After the war, Suzuki made a two-stroke motorized bicycle, but
eventually the company would be known for Hayabusa and GSX-R motorcycles, for the
QuadRunner, and for dominating racetracks around the world. Even after producing its first
car in 1955 the company didn't have an automobile division until 1961.[19] Today Suzuki is
among the world's largest automakers, and a major brand name in important markets,
including Japan and India, but no longer sells cars in North America.[20]

1909–1959

Michio Suzuki
  1909: Michio Suzuki founds Suzuki Loom Works founded in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Prefecture, Japan.[21]
 1920: Company is reorganized, incorporated, and capitalized at ¥500,000 as Suzuki
Loom Manufacturing Co. with Michio Suzuki as president.[21]
 1937: Suzuki begins a project to diversify into manufacturing small cars. Within
two years several innovative prototypes are completed, but the government declares
civilian passenger cars a "non-essential commodity" at the onset of World War II,
thwarting production plans.[17]
 1940: Takatsuka Plant is built in Kami-mura, Hamana-gun, Shizuoka, Japan.[5][21]
 1945: Plants close due to severe war damage. Company offices move to the
Takatsuka Plant site.[21]
 1947: Head office moves to the present address.[5][21]
 1949: Company lists on the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya Stock Exchanges.[21]
 1950: Company has financial crisis due to labor difficulties.[21]
 1952: "Power Free" motorized bicycle marketed.[11][19]
 1953: Introduction of Diamond Free 60cc, 2-cycle motorized bicycle, displacement
subsequently increases to 70cc.[22]
 1954: Company name changed to Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd.[21]
 1955: Introduction of Colleda COX 125cc 4-stroke single-cylinder,[22] and Colleda
ST 125cc, two-stroke single-cylinder motorcycles.
o Suzulight (360cc, two-stroke) front wheel drive car introduced at the start of
Japan's minivehicle age.[23]
 1957: Michio Suzuki designated as adviser, and his son Shunzo Suzuki appointed as
company president.[21][24]
 1958: S mark adopted as corporate emblem.[21]
 1959: Launch of Colleda Sel Twin (2-cylinder) 125cc, two-stroke motorcycle with
electric starter.
o Introduction of all-new Suzulight TL 360cc light commercial, two-stroke
minivehicle.[21]
o 26 September, Typhoon Vera (Ise-Wan) destroys Suzuki's assembly plant.[25]

1960–1969

 1960: In March Suzuki's new modern assembly line plant is finished.[25]

o Suzuki enter a motorcycle race team into Grands Prix under the
manufacturing name Colleda with riders Toshio Matsumoto, Michio Ichino
and Ray Fay, placing 15th, 16th, and 18th in Isle of Man TT races.[26]
 1961: Separation of the loom machine division from the motor company, as Suzuki
Loom Manufacturing Co.[21]
o Suzuki enter race motorcycles of RT61 125 cc and RV61 250 cc into Grands
Prix under the Suzuki name[27] with two riders from the team of Mitsuo Itoh,
Michio Ichino, Sadao Masuda, Toshio Matsumoto, Paddy Driver, Hugh
Anderson and Alastair King placing 10th and 12th in 250 cc Isle of Man TT
races.[28][29]
o Production of the Suzulight Carry 360cc, two-stroke lightweight truck
begins at new plant in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.[21][30]
  1962: First victory in the inaugural season of 50 cc Grand Prix motorcycle racing
comes at the end of a three-way battle between Suzuki, Honda and Kreidler at the
Isle of Man TT. The winning RM62 machine was ridden by Ernst Degner who had
defected from the East German MZ team to Suzuki the previous year.[31][32]
 1963: Mitsuo Itoh makes history as the first Japanese rider to win the Isle of Man
TT, when he takes the lead on the last lap of the 50cc race after Suzuki teammate
Degner breaks down. Suzuki wins both the rider's and manufacturer's
championships, in both 50cc and 125cc classes, for this season of World Grand Prix
motorcycle racing.[31][33]
o Subsidiary company opens in Los Angeles, to enter the American
motorcycle market, as U.S. Suzuki Motor Corp.[34]
 1965: Enters outboard motor market with the launch of D55 5.5 hp, two-stroke
engine.[21]
o Introduction of Fronte 800 two-stroke subcompact passenger vehicle.[35]
o T20 motorcycle introduced as "the fastest 250cc motorcycle in the world",
aimed at the US market but gets worldwide attention.[36]

Suzuki T500 at the Salon de la moto 2011 in Paris

 1967: Thailand gets the first motorcycle assembly plant outside Japan, creating Thai
Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd.[21]
o Automobile plant built in Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan.[21][37]
o Debut of Fronte 360cc, two-stroke minivehicle.[21]
 1968: After a winning 1967 season, the Suzuki motorcycle race team withdraws
from World Grand Prix due to changes in FIM rules. Hans-Georg Anscheidt rides a
1967 machine in 1968 as a privateer, for the seventh season of Suzuki GP
championships.[31]
o Introduction of Carry Van 360cc, two-stroke minivan with a full cab over
design.[21]
o Launch of T500 motorcycle with an air-cooled parallel-twin 500cc engine,
the largest displacement of any two-stroke at the time.[36]
 1969: Motorcycle plant built in Oyabe, Toyama, Japan.[21]

