Suzuki 614614 225375765 2008-07-13T10:29:54Z SmackBot 433328 Date the maintenance tags or general fixes {{Refimprove|date=December 2007}} {{otheruses}} {{Infobox Company | company_name = Suzuki Motor Corporation | company_logo = [[Image:Suzuki logo.svg|190px]] | company_type = [[Public company|Public]] ({{tyo|7269}}) | foundation = [[1909]] | location = {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Hamamatsu]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]], [[Japan]] | key_people = [[Osamu Suzuki]], Chairman & [[CEO]]<br>[[Hiroshi Tsuda]], President & [[Chief operating officer|COO]] | num_employees = 13,760 ([[2005]]) | slogan = Way Of Life! | industry = Auto-Cars/Light Trucks | products = [[Automobiles]], [[Motorcycles]], [[Outboard motor|Outboard Motors]], and Other Products | revenue = $19.76 billion USD (2005) | income=3,163,669 million yen | homepage = [http://www.globalsuzuki.com www.globalsuzuki.com] }} {{nihongo|'''Suzuki Motor Corporation'''|スズキ株式会社|Suzuki Kabushikigaisha}} is a [[Japan]]ese [[multinational corporation]] that specializes in manufacturing compact automobiles, a full range of [[motorcycle]]s, [[All-terrain vehicle|All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)]], [[outboard motor|outboard marine engines]], [[wheelchair]]s and a variety of other small [[internal combustion]] engines. Suzuki is the 12th largest automobile manufacturer in the [[world]], employs over 45,000 people, has 35 main production facilities in 23 countries and 133 distributors in 192 countries. "Suzuki" is pronounced in Japanese as "soo-zoo-kee" {{IPA|/suzuki/}}, with emphasis on a high "kee". It is usually Anglicized as "suh-ZOO-kee" {{IPA|/səˈzuːki/}}, with a stressed "zoo". This pronunciation is used by the English-speaking public and by the Suzuki company in marketing campaigns directed at this demographic. ==History== In 1909, Michio Suzuki founded the Suzuki Loom Company in the small seacoast village of [[Hamamatsu]], [[Japan]]. Business boomed as Suzuki built [[loom|weaving looms]] for [[Japan|Japan's]] giant [[silk]] industry. Suzuki's only desire was to build better, more user-friendly looms. In [[1929]], Michio Suzuki invented a new type of weaving machine, which was exported overseas. Suzuki filed as many as 120 patents and utility model rights. The company's first 30 years focused on the development and production of these exceptionally complex machines. Despite the success of his [[loom]]s, Suzuki realized his company had to diversify 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 featured a cast [[aluminum]] [[crankcase]] and [[gearbox]] and generated {{convert|13|hp}} from a displacement of less than 800[[cubic centimetre|cc]]. 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 [[loom]]s. [[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. Faced with this colossal challenge, Suzuki's thoughts went back to 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-wheel ingenuity came in the form of a motorized [[bicycle]] called, the "Power Free." Designed to be inexpensive and simple to build and maintain, the 1952 Power Free featured a 36 cc [[two-stroke]] engine. An unprecedented feature was the double-sprocket gear system, enabling the rider to either pedal with the engine assisting, pedal without engine assist, or simply disconnect the pedals and run on engine power alone. The system was so ingenious that the [[patent]] office of the new democratic government granted Suzuki a financial [[subsidy]] to continue research in [[motorcycle]] engineering, and so was born Suzuki Motor Corporation. In 1953, Suzuki scored the