The Suzuki Family, Now Closer Than Ever

Global Communication Magazine

SUZUKI FAMILY September 2011

134 The New Sporty Flagship of the Swift Series: Swift Sport Time For Real Adventures: V-Strom 650 ABS First Suzuki Marine Cleanup Campaign Promotes “Excitement and Satisfaction”

The Suzuki Family, Now Closer Than Ever

and more...

Nico Zacek and his Grand Vitara. Please see back cover for more.

The Suzuki Family, Now Closer Than

Suzuki Family in Chile line up to make donations.

ARIGATO

The Tohoku Tragedy Has Brought the Suzuki Family Even Closer Together For many years the Suzuki Family around the world has worked together to build a reputation for quality products. Across the globe Suzuki’s name is recognized for quality and innovation. People everywhere are now able to enjoy Suzuki’s Way of Life! Since the earthquake and tsunami hit the Tohoku region of Japan in March, the Suzuki Family has been drawn even closer together and Way of Life! has taken on a deeper meaning. As soon as the news of the tragic events hit the media, the response from the Suzuki Family was swift and strong. Suzuki employees throughout Japan joined Suzuki Motor Corporation in making generous monetary contributions to aid those in the affected areas. In addition, Suzuki sent need equipment and supplies to the affected area to help with the recovery effort. From all corners of the world members of the Suzuki family sent donations to Japan. And while the donations are sincerely appreciated it is maybe even more heartwarming for Suzuki Family members in Japan to hear the warm words of encouragement and heart-felt prayers that so many have offered. We can all be proud of the Suzuki Family and its service to customers everywhere. But now we have an even deeper appreciation of what it means to be a member of a truly global family. The people of Japan are grateful for all the help that has poured in from around the world. And in the months and years ahead we will use these newly strengthened bonds to rebuild the damaged areas of this country to make sure that the people of Tohoku are once again joining the rest of us in living the Suzuki Way of Life! With your help and support we can be certain that this bright day is not far off.

SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION


2/3

Ready to deliver heightened driving enjoyment

The New, Even Sportier Flagship of the Swift Series

New Products

The new Swift Sport takes driving excitement to new heights. With sportier looks, sportier handling, and exhilarating, more eco-friendly performance, it’s the ultimate Suzuki compact for drivers who like their hearts to beat a little faster.

Concept

Styling

The new Swift Sport embodies Suzuki’s sporty DNA and offers tremendous driving enjoyment. It’s the sporty flagship of the Swift series. Suzuki has now created a new Swift Sport that’s even more exciting to drive and own. We targeted even higher levels of handling, performance, and eco-friendliness together with a more aggressive, more refined look on the outside and inside. Plus, we ensured the same outstanding comfort and user-friendliness that people experience in the new Swift. The new Swift Sport is aimed at active, fun-oriented people who love sporty, dynamic driving. It’s everything they expect. And more.

The new Swift Sport’s performance -focused looks reflect an evolution for more aggression and dignity—an evolution that’s clear from any angle. A road-hugging new form communicates tautness and stability. A big, bold front grille, newly styled high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, and 17-inch aluminium-alloy wheels communicate the new Swift Sport’s high-performance DNA. Dual mufflers and a metallic-grey diffuser help to create a striking rear view. And an “excitement and heartbeat” concept is reflected in a range of sporty colours, which each combine with the visual accents on the body to hint at refined performance.

Bluetooth®*1 and a USB port for portable audio players. The body is based on Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) and incorporates an increased proportion of high-tensile steel, so it offers better impact safety without being much heavier. Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags and an ESP*2. *1 Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. *2 ESP is a registered trademark of Daimler AG.

Sportiness continues in the cabin, where a striking contrast between silver details and a black keynote colour is complemented by red-stitched accents that further heighten excitement about the driving experience.

Dynamics The new Swift Sport performs and handles in ways that make every drive more exhilarating. A 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine incorporates technologies for higher efficiency. Maximum output is near the top of the class at 100kW, and higher torque across the rev range makes for easier driving. Plus, a new six-speed manual transmission allows the engine’s high output to be used to full advantage, so the driver enjoys sharper acceleration. The new Swift Sport offers dynamic, sure-footed handling. Suspension enhancements contribute to better stability and controllability even in severe driving conditions, so the user can indulge in sporty driving with confidence.