1970–1979
Suzuki Jimny LJ10

 1970: Foundry is built in Ogasa, Shizuoka, Japan; automobile plant is built in

Kosai, Shizuoka.[38][39]
o Frank Whiteway easily wins the 500cc class at the Isle of Man TT race on a
production T500 motorcycle prepared by Eddie Crooks.[40]
o LJ10, the first mass-production 4x4 domestic mini-car, becomes available in
Japan, powered by a 360cc twin cylinder air-cooled two-stroke engine.[41][42]
 1971: Production plant for medium to large motorcycles is built in Toyokawa,
Aichi, Japan.[30][39]
o GT750 motorcycle debuts with a liquid-cooled two-stroke straight-three
engine.[43]
o Suzuki's production motocrosser, the TM400, arrives to participate in 500cc
class Motocross World Championship racing.[44]
o Suzuki rider Roger De Coster becomes the 500cc class World Motocross
Champion on his 396cc RN71 factory machine, while teammate (and fellow
Belgian) Joel Robert becomes 250cc class champion.[45]
 1972: Suzuki Parts Manufacturing Company, Ltd., is established in Akita
Prefecture, Japan.[39]
o The Hustler 400 (TS400) motorcycle released as a street version of the
TM400.[44]
 1973: Jitsujiro Suzuki appointed as president, and Shunzo Suzuki appointed as
chairman.
o Canadian subsidiary set up in North York, as Suzuki Canada Ltd., to supply
machines and parts to motorcycle dealers in Canada.[24]
 1974: Indonesian subsidiary established in Jakarta as P.T. Suzuki Indonesia
Manufacturing.[39]
o Company enters into medical equipment field with launch of the Suzuki
Motor Chair Z600 motorized wheelchair.[39]
o Expansion into the housing field initiated with Suzuki Home marketing two
models of prefab "Mini-House" and three types of storage sheds.[39]
o RE5 introduced as the first Japanese (production) motorcycle with a rotary
engine in the world.[46]
 1975: Delays in compliance with car emission regulations cause severe difficulties
for the company.[39]
o Philippine distributor Rufino D. Antonio and Associates institute a joint
venture with Suzuki (Japan) under the name of Antonio Suzuki Corporation,
to expand motorcycle sales in the Philippines.[47]
 o LJ50 (Jimny) 4x4 released in Australia with a more powerful, export-only,
550 cc liquid-cooled two-stroke straight-three engine.[42][48]
o RM125 introduced as a production version of the works machine RA75 on
which Gaston Rahier won the 125cc World Motocross GP championship.
From 1975 to 1984, Suzuki dominates this class 10 years in a row with
Gaston Rahier, Akira Watanabe, Harry Everts, Eric Geboers and Michele
Rinaldi.[44]
o Assembly outside Japan commences for the first time, in Pakistan.[49]
Assembly kits of the ST90 Carry and LJ80 (Jimny) are shipped, both with
800 cc engines.[50] Production and sales were done by two local entities (Sind
Engineering and Naya Dauer Motor) under the auspices of PACO (Pakistan
Automobile Corporation).[49][50]
 1976: GS Series motorcycles released, the GS750 and GS400 are the first four-
stroke machines from Suzuki in 20 years.[44]
o Pops Yoshimura enters the GS750 for the first time in the AMA Superbike
series, wins at Laguna Seca Raceway.[51] Barry Sheene wins 500cc World
Championship for Suzuki
 1977: Debut of Cervo two-stroke minivehicle for domestic market, export version
introduced the next year with four-stroke engine.[39]
o Last of the LJ utility 4x4 series, the LJ80, gets a new four-cylinder water-
cooled 800cc four-stroke engine, and is exported to Australia and Europe the
following year.[42][52] Barry Sheene wins second 500cc World Championship
for Suzuki
 1978: Appointment of Osamu Suzuki as president, Jitsujiro Suzuki appointed as
chairman.[39]
o The flagship model of the GS Series, the GS1000E, becomes available as
Suzuki's first 1-liter machine.[44]
o A Yoshimura GS1000 ridden by Californians Mike Baldwin and Wes
Cooley wins the first Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race.[51]
 1979: Alto two-stroke minivehicle introduced.[39] This car was a massive success,
propelling Suzuki into seventh place amongst Japanese car and truck manufacturers,
and helped the company's bargaining position when later linking up with Isuzu and
General Motors.[53]

