SUZUKI FAMILY

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Toshihiro Suzuki, Executive Vice President of the ... California teenager, Elena Myers, rode her Suzuki GSX-R600 into the history books becoming .... adapted for manual operation. ... It started in 2006 when Coghlan met a motorcycle touring .
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AFF SUZUKI CUP 2012 Qualifying Round Match: 5-13 October 2012 Final Round Match: 24 Nov - 22 Dec 2012 More detailed Info. at http://www.affsuzukicup.com/

SUZUKI FAMILY September 2012

136 Suzuki ERTIGA Introduced to Indonesian Market Suzuki New Outboards DF140A/115A/100A Elena Myers Scores Historic First at Daytona and more...

About the tournament: The AFF Suzuki Cup is a biennial football competition organized by the Asean Football Federation (AFF), accredited by FIFA and contested by the national teams of Southeast Asia.

SUZUKI FAMILY

No.136

English version Issued date: September 2012

Published by:

SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION 300 Takatsuka-cho, Minami-ku, Hamamatsu City, Japan 432-8611

A photo taken at a game of 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup.

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

Excitement around the successful launch Suzuki Indomobil Motor (SIM) and Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS) launched the Suzuki “ERTIGA” in Indonesia at a media event staged on April 22, 2012 in Jakarta. Attendees included such VIPs as Mr. Budi Darmadi, Director General of the Indonesian Ministry of Industry. The launch ceremony then aired nationwide on primetime television, which was followed by regional launches in 38 cities throughout Indonesia. The crowds of euphoric visitors who flocked to each of the ERTIGA launch events attested to the strong interest in this new product.

The ERTIGA is a new MPV with seating for seven occupants in three rows of passenger seats. Following soon after an initial launch in India, Indonesia becomes the second market in which the model has been introduced. The ERTIGA sold in the Indonesian market is being produced locally at an SIM plant. Created to satisfy the transportation needs of Indonesians who are always looking for a versatile family vehicle, the ERTIGA features plenty of room for cabin

Suzuki Indonesia brings excitement into your life with the introduction of

occupants, an elegant and stylish design, excellent driving performance and outstanding fuel efficiency. Toshihiro Suzuki, Executive Vice President of the Suzuki Motor Corporation, attended the launch ceremony, where he offered the following words. “Over the entire course of the 36 years since Suzuki started production in Indonesia in 1976, we have continued to provide products that satisfy our Indonesian customers. We strongly feel that the ERTIGA will also bring satisfaction and driving pleasure to the people of Indonesia.”

The SUZUKI ERTIGA

A complete package of style, comfort and utility. The ERTIGA offers comfortable seating and plenty of room for seven occupants in three rows, an elegant and stylish design, and excellent performance and fuel efficiency.

Major Features

Outstanding comfort throughout the cabin

Smart seating and load space

Stylish design that appeals High performance and efficiency to modern families

The ERTIGA provides outstanding comfort and ample legroom in all three rows of seats. Whether the entire family is travelling together or carrying extra luggage on a longer trip, there is plenty of space inside the ERTIGA.

The ERTIGA’s smart blend of form, function, and space offers a new level of versatility. The second and third row seats can be quickly arranged in a variety of configurations to accommodate different passenger and load requirements.

The ERTIGA is designed to satisfy the needs of today’s large families. Its outstanding packaging delivers all the advantages of an MPV with three rows of seats and a spacious interior, but without the bulk one might expect.

The advanced new K14B WT engine that powers the ERTIGA is a lightweight, fuel-efficient 1.4L petrol engine. Optimized intake valve timing and numerous other refinements provide smooth power delivery and outstanding fuel economy, while at the same time realizing satisfying driving performance.

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Elena Myers Scores Historic First at Daytona Riding her Suzuki GSX-R600 to victory Elena Myers becomes first female winner of a Daytona motorsports race. California teenager, Elena Myers, rode her Suzuki GSX-R600 into the history books becoming the first female winner of a professional motorsports race at the famed Daytona International Speedway at the 2012 season-opener for the AMA Pro SuperSport series.