Environmental Compatibility The new Swift Sport proves that a sporty driving experience doesn’t have to put a big burden on the environment. Fuel efficiency is one of the keys to environmentally responsible running, so the engine has a variable intake system and an enhanced VVT system, which together optimally control the intake to suit driving conditions. The new six-speed transmission also promotes fuel economy thanks to a higher top-gear ratio. A key benefit is an 11% reduction in CO2 emissions to just 147g/km.

Equipment The new Swift Sport is equipped for comfort, convenience, and safety, which all promote the confidence that’s vital for sporty driving enjoyment. The meters, steering wheel, and seats combine driverfocused functionality with designs that heighten excitement. There’s plenty of room for passengers and luggage. And there’s an automatic air conditioner, a cruise-control system, a keyless push-start system, and a CD tuner with


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New Products

The spirit of adventure beckons you to new destinations. To new sights, sounds and sensations. The V-Strom 650 ABS is built to get you there with more enjoyment and excitement, in greater comfort. Performance. Handling. Styling. Redesigned throughout. Upgraded throughout. The V-Strom 650 ABS.

Time For Real Adventures The concept behind the new V-Strom 650 ABS

Suzuki released the V-Strom 650 targeting a wide range of users in 2003. With the addition of an ABS-equipped model in 2006, its running performance and packaging were highly acclaimed worldwide. While increasing the proven running performance and versatility of the current model, Suzuki adopted “The Comfortable Adventure Tourer” as the development concept aimed at further improving riding comfort. The engine torque at low-to-mid rpm was increased for even easier handling and riding and the styling design was revamped for better wind protection. Fuel economy and environmental performance were also enhanced.

Class-leading touring comfort The adventure begins with the longest range between refueling stops in the class. The V-twin engine delivers a fun, reliable, and stress-free riding experience, thanks to its wide power band, quieter engine and the smoother feel of clutch lever and gear shifting operations. Rider comfort is top priority. New positional relationship between the seat and handlebars decreases rider fatigue. The seat, featuring an embossed “V-Strom” logo and red stitching, offers greater comfort and is shaped to help make it easier for the rider to reach the ground. Wind tunnel testing has optimized windscreen shape that reduces wind noise and rider fatigue while providing an exhilarating riding

sensation. Windscreen position can be adjusted in three steps to suit a wider variety of body sizes and riding styles. With an analog tachometer on the left and brightness-adjustable LCD display on The photo is edited to show the right, the redesigned instrument cluster all of the instrument lights is easier to view and newly features a gear and displays. position indicator, ambient temperature indicator, fuel consumption meter and freeze indicator. A large variety of genuine accessories is available enabling customers to adapt the motorcycle to their personal preference.

Superior handling ease and balance The V-Strom 650 ABS is designed to be easy-to-handle and well-balanced, whether riding alone or in tandem, in town or on a long-distance touring run. It is the only model in its class with an aluminum twin-spar frame and swingarm, providing smooth handling as well as steady maneuverability at high rpm. The modern and lighter ABS system gives better response feel and feedback to the rider making it suited for the diverse situations you encounter during long-distance touring.

Adventurous styling with new flair Styling for the new V-Strom 650 ABS emphasizes the functionality required by adventure tourers without making the styling so rugged looking as to be out of place in town.

* Top and side cases, touring windscreen, knuckle covers, accessory bar and under cowling are optional parts.

Its concept is “Tough x Smart”. While appearing sharper, lighter and more dynamic, its shape satisfies the requirements of both wind protection performance, and engine cooling. The horizontally arranged dual multi-reflector headlights inherit the V-Strom identity. Despite employing a smaller design, light distribution remains on par with the current model. The large-capacity fuel tank and frame covers are narrower providing a natural riding position and blending well with the side cowlings. The exhaust muffler is better integrated in the overall design. Grab bars, smoothly integrated with rear carrier, are designed for maximum riding comfort.

Environmental and fuel efficiency empowers long-distance touring Reduced mechanical losses and improved combustion efficiency boost fuel economy by 10% (WMTC mode, Suzuki in-house research). This realizes the longest cruising distance in its class, even with a smaller fuel tank capacity. Suzuki’s own Throttle-body Integrated Idle Speed Control (TI-ISC) contributes to easy cold starting, stable idling and lower emissions.