1980–1989
Suzuki Katana GSX1100

 1980: Suzuki Australia Pty. Ltd. established in Sydney, Australia.[54]

o Suzuki enters general-purpose engine field by marketing three electric
power generator models.[55]
o Launch of the GSX series of motorcycles with four-stroke, DOHC four-
valve engines.[56]
 1981: Consolidated (i.e., including subsidiaries) sales for the fiscal year reach ¥500
billion.[55]
o General Motors and Isuzu Motors announce cooperation with Suzuki Motor
Company in the production and marketing of new "mini-cars". GM
purchases a 5.3% stake in Suzuki.[57][58]
o The RG Gamma (RG Γ) makes its first appearance in Grand Prix motorcycle
racing; Suzuki wins sixth-consecutive manufacturer's title, and Suzuki rider
Marco Lucchinelli becomes the 500 cc class champion.[59]
o German designer Hans A. Muth uses the motif of the samurai sword to
create the original GSX1100S Katana, a motorcycle that "typifies Suzuki".
[56]

o Production begins on a second generation of 4x4 utility vehicles with 1-liter

engines; the SJ410 is designed for export and sold as the Suzuki Samurai in
Canada, and as the Jimny 1000 in some markets.[42][60][61]
 1982: Aggregate (i.e., sum-total) motorcycle production at the Toyama Plant
reaches 5 million units.[55]
o Italian Franco Uncini, riding a Roberto Gallina racing team RG Γ
motorcycle, takes the Grand Prix championship in the 500 cc class. Suzuki
wins the manufacturer's title for the seventh consecutive year.[59]
o Masaru Mizutani (in Japanese) on his RG Γ takes first place in seven
consecutive events and wins the All Japan Road Race Championship for the
500cc class.[62]
o The company and the Government of India set up Maruti Udyog Ltd. as a
joint venture for automobile production and distribution.[63]
o The company signs a technological tie-up contract with Land-Rover Santana
S.A., Spain.[55]
o Car production begins at Pak Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. in Karachi, Pakistan.[64]
A joint venture with Pakistan Automobile Corporation (PACO), Pak Suzuki
was established in September 1982 as Awami Auto Limited.[65][66]
o New Alto minivehicle debuts.[55]
o The very first production four-wheel all-terrain vehicle is released; the
QuadRunner 125 begins the era of four-wheelers and transforms the ATV
industry.[56][67]
Suzuki Mighty Boy

 1983: Jitsujiro Suzuki steps down from the chairmanship.[55]

o A second Kosai, Shizuoka automobile plant is built for compact cars.[38][55]
o The RG250Γ motorcycle is released as the first-ever full-blown racer-
replica, with technology developed for the racetrack.[68]
o Launch of the Mighty Boy 550cc, 4-cycle mini commercial vehicle.[55]
o The Cultus (Swift/Forsa/SA310) 1-liter passenger vehicle debuts.[69]
o Production of Suzuki cars begins at Maruti Udyog Ltd. in New Delhi, India.
[55]

Maruti 800/Suzuki Mehran, manufactured and sold in India by Maruti Suzuki and
assembled/distributed in Pakistan by Pak Suzuki Motors[49]

 1984: Suzuki New Zealand Ltd. established in Wanganui, New Zealand. Suzuki
France S.A. is established in Trappes, France. Suzuki Motor GmbH Deutschland is
established in Heppenheim, Germany.[55]
o Suzuki starts exporting 1-liter Cultus to U.S. automaker General Motors
Corp.[70]
o An upgraded SJ 4x4, with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed
gearbox, is released. The SJ413 is sold in the U.S. market (as the Samurai)
the following year, and ultimately in over 100 countries.[71][72][73]
o Suzuki signs a car production technical assistance contract with China
National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation.[55]
o Introduction of the GSX-R750 motorcycle with an oil-cooled 4-cylinder
DOHC engine.[74]
 1985: Aggregate sales of Alto in Japan reach 1 million units.[75]
o Suzuki of America Automotive Corp. established in Brea, California.
Samurai introduced in USA.[76][77]
o Company signs a motorcycle production technical tie-up contract with Jinan
Qingqi Motorcycle Co., Ltd. in China.[78]
 o Production of Suzuki cars begins at Santana S.A., Spain.[55] The factory is in
Linares, Andalusia.
o Scooter production started at Avello S.A. of Spain.[79]
 1986: American Suzuki Motor Corp. is established in Brea, California, to
consolidate operations in USA.[55]
o Suzuki reaches an agreement with General Motors Corp. of Canada for
cooperation in establishment of a joint venture company.[80]

Suzuki VS 1400 Intruder

 1987: Aggregate car exports from Japan reach 2 million units. Annual global sales
of automobiles reach 1 million units.[55]
o Cultus/Swift production began in Colombia.[citation needed]
o Suzuki reaches an agreement with Mazda Motor Corp. for cooperation in
production of micro-mini vehicles.[81]
 1988: Escudo (Vitara/Sidekick) 1.6-liter, four-cycle compact 4x4 vehicle debuts.[82]
o Magazine published by Consumers Union claims the Samurai 4x4 is prone
to rolling over. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rejects
demands for a Samurai recall.[72][73][83]
o Swift sales begin in the United States.[83]
 1989: Aggregate car production reached 10 million units.[55]
o Production of Suzuki cars begins at CAMI Automotive Inc. in Ontario,
Canada.[84]
o Sidekick sales begin in the United States.[82]