first of many racing victories when the tiny 60 cc "Diamond Free" won its class in the [[Mount Fuji]] Hill Climb. [[Image:Suzuki Suzulight 01.jpg|thumb|250px|Suzulight]] By 1954, Suzuki was producing 6,000 motorcycles per month and had officially changed its name to Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. Following the success of its first motorcycles, Suzuki created an even more successful automobile: the 1955 '''Suzulight'''. Suzuki showcased its penchant for innovation from the beginning. The Suzulight included front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering -- features common on cars half a century later. ===Historical timeline=== :'''1905''' - Founder Of suzuki is - Mr Suzuki :'''1909''' - Suzuki Loom Works founded in [[Hamamatsu]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture]], by Michio Suzuki. :'''1920''' - Reorganized, incorporated, and capitalized at 500,000 [[yen]] as Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Co. with Michio Suzuki as [[president]]. :'''1952''' - 'Power Free' motorized bicycle marketed. :'''1954''' - Company name changed to Suzuki Motor Co.,Ltd. :'''1955''' - Lightweight car 'Suzulight' (360cc, [[two stroke|2-stroke]]) marketed helping to usher in [[Japan|Japan's]] light-weight car age. :'''1961''' - Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Co. established by separating the [[loom]] machine division from the motor works and lightweight truck 'Suzulight [[Suzuki Carry|Carry]]' marketed. :'''1962''' - Suzuki won the 50 cc class championship at the [[Isle of Man TT]] :'''1963''' - U.S. Suzuki Motor Corp., a direct sales subsidiary, opened in [[Los Angeles]]. :'''1965''' - 'D55' (5.5 hp, [[two-stroke|2-stroke]]) [[outboard]] motor marketed and makes early inroads and [[Suzuki Fronte|Fronte 800]] marketed. :'''1967''' - Thai Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. established as a local assembly plant. :'''1968''' - [[Suzuki Carry|Carry]] full-cab [[van]] marketed. :'''1970''' - [[Suzuki LJ|LJ-Series]] [[4X4]] marketed. :'''1971''' - GT750 [[motorcycle]] marketed. :'''1973''' - [[Suzuki Canada]] Ltd., opened in [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]. :'''1974''' - P.T. Suzuki Indonesia Manufacturing established in [[Jakarta]], [[Indonesia]], entry into medical equipment field by marketing the Suzuki Motor Chair Z600 motorized [[wheelchair]], expansion into the housing field initiated with Suzuki Home marketing two models of [[prefabricated|prefab]] 'Mini-House' and three types of storage sheds. :'''1975''' - Antonio Suzuki Corp., a [[joint venture]] for knockdown production and sales, established in [[Manila]], the [[Philippines]]. :'''1976''' - [[Suzuki GS|GS-Series]] motorcycles marketed. :'''1977''' - [[Suzuki LJ|LJ80]] [[4x4]] vehicle marketed and [[export]]s of [[Suzuki GS|GS1000H]] [[motorcycle]] began. :'''1979''' - [[Suzuki Alto|Alto]] marketed. :'''1979''' - [[Suzuki SC100|SC100]] marketed in the UK. :'''1980''' - Suzuki Australia Pty. Ltd. established in [[Sydney]], [[Australia]] and entry into general purpose engine field by marketing three electric power [[Electrical generator|generator]] models. :'''1981''' - Business ties with [[General Motors]] (U.S.) and [[Isuzu|Isuzu Motors, Ltd.]](Japan) signed. :'''1982''' - [[4X4]] production began at PAK Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. in [[Karachi]], [[Pakistan]] and won maker championship for 7th consecutive year at the [[grand prix motorcycle racing|World Road Race Grand Prix 500]]. :'''1982''' - [[Suzuki SC100|SC100]] Discontinued in favour of [[Suzuki Alto|Alto]]. :'''1983''' - Enters