“I just won Daytona,” enthused Elena Myers, “Pretty crazy way to start the season off”. Riding her Suzuki GSX-R600 to a first place finish against an all-male field in the open AMA Pro SuperSport series race, Elena didn't just enter the winner's circle - she entered the history books. The AMA Pro SuperSport is the premier motorcycle road racing series in the United States and one of the most competitive road racing series in the world. The SuzukiScoopFans* team had a brand new Suzuki GSX-R600 ready and raring to go. In the saddle was an 18-year-old California college student who rode flawlessly, battling for a podium position for 10 laps, waiting for just the right instant to take the Daytona draft to victory. “Man,” she said, “I didn’t think I was going to do it when I was coming down the straight, but somehow I pulled it off. The craziness of Daytona!” Elena was effusive in her praise for the GSX-R600 and the Suzuki team. “I can’t thank my

SuzukiScoopFans team enough for putting a bike as good as the Suzuki GSX-R600 underneath me all weekend.” Despite her young age, Elena is not new to the circuit, or to Daytona. In March of 2010 she made her AMA Pro Racing debut at the fabled track armed with a pair of Team Hammer-prepared Suzuki GSX-R600 racebikes. Just 16 years old at the time and barely eligible for her racing license she stayed with the pack finishing a solid seventh in both races of the AMA SuperSport double-header. Last year, despite missing several races with a broken wrist, Elena collected six top-five finishes, a testament to her talent and her grit. All the while she was gaining valuable experience and learning to truly love the performance of the Suzuki GSX-R600. Elena continues to perform well this season including a solid fifth place finish at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama where she was one of three Suzuki riders to fill the top five places. Racing as SuzukiScoopFans, Team Hammer, Inc. has also been a part of this remarkable history for a quarter century. And now together, SuzukiScoopFans, the team who have helped design and build the GSX-R600, and our fans and customers around the world can take pride that Elena Myers is writing a new chapter of the Suzuki Family history. * American Suzuki has changed its “SuzukiScoopFan” Facebook page to “Suzuki”. Please see http://www.facebook.com/SuzukiCycles for Elena Myers’ GSX-R600 team updates.

SUZUKI FAMILY March 2012

4/5

New Products

Something Special

Pure Natural Fun -

Sano’s Wooden Boats

New DF140A/115A/100A

Maximizing Fuel Economy, Power and Performance Suzuki has engineered a trio of new outboards that deliver excellent fuel economy without sacrificing the kind of performance desired by today’s boaters. The DF140A, DF115A, and DF100A outboards are based on a 2044cm3 in-line 4-cylinder block and feature a 16-valve DOHC powerhead that delivers high power output and efficient operation. Each of the three new outboards benefit by employing the Suzuki Lean Burn Control System. Allowing the engine to run on a leaner, more efficient fuel/air mixture, this system has been delivering remarkable fuel economy on Suzuki’s award winning flagship, the DF300AP, as well as on the DF20A/15A and DF40A through DF90A.

EURO 1 Emissions Standards (EU Directive 2003/44/EC) Label

All three feature an O2 Sensor Feedback Control System that realizes more stable operation. The DF140A and DF115A also incorporate a Knock Sensor that optimizes engine performance to deliver greater reliability. Incorporating a number of innovative Suzuki technologies to achieve cleaner, more efficient operation, all three engines conform to the European Commission’s Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) 2003/44EC and have earned three-star ratings from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The functional beauty of newly designed engine covers conveys an aggressive, powerful image, and each proudly carries Suzuki’s Chrome “S” mark embossed on the front. Built with today’s needs in mind, these new outboards allow boaters to enjoy going further and faster, for less.

Key Features • 2,044cm3 in-line 4-cylinder engine featuring 16-valve double overhead cam. • The Suzuki Lean Burn Control System delivers significant improvements in fuel economy over a wide operating range. • The O2 Sensor Feedback Control System optimizes fuel delivery for cleaner emissions and more stable performance.

Japan’s excellence in marine manufacture recognized around the world Sano’s dedication to perfection in wooden boats became known to the boating world 25 years ago when the charismatic U.S. Editor-in-Chief of WoodenBoat Magazine, Jon Wilson, the Mystic Seaport’s America and the Sea Award

2012 winner, recognized the skill of the Sano Shipyard and introduced it to his worldwide readership. Wilson recognized that natural warm curved lines and detailed finish are only possible by real traditional craftsmanship. Every stage of construction at the Sano Shipyards is meticulous. No detail is overlooked from the graceful curves and lines of the hull to the mahogany gleaming under a dozen coats of the highest quality varnish to the beautifully crafted wooden interiors. Each Sano boat is unique and specially ordered to meet the requests of the most discerning wooden boat owners. This commitment to artistry has made Sano the world’s premier wooden boat maker. Ryutaro Sano, the ninth President said, “By having a chance to build a “Wasen”, we returned to the peak level of traditional building techniques for wooden boats. With this precious experience we will be able to build boats that fit today’s society.” All of us at Suzuki are proud of the Sano family, Japan’s outstanding wooden boat builders, and we welcome them to the Suzuki Family. The 10th generation:  Tatsuya Sano