1990–1999

"A gem set in the Suzuki world." The plant in Esztergom, Hungary is built on a site
covering some 350,000 square metres (3,800,000 sq ft)[85]
 1990: Company changes its name to Suzuki Motor Corporation.[86]
o Kei car standards are upgraded. New mini-vehicles are released under the
latest specifications: engine capacity raised to 660cc; overall length
extended to 10.8 feet (3.3 m).[87]
 1991: Consolidated sales reach ¥1 trillion.[86]
o Suzuki signs a car production contract in Hungary, establishing Magyar
Suzuki Corporation.[85][88]
o Production of Suzuki cars begins in Korea through a technical tie-up with
Daewoo Shipbuilding and Heavy Machinery Ltd.[89]
o Cappuccino mini two-seater convertible debuts.[90]
 1992: Production of Suzuki cars begins at the new plant of Pak Suzuki Motors in
Karachi, Pakistan.[86]
o Production and sales of Hungarian-built Suzuki cars begin.[85]
o Suzuki becomes a 50% partner in Maruti Udyog.[91]
 1993: Aggregate (i.e., sum-total) motorcycle production at Thai Suzuki Motor Co.,
Ltd. reaches 2 million units.[86]
o Passenger car production/sales began at Suzuki Egypt S.A.E.[86]
o Suzuki signs joint-venture contracts for production of passenger cars and
motorcycles in China.[92][93]
o Wagon R minivehicle debuts, wins 1993 RJC Car of the Year award.[94][95]
 1994: Aggregate sales of Suzuki cars in Japan reach 10 million units.[86]
o Maruti Udyog of India aggregate car production reach 1 million units.[96]
o Suzuki and Isuzu Motors Ltd. agree to dissolve their business tie-up.[86]
 1995: Aggregate sales of Suzuki minivehicles in Japan reach 10 million units,
aggregate motorcycle exports from Japan reached 20 million units.[86]
o Suzuki pulls out of its capital tie-up with Santana S.A. in Spain but
continues car-related technical cooperation.[86][97]
 1996: Aggregate sales of Carry in Japan reach 3 million units.[86]
o Vietnam Suzuki corporation starts production of motorcycles and
automobiles in the Bien Hoa industrial zone.[98][99][100]
o Production of Suzuki Motorcycles begins at Jinan Qingqi Suzuki
Motorcycle Co., Ltd., China.[78]
 1997: Achieved 10 million cumulative automobile sales for overseas market.[86]
o Four stroke outboard motors win the Innovation Award at The International
Marine Trade Exhibit and Conference (IMTEC) in Chicago.[101][102]
o American Suzuki Motor Corp. publicly accuses Consumers Union of rigging
1988 test results for the Samurai 4x4, using videotape obtained through the
discovery process in the Suzuki v. Consumers Union lawsuit.[103][104]
o Suzuki goes to the International Court of Arbitration over the Indian
government's appointment of a senior executive at Maruti Udyog Ltd.[91][105]
Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R

 1998: Suzuki and General Motors Corporation agree on joint development of

compact vehicles, both companies agree to strengthen their business tie-up and form
a strategic alliance. GM changes its equity stake in Suzuki from 3.3% to 10%.[106]
o Suzuki and the Indian government settle their dispute over the Indian
government's appointment of a senior executive at Maruti Udyog Ltd.[107]
o Changan Suzuki Automobile Co., Ltd. begins production of passenger cars
in Chongqing, China.[108]
o A new joint venture with the government of Burma opens a manufacturing
plant in Yangon.[109][110][111]
o Introduction of GSX 1300R Hayabusa 1299 cc sport bike, the fastest
production motorcycle in 1999–2000 model years.[112][113][114]
o Ryosaku "Rick" Suzuki, grandson of Michio Suzuki, becomes president of
American Suzuki Motor Corp.[115][116]
 1999: Aggregate motorcycle production reaches 40 million units, aggregate sales of
Wagon R in Japan reach 1 million units.[86]
o Jiangxi Changhe Suzuki Automobile Co., Ltd. receives official approval
from the Chinese government for production of commercial vehicles.[86]
o General Motors Argentina, S.A. and Suzuki Motor Corporation form an
industrial and commercial alliance by which General Motors in Argentina
distributes all Suzuki automotive products.[117]

2000–2009

 2000: The corporation commemorates its 80th anniversary.[118]

o Aggregate car production at the Kosai Plant reaches 10 million units.[118]
o Suzuki vehicle production starts at General Motors Argentina.[118]
o GM raises its stake in Suzuki Motor Corp. to 20 percent.[119]
 2001: Aggregate worldwide sales of Jimny/SJ reaches 2 million units, production of
Alto reaches 4 million units.[120]
o Suzuki achieves "Zero-Level" target of landfill waste.[120]
o Aerio compact car (aka Liana for Life in a New Age) introduced at the
Geneva Motor Show.[121][122]
o Suzuki Motor Corp. (Japan) and American Suzuki Motor Corp. jointly
create Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation (SMAC) to build all-
terrain vehicles for sale in the U.S. and Canada, as well as for export.[123]
 2002: Achieved 30 million cumulative automobile sales for worldwide market.[124]
 o Introduction of the Choinori low-cost scooter.[125]