into a partnership with [[Maruti Udyog Ltd.]] to produce cars in India. :'''1983''' - [[Suzuki Cultus|Cultus]]/[[Suzuki Swift|Swift]] 1.0-liter passenger car marketed and [[4X4]] production started at [[Maruti Udyog|Maruti Udyog Ltd.]] in [[New Delhi]], [[India]]. :'''1984''' - Suzuki [[New Zealand]] Ltd. established in [[Wanganui]], [[New Zealand]] and began export of [[Chevrolet Sprint]] to the [[United States]]. Car production technical assistance contract signed with [[China]] National Aerotechnology Import & Export [[Beijing]] Corporation. Operation of Suzuki Motor [[GmbH]] [[Deutschland]] began in [[Heppenheim]],[[Germany]]. :'''1985''' - SUZUKI of AMERICA AUTOMOTIVE CORP. established with the introduction of the [[Suzuki Samurai|Samurai]], and the sensational [[Suzuki GSX-R750|GSX-R750]] [[motorcycle]] with an oil-cooled engine marketed and [[Scooter (motorcycle)|scooter]] production started at Avello S.A. of [[Spain]]. Agreement with [[Santana Motors]] to produce Suzuki cars in their [[Linares, Jaén|Linares]] factory in [[Andalusia]], Spain. :'''1986''' - American Suzuki Motor Corp. is formed merging U.S. Suzuki Motor Corp and Suzuki of America Automotive Corp. :'''1987''' - [[Suzuki Cultus|Cultus]]/[[Suzuki Swift|Swift]] production began in Colombia and total [[aggregate data|aggregate]] car exports reached 2 million units. :'''1988''' - [[Suzuki Escudo|Escudo]]/[[Suzuki Vitara|Vitara]] 4x4 marketed and total [[aggregate data|aggregate]] car production reached 10 million units.. :'''1989''' - [[CAMI Automotive|CAMI Automotive Inc.]] established and began operation in [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]. [[Suzuki Swift|Swift GT/GLX]] and [[Suzuki Sidekick|Sidekick]] sales begin in the [[United States]]. :'''1990''' - Corporate name changed to Suzuki Motor Corporation. :'''1991''' - Car production started in [[Korea]] through technical ties with [[Daewoo]] Shipbuilding & Heavy Machinery Ltd and [[Suzuki Cappuccino|Cappuccino]] 2-seater marketed. [[Image:Esztergom Suzuki plant.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The Suzuki plant in [[Esztergom]], [[Hungary]] has over 6000 employees. (As of 2007)]] :'''1993''' - Passenger car production/sales began at Suzuki [[Egypt]] S.A.E., opening ceremony for new car production plant held at [[Magyar Suzuki|Magyar Suzuki Corp.]] in [[Esztergom]], [[Hungary]] and [[Suzuki Wagon R|Wagon R]] passenger car marketed. :'''1994''' - [[Maruti Udyog|Maruti Udyog Ltd.]] of [[India]] total [[aggregate data|aggregate]] car production reached 1 million units. :'''1995''' - Total [[aggregate data|aggregate]] motorcycle export reached 20 million units :'''1996''' - Start of production in [[Vietnam]] (Motorcycles and automobiles) :'''1997''' - Achieved 10 million cumulative automobile sales for overseas market and [[four stroke|4-stroke]] [[outboard]] motors win the Innovation Award at The International Marine Trade Exhibit and Conference (IMTEC) in [[Chicago]]. :'''1998''' - Suzuki and [[General Motors]] form strategic alliance and [[Chongqing]] [[Chang'an Suzuki]] Automobile Co., Ltd. received official approval from the [[Government of the Republic of China|Chinese government]] for production of passenger cars. :'''1999''' - [[aggregate data|Aggregate]] [[motorcycle]] production reaches 40 million units and [[Jiangxi]] [[Changhe]] Suzuki Automobile Co., Ltd. receives official approval from the Chinese government for production of commercial vehicles. :'''2000''' - The company commemorates the 80th [[anniversary]], [[aggregate data|aggregate]] car production at [[Kosai, Shizuoka|Kosai]] Plant