Product Launch Test Ride Event In Croatia

To demonstrate the versatility of the new V-Strom 650 ABS, we staged the test ride event on twisty roads, rougher back roads, scenic routes and some fast roads. This made for “adventure”, “exhilaration” and “relaxation”. Croatia seemed a natural choice as the venue. In addition to an amazing coast road, the country welcomes visitors with its diverse culture, Mediterranean flair and unspoiled nature. Test riders enjoyed V-Strom 650 ABS's riding comfort and superior handling on a scenic course that offered a variety of riding conditions. The highlight was the final 20km winding course where one bend leads directly into the next. Cresting the hills near the end let riders look down on a skyline view of Split and the coast. Suzuki has moved to the next level with the new V-Strom 650 ABS. It offers a full set of features and a list of genuine accessories that allows customization from day one. The event was a great riding experience and a fitting way to kick off a great launch and take service to a whole new level.


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First Suzuki Marine Cleanup Campaign Promotes “Excitement and Satisfaction” KGK Motor AB

SWEDEN

“We collected electronic items for recycling on five occasions. We had informed the KGK Group and other companies in our neighbourhood that they could deposit electronics, both personal and company, with us for recycling, free of charge. The result was five blue cans filled with mostly computer hardware but also batteries and electric appliances.”

9 participants

U.K.

7 participants

EAST RUSSIA 20 participants

SWEDEN

Suzuki GB PLC

RUSSIA

The Suzuki GB Marine Sales and Marketing team (including staff from their PR agency MindWorks Marketing) took to the beach near Chichester, West Sussex to pick up litter.

UK

1000 Size Co., Ltd. “Our staff members gathered to clean up the area near the Petrovskiy Pond and collected litter.”

GERMANY

WEST RUSSIA

JAPAN

9 participants

MALTA KUWAIT

GERMANY

48 participants

Stingray Co., Ltd. “Overall, this campaign helped us to feel the corporate spirit of SMC and focus on making the environment cleaner.”

MALTA

5 participants

Suzuki International Europe GMBH

KUWAIT

SIE staff, in cooperation with the local school, cleaned up the shores of the Main River; 48 people collected 15 bags of trash.

74 participants

Zarb Stores Ltd. “The cleanup project was appreciated by the locals. This happens to be the best village for sales of Suzuki outboard motors, and the local council praised our decision to clean up their locality.”

Mustafa Karam & Sons Gen. Trad. & Cont. Co. “The campaign was well received by the public from whom we heard many positive responses. Above all, this created awareness among local people and our staff about today’s need to keep our waters clean.”

Campaign Earns Local Gratitude and Raises Suzuki Brand Awareness Suzuki Marine’s first “Clean Up the World Campaign” was held May through July. 439 members from Suzuki Marine around the world gathered to clean up their local water areas. The cleanup began in Columbia, followed by events in the United States, the U.K., Germany, Kuwait, Mexico and Malta, Russia, Sweden, Japan and Tahiti. These events brought the Suzuki family together in settings where our customers enjoy the Suzuki outboards with “Excitement and Satisfaction”.

JAPAN

The campaign built team spirit by working together for a better environment. It also gave participants a feeling of accomplishment when they shared the view of freshly cleaned beaches and shorelines. The appreciation and compliments from their neighbors, friends and community leaders for these efforts helped to further embellish the image of the Suzuki Marine brand.

American Suzuki Motor Corporation

USA

55 participants

“The folks from American Suzuki arrived around 9AM and grabbed bright orange trash bags provided by the Long Beach Department of Parks and Recreation. Groups of two, three and four people spread out around the parkways and waterfront in search of cans, bottles and other trash. Water bottle caps and cigarette butts were particularly messy and a prevalent reminder not to litter. But it was great to get smiles and thanks from the local residents.”

24 participants

Suzuki Motor Corporation “55 determined team members met and cleaned up the Nakatajima Sand Dunes while there was light rain. Several members were so focused on their work that they did not return on time.”

MEXICO

131 participants

USA

Positive Results of Our Actions Burnishing The Suzuki Marine Brand Image

Suzuki Motor de Mexico S.A. de C.V. MEXICO

“Involving children and youth in this activity gave us a welcome opportunity to create awareness and generate their interest in caring for the environment.”

TAHITI

35 participants

COLOMBIA

COLOMBIA 23 participants

TAHITI

COLOMBIA Nippon Automoto “Our first “Clean Up the Sea Campaign” was a great success. All participants are proud of helping to clean up the environment and hope others will follow the Suzuki example. We are very satisfied with the impact this operation has had on our image as a company that is concerned about the environment, and intend to continue promoting the protection of our beautiful lagoon and islands.”