Suzuki's Concept S2 previews design concepts for the second generation Swift at the 2003
Osaka Auto Messe


SMAC opens Suzuki's only U.S. manufacturing facility in Rome, Georgia
o
and begins producing the Eiger series of ATVs.[126][127][128]
 2003: Suzuki is No.1 in Kei car sales for the 30th consecutive year in Japan.[129]
o Twin, the first hybrid Kei car is launched in Japan.[129][130]
o Suzuki Motor Corporation and Fiat Auto S.p.A. announce they will jointly
develop and produce a compact sport utility vehicle at Magyar Suzuki.[130]
 2004: Aggregate domestic automobile sales reach 15 million units.[131]
o After eight years, the Suzuki v. Consumers Union lawsuit about a magazine
review that said the Samurai 4x4 easily tipped over, is settled out of court.
[132][133]

Second-generation Swift compact car debuts at the Paris Motor Show.[134]

o
 2005: Aggregate car production at Maruti Udyog Ltd. reaches 5 million units, and
aggregate motorcycle production in Indonesia also reaches 5 million units.[135]
o The company introduces its recently developed brand philosophy at the 75th
Geneva International Motor Show, expressed in the Way of Life! slogan.[134]
[136]
This English phrase is used worldwide with two notable exceptions:
 In French-speaking Canada (not France) the Un Mode de vie! slogan
is a word-for-word translation of the English, but with the indefinite
article prefixed.[137]
 The Entre e divirta-se. slogan in Brazilian Portuguese (not in
Portugal) translates as "Come and have fun" ending with a full stop.
[138]

The new Swift wins 2005–2006 Car of the Year Japan "Most Fun" award,
o
and is awarded the 2006 RJC Car of the Year.[135][139]
 2006: The SX4 mini crossover is introduced at the Geneva Motor Show and the
XL7 crossover 4x4 is introduced at the New York International Auto Show.[140][141]
[142]

GM divests, selling 92.36 million shares of Suzuki Motor Corporation and

o
reducing their stake to 3%.[143][144]
 2007: Aggregate domestic automobile sales reach 15 million units.[145]
 o Company says that Maruti Suzuki will build the A-Star compact hatchback
in India for export worldwide.[146][147]
o Nissan North America Inc. and Suzuki Motor Corp. announce that a midsize
pickup truck (based on Nissan's Frontier) to be sold by Suzuki in North
America, will be built at Nissan's plant Smyrna, Tennessee.[147]
 2008: GM divests its remaining 3% stake in Suzuki.[148][149]
o Equator midsize pickup truck exhibited at the Chicago Auto Show[150][151]
o Rick Suzuki steps down as chairman of American Suzuki Motor Corp., due
to poor U.S. sales and earnings.[116][152][153]
 2009: 100th anniversary of the Suzuki brand name.[24]
o Suzuki markets its first production pickup truck called the Equator.[151][154]
o Volkswagen and Suzuki announce the establishment of a global strategic
partnership. The Volkswagen Group will buy a 20% stake in Suzuki Motor
Corp.[155][156]
o November: Suzuki breaks ground on a new 650,000 m2. factory in Eastern
Seaboard Industrial Estate in Rayong Province, Thailand, the 20 billion yen
investment for eco-car production to start in March 2012.[157]

2010–2015

 2010: Aggregate sales of Suzuki cars in Japan reach 20 million units.[158]

o January: Volkswagen Group completes its purchase of 19.9% of Suzuki's
outstanding shares.[159]
o Its plant in Yangon, Burma, was closed after the joint venture with the
government between 1998 and 2010 had expired.[109]

 2011: Suzuki announces Indonesia will become a regional production base with
investment up to $800 million over the next few years.[160]
o February: Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corp. (SMAC) celebrates the
10th anniversary of its Rome, Georgia, plant, and $1.4 billion sales in the
past decade.[161]
o November: Suzuki terminates its partnership with VW in accordance with
terms of the agreement, and commences arbitration proceedings for return of
Suzuki shares held by the Volkswagen Group.[162][163][164]
 2012: Aggregate domestic sales in India by Maruti Suzuki reaches 10 million units.
Aggregate domestic sales of minivehicles in Japan reaches 20 million units.[165]
o January: Suzuki announces plans to build a new engine factory as the third
factory in Indonesia for the fast-growing Southeast Asian market. Suzuki
spent ¥10 billion ($130 million) for a 1.3 million square-metre site in an
industrial park outside Jakarta, and the plant may cost ¥30 billion to build.
[166]

o February: Suzuki Motor Corp. and Intelligent Energy of Loughborough in

the UK, a manufacturer of hydrogen-powered fuel cells, announce a joint
venture to accelerate the commercialisation of zero-emission vehicles.[167][168]
o March: Suzuki Motor Thailand starts production and sales of the new Swift
compact car.[169]
 o November: American Suzuki Motor Corp. files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection. Owing to its focus on small cars, a strong yen and stringent US
safety regulations which have hurt growth, Suzuki Motors announces it will
discontinue building autos for the U.S. market and focus instead on
motorcycles, ATVs and marine equipment.[170][171] U.S. sales had peaked in
2007 but had dropped to a quarter of that by 2011.[113][172][173]
o Suzuki got the approval for setting up a new factory and revive its plant in
Yangon. This will resume its vehicle and spare part production in Myanmar
which was closed in 2012.[109]
o One-Millionth commemorative edition GSX-R1000 model celebrates a
million motorcycles produced in the Suzuki GSX-R series since 1985.[174]

