Suzuki News

We are pleased to inform you that Suzuki will have a major presence at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, which will be held from 24 October to 11 November 2007 at the Makuhari Messe (Nippon Convention Center) in Chiba Prefecture.

The Suzuki automobile stand will have a “Small Cars for a Big Future” theme reflecting the huge future possibilities that we envisage for compact cars. Each of our exhibits will embody the unique spirit and technological prowess that have made Suzuki the leading name in compact-car design and production.

Our automobile press briefing is scheduled to take place at 14:30 JST (GMT+9:00) on 24 October. A brief preview of some of the vehicles we will be presenting is given in this release.

Selected Exhibits

Concept Vehicles

Concept Kizashi 2
After wowing the car world with the Concept Kizashi at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Suzuki will be unveiling the Concept Kizashi 2, a crossover sports wagon whose design conveys the dynamism of a top athlete and inspires a powerful sense of excitement.

Conceived for energetic people in activities ranging from business to leisure, the Concept Kizashi 2 has an emotionally appealing shape that reflects a dual focus on status and vitality in a way that generates excitement about its performance and heightens the pleasure of ownership.

Under the bonnet, a 3.6L V6 engine – the highest-displacement engine ever used by Suzuki – is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for powerful-feeling acceleration and class-eclipsing performance during high-speed cruising. For superior environmental performance, Suzuki is pursuing solutions such as hybrid technologies.

Sustainable Mobility (PIXY + SSC “Suzuki Sharing Coach”)
Suzuki has a new people-centred vehicle concept called Sustainable Mobility, which is realised by a one-person low-speed transport device called the PIXY and a minicar-based mobility unit called the SSC, which forms an automobile when the PIXY is paired with it. The PIXY and SSC together deliver personal, shareable urban transportation in line with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Next-Generation Vehicle and Fuel Initiative, which is aimed at realising the world’s most people-centred motorised society.

PIXY
The PIXY is a one-person transport device based on a concept of “friendly” mobility. Moving at low speeds on footpaths and inside buildings, it’s enjoyably easy to operate even for people who can’t drive conventional cars. It can be paired with the SSC for even greater possibilities.

SSC
The SSC is a minicar-based mobility unit with which the PIXY is mated to form an automobile. It can hold a maximum of two PIXYs. It’s not the only type of unit with which the PIXY can be coupled; to accommodate other lifestyle situations, the PIXY can also be paired with a sports-car unit called the SSF and with a boat unit called the SSJ. The result is an entirely new kind of personal mobility and sharing system.

X-HEAD
The X-HEAD is a cross-utility vehicle that offers unprecedented possibilities. With DNA reflecting the rough-road performance and toughness of the Jimny and Grand Vitara (Escudo) and the load-carrying capability of the Carry, it’s the epitome of functional dependability and fun. Its name signifies diverse new potential for accommodating the lifestyles and priorities of users.

A key feature of the X-HEAD is that it can hold various load-bed units for diverse purposes. For instance, it can hold a unit called the Camper, which allows two adults to sleep in comfort, a unit called the Fashion, which provides stylish urban mobility, or a unit called the Rescue, which is designed for rescue operations in a wide range of road conditions.

PALETTE
The PALETTE is a minicar that’s aimed at parents who cherish time with their children and at youngsters who like having fun with friends. Combining emotionally appealing styling with a cabin that’s roomy enough for four people, it delivers a level of comfort that’s unprecedented among minivehicles. Plus, it has revolutionary packaging in which left- and right-hand powered sliding doors and a low, flat floor promote convenience for diverse lifestyle situations.

Overseas Production Model

Splash
The Splash is a world strategic model to be launched by Suzuki in Europe scheduled for spring 2008 to enhance its sales potential of the compact-car segment. Aimed at families who enjoy active lifestyles, it combines an exciting colour scheme with a fresh design and an enjoyable driving experience.

Rally Car

SX4 WRC 2007
The SX4 WRC is ready for its debut in the Rallye de France, where it will make its first run under real competition conditions. It will later run in the Wales Rally GB – its last test before Suzuki begins its first full World Rally Championship season in January 2008.

Leg 3

Leg information:
Stages: 4 (85.66 kms competitive total)
Surface: Asphalt
Weather: Dry, cool in the morning with temperatures rising

Suzuki driver P-G Andersson has won the Junior Championship classification on the Catalunya Rally, setting up a thrilling title showdown with his team mate Urmo Aava on the final round in Corsica – which takes place in just one week’s time. Both Suzuki drivers are now tied on 38 points, meaning that it will be a straight fight to the finish. Aava was third in Catalunya, having led the event on the opening day despite mixed weather conditions. He then picked up a puncture on SS8, which cost nearly two minutes, and P-G took the lead. Both of the Suzuki Swift Super 1600s were entirely reliable throughout the 352 competitive kilometres of the rally.

News from P-G Andersson (S):
P-G Andersson (1st in JRC after SS18): “Today I concentrated on making it to the finish safely and keeping the car on the road. I didn’t want any more excitement than we had already! My chances of winning the championship are 50-50 now, so we have to be flat-out in Corsica. Urmo drove very well here: I did not actually expect him to be quite so quick. After he had his puncture on day two I was able to slow down a bit, and concentrate on refining some of my car settings for Corsica. After three days of asphalt driving here in Spain, we should be well-prepared for the challenge of Corsica. I think it will be an epic fight, which is great for the sport!”

News from Urmo Aava (EE):
Urmo Aava (3rd in JRC after SS18): “I started the day more than a minute behind P-G but just 14 seconds off second place, so I knew that it would be possible to try and capture it. Unfortunately I had a spin on the second stage today that cost me about eight seconds. This made my job much harder for the two stages that remained. The 14-second gap made too risky to push really hard, so I just drove at my own pace to the end. It’s a pity that I had my puncture yesterday as things were looking good, but that’s just part of rallying so there’s no point in thinking much about it. Nothing is lost as now we go to Corsica with an equal chance of winning the championship.”

News from Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima, team principal:
“Congratulations to P-G and Urmo, who have set up a thrilling finale to this year’s Junior Championship! It was a shame that Urmo had his puncture on Saturday, but this is what you risk when you push hard on a complex rally like Catalunya. Corsica could be even more difficult, and any mistake will certainly be even more costly. Both our drivers will be under a lot of pressure, but to triumph they need to finish: I wish them both luck and may the best man win!”

Junior Rally Championship classification after SS18, Catalunya Rally:
1 P-G Andersson (Suzuki Swift S1600) 3h44m24.5s
2 Martin Prokop (Citroen C2 S1600) +33.9s
3 Urmo Aava (Suzuki Swift S1600) +39.9s
4 Josef Beres (Renault Clio S1600) +3m39.4s
5 Conrad Rautenbach (Citroen C2 S1600) +4m59.8s
6 Jaan Molder (Suzuki Swift S1600) +8m59.5s
7 Aaron Burkart (Citroen C2 S1600) +10m39.6s
8 Yoann Bonato (Citroen C2-R2) +12m38.9s

Junior Rally Championship after Catalunya Rally (round 6 of 7):
1 P-G Andersson (Suzuki) 38
2 Urmo Aava (Suzuki) 38
3 Martin Prokop (Citroen) 24
4 Jaan Molder (Suzuki) 20
5 Patrick Sandell (Renault) 19
6 Josef Beres (Renault) 18
7 Aaron Burkart (Citroen) 16
8 Conrad Rautenbach (Citroen) 15