reaches 10 million units and Suzuki production starts at [[General Motors]] de [[Argentina]] S.A. :'''2001''' - [[aggregate data|Aggregate]] worldwide sales of [[Suzuki Samurai|SJ-Series]] reaches 2 million units, production of [[Suzuki Alto|Alto]] reaches 4 million units and Suzuki achieves "Zero-Level" target of [[landfill]] waste :'''2002''' - Achieved 30 million cumulative automobile sales for worldwide market and America's #1 warranty: 100,000/7-year powertrain limited warranty. :'''2003''' - Suzuki is #1 in [[Keicar]] sales for the 30th consecutive year and [[Suzuki Twin|Twin]], the first [[hybrid automobile|hybrid]] [[Keicar]] in [[Japan]], marketed. :'''2004''' - [[aggregate data|Aggregate]] domestic automobile sales reach 15 million units :'''2005''' - [[Suzuki Swift|Swift]] was awarded the 2006 RJC Car of the Year. :'''2006''' - New [[Suzuki XL7|XL7]] is marketed particularly to the [[North America]]n market and GM divested, selling 92.36 million shares and reducing their stake to 3%. :'''2008''' - Suzuki introduces its first production fuel-injected motocross bike. == Maruti Suzuki == {{main|Maruti Suzuki}} [[Image:111020074704.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Maruti Driving School in [[Tamil Nadu]].]] Based in [[Gurgaon]], [[India]], [[Maruti Suzuki|Maruti Suzuki India Limited]] is Suzuki's largest and most valuable subsidiary with an annual production of 626,071 units in 2006.<ref>http://oica.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/suzuki.pdf</ref> Suzuki has a 54.2% stake in the Indian auto giant and the rest is owned by the 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]].<ref> http://www.marutisuzuki.com/ab/aboutus.asp?ch=1&ct=1&sc=6</ref> In 2005-2006, the company had a 54% market share of the passenger car market in India.<ref> http://www.marutisuzuki.com/ab/aboutus.asp?ch=1&ct=1&sc=8</ref> Nearly 75,000 people are employed directly by Maruti and its partners. Maruti Suzuki was born as a [[Government of India]] company, with Suzuki as a minor partner, to make a people’s car for middle class India. Over the years, the product range has widened, ownership has changed hands and the customer has evolved. Maruti Suzuki offers 10 models, ranging from India's best selling car, [[Maruti Suzuki 800]], for less than [[INR]] 200,000 ([[US$]] 5000) to the premium [[sedan]] Maruti Suzuki SX4 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]]. Both models were huge success in their respective categories because of the use of high-end technology and good fuel efficiency. [[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]] too achieved moderate success until it was replaced by [[Maruti Esteem]] in 1994, to counter increasing competition in the medium-sedan category. [[Maruti Zen]], launched in 1993, was the company's second compact car model and also became extremely popular in India because of its high performance. The company went on to launch another compact car [[Maruti Wagon-R]] followed by [[Maruti Baleno]] in 1999. However, with increasing competition from [[Tata Motors|Tata]], [[Hyundai Motors|Hyundai]], [[Honda]] and [[Daewoo Motors]], Maruti was not able to achieve the same success with Wagon-R and Baleno as it had with its earlier models.So it Replaced Maruti Suzuki Baleno with the Suzuki SX4 and is going to relpace Wagon-R with Suzuki Splash.Currently SX4 is the largest selling car in its segment. In [[2000]], [[Maruti Alto]] was launched. The launch of [[Tata Indica]] and [[Hyundai Santro]] had affected Maruti's sales but Alto helped secure the company's position as the auto leader in India. It is currently the largest selling car in India. 