Suzuki's new, larger SX4 at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show

 2013:
o 50th anniversary Special Edition GSX-R1000 model celebrates Suzuki's
1963 entry into the U.S. motorcycle market.[175]
o March: In spite of a 2012 statement to the contrary,[176] Suzuki Canada Inc.
announced it would discontinue its auto-building operations in Canada as
part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. It was
contemplated that the sale of motorcycles, ATVs and marine equipment
would continue in Canada as well as in the U.S.[177]
 Debut of the second-generation SX4 crossover vehicle at the 83rd
Geneva International Motor Show.[178]
 American Suzuki Motor Corporation ends all operations as of 31
March, selling its assets to Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation.[179][180]
o July: News reports suggested that disaccord over the erstwhile alliance
between Volkswagen and Suzuki might be settled as a result of renewed
talks between the two companies.[181] These reports were soon denied by
Executive Vice President Toshihiro Suzuki, who said that "there have been
various reports, but there absolutely are no such facts, so there is nothing I
can talk about on this topic."[182]
o October: Suzuki recalls 210,228 motorcycles in the U.S. because the front
brakes might not work properly.[183][184]
 2015:
 o The Permanent court of arbitration showed a judgment that VW owned
Suzuki shares should be sold, and officially dissolved the alliance with
Suzuki's stock (19.9%) held by VW.

2018–present

 Suzuki withdrew from China in September 2018.

 Suzuki launches new 2019 Carry small CV in Indonesia.[185]
 In August 2019, Toyota announced it would acquire a 4.9% stake in Suzuki, with
Suzuki taking a 0.2% stake in Toyota in return.[186]

Subsidiaries
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (Formerly Maruti Udyog Limited)

Main article: Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki A-Star, Suzuki's fifth global car model, was designed and is made only in
India and exported as the Alto.[187] Besides being the largest Suzuki-branded company in
terms of car sales, Maruti Suzuki also acts as Suzuki's leading research and development
arm outside Japan.

Maruti Baleno Rally Car in Mysore Safari Rally in 2005.

Based in Gurgaon, Haryana, Maruti Suzuki India Limited is an Indian automobile

manufacturer that is a subsidiary of Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation.[188]
Maruti Suzuki produced 1,133,695 units between 1 April 2011 and 30 March 2012.[189] The
Suzuki Motor Corporation owns 54.2% of Maruti Suzuki and the rest is owned by various
Indian public and financial institutions. The company was incorporated in 1981 and is listed
on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India.[190]

Maruti Suzuki was born as a Government of India-led company named Maruti Udyog
Limited, with Suzuki as a minor partner, to make lower priced cars for middle class
Indians. Over the years, the product range has widened and ownership has changed hands
as the customer has evolved.

Maruti Suzuki offers models ranging from the Maruti 800 to the premium sedan Maruti
Suzuki Kizashi and luxury SUV Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. Maruti 800 was the first
model launched by the company in 1983 followed by mini-van Maruti Omni in 1984.
Maruti Gypsy, launched in 1985, came into widespread use with the Indian Army and
Indian Police Service becoming its primary customers. The short-lived Maruti 1000 was
replaced by Maruti Esteem in 1994.

Maruti Zen, launched in 1993, was the company's second compact car model. The company
went on to launch another compact car Maruti Wagon-R followed by Maruti Baleno in
1999. It was later replaced by the Suzuki SX4. The SX4 further was replaced by Ciaz.

In 2000, Maruti Alto was launched. The Maruti models include Maruti Suzuki Grand
Vitara, launched in 2003, Maruti Versa, launched in 2004, Maruti Suzuki Swift, launched
in 2005, Maruti Zen Estilo and Maruti Suzuki SX4, launched in 2007.

On 14 February 2011, Maruti announced that it had achieved one million total accumulated
production volume of the Alto. The Alto has reached the million units mark in just seven
years and five months since its launch in September 2000. The last half of the million was
achieved in 25 months. The Alto became the third car by Maruti Suzuki stable to cross the
million units mark, following the Maruti 800 and the Omni.

In January 2012 at the New Delhi Auto Expo, Maruti presented a new car called the Maruti
Suzuki XA Alpha,[191][192] to commence production in mid-late 2013. Maruti Suzuki
unveiled the Vitara Brezza in the Indian Auto Expo 2016 as a contender in the subcompact
SUV segment.

Maruti Exports Limited is Maruti's exporting subsidiary and, as such, does not operate in
the domestic Indian market except in its capacity as an exporter for Maruti Suzuki and for
the international Suzuki Motor Corporation as well as their other affiliates. The first
commercial consignment of 480 cars were sent to Hungary. By sending a consignment of
571 cars to the same country, Maruti crossed the benchmark of 3,000,000 cars. Since its
inception export was one of the aspects the government has been keen to encourage.