Suzuki Motor de Colombia SA “Activities for cleaning up the environment are rarely held in this area so joining this kind of campaign was interesting and encouraging.”

SUZUKI FAMILY SUZUK Septemb September 2011

8/9

What’s Goin’ On?

SHOWTIME Swift S-Concept Leads at Geneva Motor Show The highlight of Suzuki’s exhibits at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show in March was the Swift S-Concept, created by adding sporting flavour to the stylish Swift design to express a “sporty and exciting” theme. Even sportier than the new Swift, the S-Concept embodies SMC’s dedication to adding excitement to the daily lives of Suzuki owners. This model’s straightforward appeal and lively spirit are a clear expression of the core values of all Suzuki products. Suzuki draws on the company’s traditional small car expertise to ensure that models like the S-Concept are more than economical and eco-friendly, they are fun to drive and bring a “Wow!” factor to pride of ownership. The body of the high-performance premium sport compact is lower and 60mm wider than the Swift standard model, creating a strong presence. Dynamic front and rear bumpers and a big rear spoiler evoke acceleration and power, while 18-inch wheels express solidity and stability. The headlamps and rear combination lamps have exclusive designs with high-tech accents. Suzuki’s sporty DNA is reflected in the S-Concept’s exciting tri-colour scheme of yellow, black and dark grey for both the exterior and the interior. Suzuki also exhibited the new Swift, Kizashi, Grand Vitara, SX4 and Jimny.

Representative Director and Executive Vice President Toshihiro Suzuki introduced the Swift S-Concept on press day.

Suzuki Poised for Compact Car Marketing Surge in Growing ASEAN Market In his speech at the opening of this year’s Indonesia International Motor Show – held 22-26 of July in Jakarta – Suzuki’s Managing Officer and Executive General Manager of Global Automobile Marketing Kenichi Ayukawa emphasized the importance of the ASEAN market, where SMC is working hard to expand the dealer network in Indonesia and increase annual production capacity, following record sales there in 2010. “Suzuki’s Indonesian operations have grown with the country’s development over the past 35 years”, he explained, “And in May, Suzuki Indomobil Motor achieved cumulative production of 1.5 million units. Our automobile sales in Indonesia surged by about 60% year-on-year to nearly 70,000 units last year.”

Akira Utsumi, President of PT. Suzuki Indomobil Motor and PT. Suzuki Indomobil Sales (far left) and Kenichi Ayukawa (second left) introducing the Concept-G

The highlight of the Suzuki booth was the CONCEPT-G, a fresh expression of Suzuki’s car manufacturing expertise. Based on the Japanese model of the Alto, CONCEPT-G combines excitement and fun with compact practicality. A stylish, flowing roofline and gently rounded front face create a friendly look that stimulates emotional attachment, while sharply styled side windows evoke brisk performance on city streets. Organic-looking headlights and the Breezy Pasture Green Pearl body colour evoke thoughts of a healthy green environment. Showcasing Suzuki’s environmental technologies, the eco-conscious Swift Range Extender featuring electric-only propulsion for daily short distances was also displayed. As customer lifestyles further diversify and the Indonesian economy continues growing, Suzuki will keep expanding our range of passenger cars and commercial vehicles to meet vigorous demand.

WHERE’S

THE ACTION ?

Suzuki Brand Achieving Global Prominence Savvy Distributors Push for Regional Visibility KUWAIT

HAITI

Mustafa Karam & Sons Co.

Caribe Motors S.A

Kuwaiti Distributor Raises Suzuki Profile Recently, Mustafa Karam & Sons Co., sole Suzuki distributor in Kuwait, delivered 1135 new Suzuki 2011 vehicles to clients: Kuwait National Petroleum Company, the nation’s leading oil company, and the Ministry of Electricity and Water for their Personal Transportation. The Suzukis including 315 Kizashis, 250 Grand Vitaras and 570 SX4s – are earning high praise for outstanding performance. In particular, the sporty mid-sized Kizashi sedan and the compact Grand Vitara SUV are highly favoured in the regional market. MK & Sons two dealerships in Kuwait exclusively sell Suzuki vehicles, among them Jimny, Grand Vitara, Kizashi, Swift, SX4, Alto, Celerio and APV. Throughout the distributor’s 40-year relationship with Suzuki, MK & Sons has demonstrated strong and growing commitment to the Suzuki brand and products. MK’s immediate generous response in support of Japan following the recent Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster is an impressive example of the close bonds among Suzuki Family members.