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. The company is expected to launch Maruti [[Suzuki Liana]] sedan in January 2008. Now the Alto,Swift and SX4 are leading in its segments in the Indian Market. On 14 February, Maruti Suzuki India, a Suzuki subsidiary in India, announced that it 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 on September 2000. The last half of the million has come in a record 25 months.The Alto has been India's largest volume-selling car, every month, for the past 37 consecutive months.Its popularity has continued to grow since its launch, with customers attracted to its unmatched combination of fuel efficiency, contemporary design and looks and features including Electronic Power Steering and air-conditioning.With this Alto becomes the third car in Maruti Suzuki stable to cross the million units mark. Previously, the Maruti 800 and the Omni have exceeded the million units mark.Besides its success in India, over 152,000 Altos made at Maruti Suzuki were delivered internationally, enjoying good outcomes in Algeria and Chile. Maruti Exports Limited is the subsidiary of Maruti Udyog Limited with its major focus on exports and it does not operate in the domestic Indian market. 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 3,00,000 cars. Since its inception export was one of the aspects government was keen to encourage. Every political party expected Maruti to earn foreign currency. Angola, Benin, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Europe, Kenya, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Chile, Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador are some of the markets served by Maruti Exports <ref>Official website of Maruti Exports Limited. [http://www.marutiexports.com/eo.asp] </ref> == American Suzuki Motor Corp. history == American Suzuki [[headquarters]] is located in [[Brea, California|Brea]], [[California]]. Through an agreement with [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]], Suzuki began selling a version of their [[Suzuki Cultus]] in [[United States]] as the [[Chevrolet Sprint]] in [[1985]]. This model was initially sold as a 3-door [[hatchback]] and would be [[Chevrolet|Chevrolet's]] smallest model. [[Image:2004.suzuki.grand.vitara.2point0td.arp.jpg|thumb|right|250px|2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara]] The [[Suzuki Samurai|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 [[Suzuki Samurai|Samurai]] was available as a [[convertible]] or [[hardtop]] and the company slogan was ''Never a Dull Moment''. The [[Suzuki Samurai|Samurai]] was successful until [[Consumer Reports]] alleged the [[Suzuki Samurai|Samurai]] of being susceptible to roll over in a [[1988]] test. In [[1989]], American Suzuki introduced the [[Suzuki Swift|Swift]] which was the 2nd generation [[Suzuki Cultus]]. The [[Suzuki Swift|Swift]] was available as a GTi and GLX hatchback with a 4-door sedan following in [[1990]]. A new small SUV called the [[Suzuki Sidekick|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 [[Suzuki Swift|Swift]] and Sidekick were cousins to GM's [[Geo Metro]] and [[Geo Tracker]] and were mostly produced in [[Ingersoll]], [[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 [[Suzuki Esteem|Esteem]] and redesigned the [[Suzuki Swift|Swift]]. The Swift GT was dropped and this version [[Suzuki Swift|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 [[airbag]]s. A [[stationwagon]] version of the [[Suzuki Esteem|Esteem]] was introduced in [[1996]]. Worldwide Suzuki production reached more than 975,000 