American Suzuki Motor Corp.

American Suzuki headquarters is in Brea, California. The company announced in

November 2012 that it would stop selling cars in the United States.[193][194]

Through an agreement with General Motors, Suzuki began selling a version of their Suzuki
Cultus in the United States as the Chevrolet Sprint in 1985. This model was initially sold as
a 3-door hatchback and would be Chevrolet's smallest model.
2004 Suzuki XL-7

The Samurai was also introduced in 1985 for the 1986 model year and was the first car
introduced to the United States by the newly created American Suzuki Corp. No other
Japanese company sold more cars in the United States in its first year than Suzuki. The
Samurai was available as a convertible or hardtop and the company slogan was Never a
Dull Moment. The Samurai was successful until Consumer Reports alleged the Samurai of
being susceptible to roll over in a 1988 test. This led to a much publicized 1996 lawsuit, not
settled until 2004.

In 1989, American Suzuki introduced the Swift which was the 2nd generation Suzuki
Cultus. The Swift was available as a GTi and GLX hatchback with a 4-door sedan
following in 1990. A new small SUV called the Sidekick was also introduced in 1989. 1991
saw the introduction of the 4-door Suzuki Sidekick, the first 4-door mini-SUV in North
America. The Swift and Sidekick were cousins to GM's Geo Metro and Geo Tracker and
were mostly produced in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada by Suzuki and GM's joint venture,
CAMI. The Swift GT/GTi and 4-door models were imported from Japan. Negative
evaluations from Consumer Reports of the Suzuki Samurai led to some temporary setbacks
at American Suzuki as annual sales in the following years dropped to below 20,000 units.

In 1995, American Suzuki introduced the Esteem and redesigned the Swift. The Swift GT
was dropped and this version Swift was specific only to North America where it was built
at CAMI. These models were the first Suzuki vehicles to be marketed in North America
with dual front airbags. A station wagon version of the Esteem was introduced in 1996.
Worldwide Suzuki production reached more than 975,000 cars this[which?] year.

Also in 1996, American Suzuki released the 2-door SUV X-90 and a revised Sidekick Sport
model with dual airbags, a 95 hp (71 kW) 1.6 liter engine, 15 inch wheels. The Sidekick
was replaced by the Vitara and the Grand Vitara for 1999. The Grand Vitara would be
Suzuki's first model with a V6-cylinder engine and available 4-wheel ABS brakes.

The XL-7 was introduced in 1998 as a stretched version of the Grand Vitara. The XL-7 had
a larger 2.7 liter V6-cylinder engine and 3-row seating. This would be Suzuki's largest
vehicle to date.

The Swift was dropped from the model lineup in 2001 and the Esteem was replaced in 2002
by the new Aerio, which was offered as a 4-door sedan and 5-door crossover with 4-wheel
drive as an option.
In 2004, General Motors and Suzuki jointly purchased the bankrupt Daewoo Motors
renaming the venture GMDAT. American Suzuki rebadged the compact Daewoo
Nubira/Daewoo Lacetti as the Forenza and the mid-size Daewoo Magnus as the Verona.
The Forenza gained station wagon and hatchback body style in 2005, with the hatchback
sold under the Reno name.

2006 was the first year American Suzuki sold more than 100,000 vehicles in the United
States. Suzuki redesigned the Grand Vitara in 2006 as well as introduced the all-new
Suzuki SX4 and Suzuki XL7 in 2007. The Suzuki SX4 is produced as a joint venture with
Fiat and the XL7 (notice the shortening of the name from Grand Vitara XL-7) was
produced as a joint venture with GM at CAMI Automotive Inc. in Ingersoll. Suzuki put
XL7 production on indefinite hiatus in mid-2009 due to low demand and subsequently sold
off its share of CAMI back to GM later that year.

Despite a difficult domestic US automarket, Suzuki kept pace with its 2007 sales numbers
in 2008. In 2009 however, Suzuki sales dropped 48.5%,[195] following a 17% sales drop in
2008.[196] Suzuki did not import any 2010 model year street motorcycles into the US, with
dealers instead relying on unsold stock from the 2009 model year.[197][198] New street
motorcycle models to the US resumed for the 2011 model year.[199]

In November 2012, Suzuki announced that its US division would file for bankruptcy and
would stop selling automobiles in the United States. It plans to continue to sell motorcycles,
ATVs, and marine products in the US.[193] In ten months of 2012, Suzuki only sold 21,188
automobiles in the US. The combination of a strong yen and Suzuki's own limited offering
of models has been blamed for the downturn.[194]

Pakistani Suzuki Motor Company Limited

The Suzuki FX was the first car that was assembled by Pak Suzuki in Pakistan.

Following the terms of the joint-venture agreement between Suzuki Motor Corporation of
Japan (SMC) and Pakistan Automobile Corporation (PACO), Pak Suzuki Motor Company
Limited (PSMCL) was incorporated as a public limited company in August 1983.[200]

The new company assumed the assets including production facilities of Awami Autos
Limited. PSMCL started commercial operations in January 1984 with the primary objective
of passenger cars, pick ups, vans and 4x4 vehicles.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the company's green field automobile plant at Bin Qasim
was performed by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan in early 1989.