Caribe Motors S.A of Haiti Opens New Suzuki Showroom

Caribe Motors S.A of Haiti has opened a new full service Suzuki dealership, bigger and more modern than the old showroom destroyed in the earthquake that hit that country on 12 January 2010. Located on the main airport road in Port-au-Prince, the new facility displays the popular Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV, the SX4 available in 4WD hatchback version with 1.6L engine, the Jimny and the APV commercial and passenger van, as well as other Suzuki vehicles. The 372m2 showroom has the capacity to feature up to eight Suzuki cars in a unique customer-pleasing retail environment. All operations related to sales are efficiently covered from the space, which is designed to ensure customer comfort from start to finish. The opening of the showroom advances Caribe Motors’ plan to ensure premium service and convenience for our valued customers across Haiti. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest quality of customer care in support of the Suzuki Family motoring lifestyle.


10/11

What’s Goin’ On?

Grand Prix Realizes Suzuki Commitment to Motorsports The Suzuki Grand Prix, an expression of the commitment from Suzuki Automobile Schweiz AG to the Swiss motorsport scene, is one of the least expensive ways for amateur drivers of both genders to actively enjoy competitive motorsports. Run exclusively by Swift Sport cars on interesting courses in Switzerland and neighbouring countries, the eighth Grand Prix will be held throughout nine race days in the 2011 season. Notable this year is the introduction of a slalom-only championship alongside the combined event (slalom + sprint), so that competitors can enter in a standard Swift Sport without roll bars and racing seats.

More information on: www.suzukiautomobile.ch → Motorsport

Suzuki SX4 Rally Car Takes Cup in Trinidad In Rally Trinidad held 1-3 April, Sean Gill and co-driver Michael “Zippy” Cummins finished second overall driving the Simpson Motors/Shell-V-Power/Automotive Art Suzuki SX4 rally car. The event attracted competitors from Jamaica, as well as the host country. After winning the two opening stages, the team took the Mayor’s Cup in the final stage at Saith Park, with Gill treating the crowd to some spectacular driving. The SX4 was a clear favourite with the spectators, due to its dynamic look, Sean’s impressive driving style and the car’s distinctive anti-lag “bang”! The SX4 rally car is set to participate in Rally Barbados in June and the year-end Rally Jamaica - is a great tool to boost sales of the SX4 while building the Suzuki brand and image.

Suzuki Contest Awards Entry Slot for Rallye des Gazelles The prize in Suzuki Belgium’s “Club RTL” contest, in collaboration with the national TV station, was an entry slot in the famous “Rallye des Gazelles” for women aged 18 to 65. Since 1990, Belgium’s only rally raid exclusively for women has been bringing together female drivers from 33 different countries to compete in the Moroccan desert. Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is developing a new concept for automobile competition: no speed and no GPS, just old-fashioned navigation, completely off-road. Contest winners Anne Richelle and Camille Vassart drove a Suzuki SX4 2.0 DDiS (car number 321) to the 5th place in the SUV championship. Next year, Suzuki Belgium hopes to participate with several cars, perhaps one from each European country.

More information on: http://www.rallyeaichadesgazelles.com/en/top+story

Motorcyclist Conquers Himalayan Trek on Her Suzuki DR650 Since embarking on a world tour on her Suzuki DR650 in 2005, Austrian rider Klaudia Honeder has racked up amazing adventures and achievements. A meeting in India with the Himalayan Offroad Club led the intrepid motorcyclist to twice participate in the Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya, the world’s highest motorsport event. In 2007 and 2008, Honeder challenged temperature extremes and elevations as high as 5,000m to finish fifth both times, outstanding in an event where only 20% of riders even finish the six-day 1,645km trek. Then in 2010, enduro riders from Austria persuaded

Honeder to join the Rally as a consultant to the Austrian Team, with support from Suzuki Austria. After six days of extreme trials for rider and motorcycle, Honeder and her Suzuki DR650 reached the target in Manali in fourth place. Only 12 out of the 28 motorcycles finished. What a great result for Klaudia Honeder and her beloved Suzuki DR650!