cars this year. Also in [[1996]], American Suzuki released the 2-door SUV [[Suzuki X-90|X-90]] and a revised [[Suzuki Sidekick|Sidekick Sport]] model with [[airbag|dual airbags]], a 120hp 1.8-liter engine, 16" wheels and two-tone paint. The [[Suzuki Sidekick|Sidekick]] was replaced by the [[Suzuki Vitara|Vitara]] and the [[Suzuki Grand Vitara|Grand Vitara]] for [[1999]]. The [[Suzuki Grand Vitara|Grand Vitara]] would be Suzuki's first model with a V6-cylinder engine and available 4-wheel [[Anti-lock braking system|ABS]] brakes. The [[Suzuki XL7|Grand Vitara XL-7]] was introduced in [[2001]] as a stretched version of the [[Suzuki Grand Vitara|Grand Vitara]]. The [[Suzuki XL7|Grand Vitara XL-7]] had a larger 2.7 liter V6-cylinder engine and 3-row seating. This would be Suzuki's largest vehicle to date and the first compact SUV to offer 3-row seating. The [[Suzuki Swift|Swift]] was dropped from the model lineup in [[2001]] and the [[Suzuki Esteem|Esteem]] was replaced in [[2002]] by the new [[Suzuki Aerio|Aerio]]. The [[Suzuki Aerio|Aerio]] was offered as a 4-door sedan and 5-door [[Crossover SUV|crossover]] with [[4-wheel-drive]] as an option. In [[2004]], [[General Motors]] and Suzuki jointly purchased the bankrupt [[GM Daewoo|Daewoo Motors]] renaming the venture GMDAT. American Suzuki rebadged the compact [[Daewoo Nubira]]/[[Daewoo Lacetti]] as the [[Suzuki Forenza|Forenza]] and the mid-size [[Daewoo Magnus]] as the [[Suzuki Verona|Verona]]. The [[Suzuki Forenza|Forenza]] gained [[stationwagon]] and hatchback body style in [[2005]], with the hatchback sold under the [[Suzuki Reno|Reno]] name. [[2006]] was the first year American Suzuki sold more than 100,000 vehicles in the [[United States]]. Suzuki redesigned the [[Suzuki Grand Vitara|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 S.p.A.]] and the [[Suzuki XL7]] (notice the shortening of the name from Grand Vitara XL-7) is produced as a joint venture with [[General Motors|GM]] at CAMI Automotive Inc. in [[Ingersoll]], Ontario, [[Canada]]. ==Pakistani Suzuki Motor Company Limited== Following the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement between Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan (SMC) and Pakistan Automobile Corporation (PACO), [[Paksuzuki|Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited (PSMCL)]] was incorporated as a public limited company in August 1983. <ref>http://www.paksuzuki.com.pk/</ref> 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 &mdash; and three box 1300 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 December 31,2001. The Bin Qasim Plant further expanded its production capacity to 50,000 vehicles per year in July 1994 and 3,00,000 vehicles had been manufactured at this plant by December 2003. The most modern automobile manufacturing plant in the country distinguishes Pak Suzuki from other automobile plants. == Suzuki Canada Inc. history == :'''1973''' - [[June 1]], Suzuki Canada Ltd. was incorporated with offices at [[Downsview]], [[Ontario]]. Product lines included [[motorcycle]]s, 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 four-wheel-[[Suzuki LJ|LJ80]] in eastern Canada. [[November 1]], 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. [[February 1]], [[1983]] - Western Branch moved to enlarged facilities in [[Richmond, British Columbia|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|Ingersoll]], [[Ontario]]. :'''1987''' - [[January 25]] - Suzuki Canada Inc. moved to a new {{convert|110000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}. head office and warehouse facility at [[Richmond Hill, Ontario|Richmond