Suzuki's global automobile production sustains growth for ninth consecutive year

Suzuki Motors Corp. (SMC), one of the biggest car manufacturers in Japan, has announced that it has achieved robust growth rates for the ninth consecutive year with an 11 per cent increase in global production and a 9 per cent growth in worldwide sales. Nearly 2.6 million units were produced by Suzuki in 2007, bolstered primarily by a 21 per cent increase in oversees production, which is a new record high for the global company.

"The year 2007 featured another breakthrough performance by Suzuki in the global market, which has been credited foremost to Suzuki's uncompromising commitment to innovation and quality. We are pleased to see Suzuki automobiles being widely appreciated throughout the world, and are particularly delighted that Middle East markets have greatly embraced the Suzuki brand," said Tomoyuki Shimazaki, Deputy Staff Manager, Middle East and Africa, Marketing Group (Automobile).

Suzuki supplied nearly 1.4 million units to overseas markets in 2007, while its domestic production achieved a one per cent increase to over 1.2 million vehicles. To achieve its goal of producing 3 million units by 2010, Suzuki projects an 8 per cent production growth in 2008 and year-on-year sales increase of 8.5 per cent within the next two years.

Suzuki's enhanced production rates have been primarily driven by the strong global demand for the company's signature offerings, which include the Grand Vitara, Swift, Alto and SX4.

"Our premium line of vehicles has been a catalyst to our outstanding performance. Suzuki's latest models have greatly satisfied the expectations of our global customers, particularly in the critical areas of comfort, performance and safety. The overwhelming show of support by our clients has further boosted our enthusiasm to continue to provide industry-leading choices as we look forward to another milestone performance in 2008," added Shimazaki.

The Grand Vitara 2007 was ranked among the top three safest cars by the Euro New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), an international association that provides motoring consumers a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. The Vitara's strong market performance has prompted Suzuki to establish a new production facility in Indonesia, which aims to meet the projected increase in demand particularly in the Asian family segment.

The Swift, a compact car created with a distinct Suzuki identity and genuine worldwide appeal, ushers in Suzuki's fresh approach to design and development that will shape Suzuki's models in the future. The Swift offers a range of sporty features, enhanced performance with a choice of upgraded engines; automatic/manual transmission choices; and a specially developed chassis system.

Featuring a 62-horse power, 4-cylinder, 16-valve 1.1 liter engine, the Alto offers low-fuel consumption and low maintenance cost. It is also equipped with excellent safety fixtures such as dual airbags, side impact beams and the immobilizer, a value-added mechanism that helps deter theft as it prevents the vehicle's keys from being duplicated and allows replacement of keys only at authorized Suzuki outlets. Another important safety measure is the child proof door lock for optimum child protection.

The SX4 has been equipped with important enhancements that boost comfort, safety and performance. Among the key features of the SX4 are a 2.0-liter engine, 143 horse power, electronic Brake-Force Distribution system, electronic stability program, rigid safety body structure, dual airbag protection system, anti-lock braking system, remote-control radio, CD and MP3 player; 16-inch alloy wheels, and spacious interior.

Suzuki has implemented an aggressive global marketing campaign based on a world strategy designed for long-term growth. The company continues to deliver new models and improve production according to its projected mid-term five-year plan.