Costa Rican Distributor Sponsors Suzuki Cup On 27 November, Motos Suki – Costa Rican distributor of Suzuki motorcycles, ATVs and outboard motors - will sponsor the Suzuki Cup for the sixth consecutive year. Last year the popular family event brought together more than 7,000 spectators and 200 participants at the Autodromo La Guacima for competition among amateur riders showing their skills on Suzuki ATVs and motorcycles. Amateur and professional participants from Panama, Guatemala and El Salvador vie for cash prizes and trophies in the Cup. The Suzuki Cup is well-covered by major media in the region since it features the exciting Superbike National Cham-

pionship race, with participation of GSX-R600 and GSX-R1000 Suzuki Sport motorcycles. Motos Suki invites all Suzuki owners to the all-day event with a free pass, promoting a sense of belonging to the Suzuki Family and brand loyalty.

Gladius Cup Enables Racing by Young Riders The third edition of the Suzuki Gladius Cup is running May to September on such famous Italian circuits as Mugello, Misano and Vallelunga. The five races offer very attractive prizes: a new GSX-R600, a new GSR750 and a Burgman 200 for the top three places respectively, as well as 1.000 € to be divided among the winning riders who ascend the podium for each race. The Cup’s basic concept is to facilitate the entry of young riders into racing by exploiting the assets of affordable bikes that are fun and easy to ride. The public response has been enthusiastic, with participant numbers steadily increasing every year. Twenty riders have registered for this year, and Suzuki Italy has received even more requests for 2012.

Lorenzo Segoni rides his Gladius to victory. Winning riders pose with their trophies: first place Lorenzo Segoni (centre); second place Dell'Aglio (left); and third place Stefano Cordara (right).


12/13

AUTOMOBILES

MARINE PRODUCTSS

MOTORCYCLESS

What’s Goin’ On??

AUTOMOBILES Suzuki Netherlands Offers a Unique Gift

Brazilian Rally Proves Popular with Suzuki Drivers

The “Suzuki Adventure”, created by SVB Automotores do Brasil S.A., brings together Suzuki 4x4 owners for a rally following specific instructions for route, speed and distance. Driver and navigator teams who perform the route most accurately are the winners. In the first round held 11 June in São Paulo, more than 100 cars and 500 people competed in the Fun category for beginners or the Pro for experienced teams, challenging 204km of muddy tracks, streams, narrow passages and trails through fruit plantations and farms. In line with SVB’s dedication to charity work, more than 200 blankets donated by participants were presented to the Association of Parents And Friends of Children With Cancer (APACC) and the Ingo Hoffmann Institute in Campinas.

Magyar Suzuki in Hungary Hits 2M Production Mark Dutch Suzuki distributor B.V. NIMAG established the Suzuki Rhino Club Foundation in 2004 to help protect the black Rhino from extinction and supports “Save the Rhino” by collecting funds to support conservationist Tony Fitzjohn’s work as field director of Mkomazi National park in northern Tanzania. In 2009 the Suzuki Rhino Club paid for the donation of three rhinos born and raised in a Czech zoo to the Park. Tony Fitzjohn’s 2010 biography “Born Wild” has been translated into Dutch, so in June 2011, B.V. NIMAG began giving a copy of the book as a present to everyone who buys a new Suzuki automobile.

On 14 July, Suzuki automobile production and sales subsidiary in Hungary, Magyar Suzuki Corporation Ltd., achieved its production total of two million units in 19 years with the roll-off of a New Swift. With the founding of MSC in 1991, Suzuki became one the first Japanese automobile manufacturers to establish production in Eastern Europe. Initially MSC supplied the Hungarian domestic market, but has expanded both production capacity and model range to become Suzuki’s production hub in Europe. MSC currently supplies more than 45 countries in Europe and beyond.

MOTORCYCLES KGK Motors Offers Special Edition for Anniversary

KGK Motors, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, introduced 4WD ATVs to the Swedish market when it began selling Suzukis in 1986. The emphasis has always been on working machines, which have now become popular for recreation. The Suzuki standard has always been good quality in every detail, enabling the company to offer a 5-year guarantee. Demand has increased steadily as customers discovered the wide utility of ATVs and the pleasure of riding. To mark the anniversary, KGK is offering an anniversary edition: a Suzuki-yellow LT-A750XP equipped with all-terrain tyres, a solid bumper and matching hand covers for rough riding. At the dealers’ meeting launch in May, every dealer could test drive the new edition.