On completion of first phase of this plant in early 1990, in-house assembly Suzuki engines
started. The new plant was completed in 1992, and Suzuki production was transferred to
new plant – and three-box 1,300 cc Margalla car was also added to its range of production.

In September 1992 the company was privatized and placed directly under the Japanese
Management. At the time of privatization SMC increased its equity from 25% to 40%
Subsequently, SMC progressively increased its equity to 73.09% by 31 December 2001.

The Bin Qasim Plant further expanded its production capacity to 50,000 vehicles per year
in July 1994 and 300,000 vehicles had been manufactured at this plant by December 2003.

Suzuki Canada Inc.

 1973 – 1 June, Suzuki Canada Ltd. was incorporated with offices at North York,
Ontario. Product lines included motorcycles, parts and accessories to Suzuki dealers
throughout Canada.
 1974 – Vancouver branch office and warehouse inaugurated to service dealers in
western Canada.
 1980 – Autumn – Suzuki Canada began its automotive sales with the marketing and
sales of the four-wheel-drive LJ80 in eastern Canada. 1 November, the name of
company changed from Suzuki Canada Ltd. to Suzuki Canada Inc.
 1982 – Introduction of a line of Suzuki all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in Canada.
 1983 – Introduction of a line of Suzuki outboard motors in western Canada. 1
February 1983 – Western Branch moved to enlarged facilities in Richmond, British
Columbia.
 1984 – Began the sales of 'Suzuki Forsa' (Suzuki Cultus) automobile.
 1986 – A$600 million Suzuki-GM joint venture CAMI Automotive Inc. announced
for the manufacturing of vehicles. Production was set to begin in 1989 at Ingersoll,
Ontario.
 1987 – 25 January – Suzuki Canada Inc. moved to a new 110,000 sq ft (10,000 m2).
head office and warehouse facility at Richmond Hill, Ontario.
 1988 – Autumn – Suzuki began selling the CAMI-built 2-door Suzuki Sidekick.
 2009 – Autumn – Suzuki sold its participation in CAMI to GM.[201]

In 2013, Suzuki Canada announced that it would follow the US division and stop selling
automobiles in Canada after the 2014 model year. Suzuki Canada will continue to provide
parts and services to vehicles through dealer network, as well as selling motorcycles, ATV
and outboard motors.[202]

Suzuki GB PLC

Suzuki GB PLC are the manufacturer's agent and distributor of automobiles, motorcycles,
ATV's and Marine engines in the United Kingdom with a head office based in Milton
Keynes. A wholly owned subsidiary of the Suzuki Motor Corporation operates as Suzuki
Cars (Ireland) Limited in Ireland.

 In 1963, Suzuki commenced official import of motor vehicles, in particular

motorcycles, as Suzuki (Great Britain) Limited.
 During the 1970s and 1980s, Heron International sponsored the Suzuki factory
racing team in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, with riders including Barry Sheene,
Randy Mamola, Mick Grant and Rob McElnea. Then trading as "Heron Suzuki GB
Limited", before becoming "Heron Suzuki Plc" in 1989.
 In 1994, Suzuki GB PLC emerged to take over distribution of all Suzuki products in
the United Kingdom.

Suzuki Indomobil Motor

Main article: Suzuki Indomobil Motor

Suzuki Carry, Suzuki's best selling car in Indonesia of all time.

Suzuki APV, assembled in Indonesia.

Suzuki GSX-R150.

PT Suzuki Indomobil Motor (formerly PT Indomobil Suzuki International until December

2008) is a joint venture between Suzuki Motor Corporation and the Indomobil Group. The
company is located in Jakarta, Indonesia and specialized in manufacturing Suzuki vehicles
for the local market. A separate company, PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS), previously PT
Indomobil Niaga International,[203] handled sales and marketing of Suzuki automobiles and
motorcycles.

Suzuki has done its first activities on the Indonesian market in 1970 about its import firm
PT. Indohero Steel & Engineering Company. Six years later they were built the
manufacturing facility in Jakarta which is the oldest part of the Indomobil Group.

Their first product was the ST20 Carry (introduced in 1978), it saw extensive use as an
Angkot.[204] Nicknamed "Trungtung", it was built until at least 1983.[205] This is an
onomatopoetic word for the sound made by the Carry's two-stroke engine.

In 2011, the company invested $800 million for producing Low Cost Green Car (LCGC) in
Indonesia. In 2013, Suzuki opened another plant in Cikarang with a total investment of $1
billion.[206] The plant manufactured Ertiga MPV for both domestic and export markets and
K10B engine for Karimun Wagon R.[207]

Suzuki Motorcycle India, Private Limited

Main article: Suzuki Motorcycle India Limited

Suzuki Motorcycle India, Private Limited (SMIL) is the wholly owned Indian subsidiary of
Suzuki, Japan. The company has a manufacturing plant at Gurgaon, Haryana having the
annual capacity of 5,40,000 units.[208]