Hill]], [[Ontario]]. :'''1988''' - Autumn - Suzuki began selling the CAMI-built 2-door [[Suzuki Sidekick]]. == OEM deals == Since [[1985]], [[Suzuki]] has shared or produced automobiles for other manufacturers around the [[world]]. '''[[General Motors]]''' :[[Chevrolet Sprint]] - [[United States]] ([[Suzuki Cultus]]) :[[Pontiac Firefly]] - [[Canada]] ([[Suzuki Cultus]]) :[[Geo Metro]] - [[United States]] ([[Suzuki Cultus]]) :[[Holden Barina]] - [[Australia]] ([[Suzuki Cultus]]) :[[Suzuki Cultus|Chevrolet Swift]] - [[South America]] ([[Suzuki Cultus]]) :[[Chevrolet Cruze]] - [[Japan]] ([[Suzuki Ignis]]) :[[Chevrolet Cruze|Holden Cruze]] - [[Australia]] ([[Suzuki Ignis]]) :[[Bedford Rascal]] - [[Europe]] ([[Suzuki Carry]]) :[[Bedford Rascal|Vauxhall Rascal]] - [[United Kingdom]] ([[Suzuki Carry]]) :[[Suzuki Carry|Holden Scurry]] - [[Australia]] ([[Suzuki Carry]]) :[[Suzuki Carry|Chevrolet Supercarry]] - [[South America]] ([[Suzuki Carry]]) :[[Geo Tracker]] - [[United States]] ([[Suzuki Vitara|Sidekick/Vitara]]) :[[Chevrolet Tracker]] - [[United States]] ([[Suzuki Vitara|Sidekick/Vitara]]) :[[Geo Tracker|Pontiac Sun Runner]] - [[Canada]] ([[Suzuki Vitara|Sidekick/Vitara]]) :[[Suzuki XL-7|Chevrolet Grand Nomad]] - [[South America]] ([[Suzuki XL7]]) :[[Holden Drover]] - [[Australia]]/[[New Zealand]] ([[Suzuki Jimny]]) :[[Opel Agila]] - [[Europe]] ([[Suzuki Wagon R]] and [[Suzuki Splash]]) :[[Opel Agila|Vauxhall Agila]] - [[United Kingdom]] ([[Suzuki Wagon R]] and [[Suzuki Splash]]) '''[[Subaru]]''' :[[Subaru Justy]] - [[Europe]] ([[Suzuki Swift]]) '''[[Mazda]]''' :[[Suzuki Vitara|Mazda Proceed]] - [[Japan]] ([[Suzuki Vitara]]) :[[Mazda Carol]] - [[Japan]] ([[Suzuki Alto]]) :[[Autozam AZ-1]] - [[Japan]] ([[Autozam AZ-1|Suzuki Cara]]) :[[Autozam Scrum]] - [[Japan]] ([[Suzuki Every]]) :[[Suzuki MR Wagon|Autozam AZ-Wagon]] - [[Japan]] ([[Suzuki MR Wagon]]) :[[Autozam Offroad]] - [[Japan]] ([[Suzuki Jimny]]) :[[Autozam Spiano]] - [[Japan]] ([[Suzuki Lapin]]) '''[[Nissan]]''' :[[Nissan Moco]] - [[Japan]] ([[Suzuki MR Wagon]]) '''[[Maruti Suzuki]]''' :[[Maruti 800]] - [[India]] ([[Suzuki Alto]]) :[[Maruti Omni]] - [[India]] ([[Suzuki Carry]]) :[[Maruti Gypsy]] - [[India]] ([[Suzuki Jimny]]) :[[Maruti 1000]] - [[India]] ([[Suzuki Swift]]) :[[Maruti Zen]] - [[India]] ([[Suzuki Cervo]]) *All Maruti models since the Zen are referred to as Maruti Suzuki. ==Automobiles== * Suzuki models ** [[Suzuki Aerio|Aerio/Liana]] ** [[Suzuki Alto|Alto]] ** [[Suzuki Alto Lapin|Alto Lapin]] ** [[Suzuki APV|APV]] ** [[Suzuki Cappuccino|Cappuccino]] ** [[Suzuki Carry|Carry]] ** [[Suzuki Cervo|Cervo]] ** [[Suzuki Cultus]] (aka Suzuki Forsa, Geo Metro, Pontiac Firefly, et al) ** [[Suzuki Escudo|Escudo]] ** [[Suzuki Esteem|Esteem]]/[[Suzuki Cultus#Cultus Crescent|Cultus Crescent]] ** [[Suzuki Fronte|Fronte]] ** [[Suzuki Grand Vitara|Grand Vitara]] ** [[Suzuki Ignis|Ignis]] ** [[Suzuki Jimny|Jimny]] ** [[Suzuki Kizashi|Kizashi]] ** [[Suzuki LJ|LJ-Series]] ** [[Suzuki MightyBoy|MightyBoy]] ** [[Suzuki MR Wagon|MR Wagon]] ** [[Suzuki SJ|SJ-Series]] ** [[Suzuki Sidekick|Sidekick]] ** [[Suzuki Splash|Splash]] ** [[Suzuki SX4|SX4]] ** [[Suzuki Twin]] ** [[Suzuki Wagon R|Wagon R]] ** [[Suzuki X-90|X-90]] ** [[Suzuki XL7|XL7]] * [[GM Daewoo|Daewoo]] based North American models ** [[Daewoo Kalos|Swift+]] ** [[Daewoo Lacetti|Forenza/Reno]] ** [[Daewoo Magnus|Verona]] * [[Chevrolet]] based South American models ** [[Suzuki Fun|Fun]] == Motorcycles == [[Image:Suzuki FXR150.jpg|frame|2002 [[Suzuki FXR150]]]] Suzuki started manufacturing motorcycles in 1952, the first models being motorized bicycles. During the 