V-Strom Cycles Chosen as First Emergency Responders

The Guatemala Fire Department bought a fleet of DL650A V-Strom motorcycles for their emergency section, BRIM (Brigada de Respuesta Inmediata Municipal). The Suzukis are equipped to be the first responder, with an emergency kit to stabilize a patient until a car ambulance arrives. Known for high quality, support and handling in extreme conditions, the V-Strom 650A is easy to manoeuvre in densely populated areas, slow-moving traffic, in crowds and at public events, so can reach

emergency sites an average of four minutes before any ambulance. Those precious minutes are often the key to saving a life, which represents an important Suzuki contribution to the community these vehicles will serve.

Suzuki Shell Moto School Raises Brand Profile in Poland

awarded several months ago by Suzuki HQ for shipment of the models, Soloson has joined an impressive line-up of such Suzuki motorcycle plants located in the North, Central and South American regions, as well as taken an active place in the worldwide Suzuki network. With support of the innovative technologies and excellence developed throughout Suzuki’s 100-year tradition, Soloson is wellpositioned to provide high performance motorcycles to Venezuela.

MARINE PRODUCTS Suzuki Marine Trophy Attracts Many Anglers Suzuki Motor Poland’s Suzuki Shell Motoschool is a series of courses designed to increase road safety by improving the skills of motorcycle riders. The one-day trainings offered to all Suzuki bikes owners are also a perfect sales tool coordinated by the respective dealers in each city. Enrollment is kept to 12 students or less, ensuring individual attention in the courses led by qualified instructors. Riders learn how to identify a traffic hazard, how to react to unexpected circumstances, emergency braking and more. Invited participation by journalists ensures that the Suzuki Shell Moto School receives wide PR coverage and contributes positively to the Suzuki image in Poland. The 2011 course is the fifth consecutive year of the project in Poland.

Venezuela Welcomes Suzuki Motorcycle Assembly Plant

Water Police Rely on Suzuki Engines

Winning Team Albacore members pose with their 248-lb Marlin

The four competitions of the annual Big Game Fishing League organized by the Morne Angler’s Club in Mauritius ran from December 2010 till April 2011. Emcar Marine and Suzuki sponsored the highly successful final event, the Suzuki Marine Trophy 2011, on 17th April. The Star Prize of two Suzuki DF9.9 outboard engines attracted about 150 participants in more than 30 boats. Among the competitors were two Suzuki Teams made up of Emcar employees. The great success of this year’s Suzuki Marine Trophy ensures that the event will return in 2012.

Prize Drawing Raises Suzuki Profile in Russian Market

The first Japanese motorcycle assembly plant in Venezuela was opened by Soloson Import, C.A. on 19 March. The 20,000m2 plant assembles Suzuki models popular in Venezuela, including the EN125, Best125, GN125, DR650 and DL650. With the permission

For 2010, Russian distributor 1000 Size Co., Ltd. expanded on 2009’s popular promotion of Suzuki outboard engines in their Far East territory by running the prize drawing all year under the name “Suzuki – engine of good luck!” Every buyer of a Suzuki outboard engine was eligible for such prizes as a Suzuki SX4 Sedan car, tickets for two to Thailand and various items useful to Suzuki owners. Customers who also bought an inflatable boat could win a Suzuki ATV. About 250 customers entered the campaign, which concluded with two drawings in December – the 4th in Vladivostok and the 18th in Khabarovsk – and featured great coverage by local news TV programs and popular websites.

Water police departments in the Netherlands and Thailand have chosen Suzuki outboard engines to support their important work. This spring, Suzuki distributor B.V. NIMAG sold two new custom-built 8.0m longribs equipped with Suzuki DF300 outboards to the Dutch Water Police in the royal harbour of Naarden. The DF300 was chosen for excellent fuel efficiency and durability as well as low environmental impact.

Dutch Water Police work out their DF300s.

In Thailand, the Water Police department ordered six DF250s and conducted sea trials this spring. Based on the excellent results, three newly designed boats equipped with pairs of DF250s were delivered to the department.

These transactions indicate promising prospects for continued Suzuki service to water police around the world.


14/15

Nico Zacek in action

Nico Zacek in action

SUZUKI FAMILY

No.134

English version Issued date: September 2011

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