1950s, 1960s and the better part of the [[1970s]], the company manufactured motorcycles with [[two-stroke]] engines only, the biggest two-stroke model being the water-cooled triple-cylinder [[Suzuki GT 750| GT750]]. A large factor in Suzuki's success in two-stroke competition was the [[German Democratic Republic| East German]] [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing|Grand Prix]] racer [[Ernst Degner]], who defected to the West in 1961, bringing with him expertise in two-stroke engines from the East German manufacturer [[MZ Motorrad- und Zweiradwerk| MZ]]. Suzuki hired Degner, and he won the [[50cc]] [[Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme|F.I.M.]] [[road racing]] [[List of Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champions|World Championship]] for them in [[1962 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season|1962]]. Suzuki became the first Japanese manufacturer to win a [[List of motocross World Championship results|motocross world championship]] when [[Joel Robert]] won the 1970 250cc title. In the 1970s, Suzuki established themselves in the motorcycle racing world with [[Barry Sheene]] and [[Roger De Coster]] winning world championships in the premier 500 cc division in [[road racing]] and [[motocross]] respectively. However, it wasn't until 1976 that Suzuki introduced its first motorcycle with a [[four-stroke]] engine, the [[Suzuki GS series| GS400]] and [[Suzuki GS series| GS750]]. Since then, Suzuki has established a reputation as a manufacturer of well-engineered sport motorcycles.{{Fact|date=July 2008}} In 1994, Suzuki partnered with [[Nanjing Jincheng Machinery]] to create a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer and exporter called [[Jincheng Suzuki]]. Suzuki continues to compete in [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing|MotoGP]] and last won the title in [[2000 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season|2000]]. Since 2006, the team is sponsored by [[Rizla]] and is known as [[Rizla Suzuki]] MotoGP team. ===Models=== {{main|List of Suzuki motorcycles}} == All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) == [[Image:L 2a387d91a571e56e45c3d2d39a97d2e1-1-.jpg|thumb|A 2004 [[Suzuki LT-Z400]] with some common and custom modifications done]] '''Utility Sport''' * [[Suzuki KingQuad 700]] * [[Suzuki TwinPeaks 700]] * [[Suzuki Vinson 500]] * [[Suzuki Eiger 400]] * [[Suzuki Ozark 250]] '''Sport''' * [[Suzuki LT 230]] * [[Suzuki LT 250]] * [[Suzuki LT-Z250]] * [[Suzuki LT-Z400]] * [[Suzuki LT-R450 (race ready)]] * [[Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak version (rally/road)]] * [[Suzuki Cultus Pikes Peak version (rally/road)]] ==Suzuki Vehicles in popular culture== Suzuki motorcycles and vehicles have had their share of exposure in Japanese media, notably in [[tokusatsu]] productions. Suzuki was a supplier to [[TOEI]] for vehicles and motorcycles in the 1980s. Perhaps the most notable is in [[Uchuu Keiji Shaider|Shaider]], where its main character drove a [[Suzuki Samurai|SJ Samurai]], as well as a modified motorcycle called the Blue Hawk. ==See also== * [[List of Suzuki engines]] *[[Suzuki World Rally Team]] {{Portal|Japanese cars}} == References == {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commonscat|Suzuki vehicles}} * [http://www.globalsuzuki.com/ Suzuki Global website] <!--==========================({{NoMoreLinks}})============================ | PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS IN ADDING MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. 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