President Ryutaro Sano

Comparison of Fuel Consumption per 1 Liter of Fuel (New DF140A vs. Original DF140)

New DF140A

Good

Going further, faster, for less

CARB Three-Star Label

For ten generations the Sano family has been perfecting their wooden boat building techniques. Located by the Tokyo waterfront, the Sano Shipyard makes contemporary boats that are the descendants of traditional Japanese wooden boats, called “Wasen”. With their beautiful curved lines and comfortable cabins, Sano wooden boats attract boat fans to rediscover the exhilarating natural ride of these remarkable cruisers, yachts and the popular runabout. The Sano runabout is a particular favorite of wooden boat aficionados with the gentle flare of its stylish hull and its freshly varnished bow deck. Minoru Sano, a Sano family craftsman, said, “The external appearance is elegantly sleek and graceful but the real joy is the way the wooden boat slides perfectly along Tokyo’s waterways”. Minoru Sano with his runabout 

• The DF140A and DF115A feature a Knock Sensor System that optimizes engine performance. • The Suzuki Water Detecting System alerts the operator with visual and audio warnings to help protect the engine from moisture in the fuel. • The Suzuki Troll Mode system offers finer control over engine speed at low rpms. It is optionally available on all three models. • Suzuki’s ergonomically designed Multi-Function Tiller Handle provides easier, more comfortable control. It is optionally available on the DF115A and DF100A.

Original DF140

Uses 14% less fuel compared to the original DF140, mainly in the cruising range where the engine is used a majority of the time.

Trolling

Cruising

High-speed

rpm

SUZUKI FAMILY September 2012

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What’s Goin’ On?

James Stewart Joins Yoshimura Suzuki Racing Team Supercross/Motocross Champion James Stewart has signed a multi-year contract to race Suzuki RM-Z450s in both the AMA Motocross and Supercross series for Yoshimura Suzuki Racing team backed by American Suzuki Motor Corporation. Stewart’s first entry - and win - on his RM-Z was at Round 1 of the 2012 AMA Pro Motocross Championship in Sacramento, CA on 19 May. The following week in Texas, he won both motos. Among four-stroke 450s, the Suzuki fuel-injected RM-Z450 has won the most AMA Motocross Championships and races, plus is the first fuel-injected 450 to take both titles. “Racing is in our blood and DNA here at American Suzuki,” said Suzuki Senior Director of Motorcycle & ATV Sales and Marketing Larry Vandiver, “And this new relationship with James Stewart will help propel that success for years to come.”

Holland’s Formido Swift Cup Hosts Young Drivers

Suzuki Belang Challenge Develops Novice Racers

The New Swift Sport debuted at the Formido Swift Cup races in the Netherlands in April of this year, following the five successful seasons of the previous model. The Formido Swift Cup is a racing event where talented young auto sport competitors can develop their skills on the track. Over 16,000 spectators enjoyed thrilling battles among novice drivers on the circuit in Zandvoort. This Swift Cup was also the venue of another exciting debut: for the first time a physically disadvantaged driver competed, driving a special Swift Sport adapted for manual operation. Formido, one of the Netherlands’ largest franchise do-it-yourself store chains, has committed to three more years of sponsorship. The company has even supplied over 80 of its store managers with brand new Swift cars!

As part of its corporate social responsibility program, Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (SAM) sponsored the Suzuki Belang Challenge (SBC) in the remaining eight rounds of the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship 2012. SBC gives aspiring young riders an opportunity to build their skills in motorsports through extensive training and racing exposure at minimal cost. Eighteen novice riders started the event on Suzuki FU150 bikes provided by SAM. The races were telecast nationwide and extensively covered by local motoring magazines and other media.

Suzuki Team Rider Captures Malaysian Championship

Aoki Trains Indonesian Suzuki Racers

On 29 April, riding the Smash V, Elly Idzlianizar Ilias of Suzuki Forty One Racing, the sole Suzuki team in the 2012 Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, won his first race in the CP130 class during round 3. Starting from the seventh grid, Elly rode a near-perfect race to win the headline-grabbing victory in front of his home crowd. The final was telecast live in Malaysia and received extensive coverage by the local motoring magazines and other media, so the victory for Suzuki’s team in the highly competitive championship provided a tremendous boost for Suzuki Brand Image in Malaysia.

Suzuki factory test rider Nobuatsu Aoki hosted a two-day training school at the Kenjeran circuit in Indonesia in February, at the invitation of PT. SUZUKI INDOMOBIL MOTOR. The former GP rider shared his knowledge and skills with Suzuki's top Indonesian Indoprix Championship riders and helped motivate other Suzuki series contenders at the challenging technical circuit in Surabaya city. The most popular racing class in Indonesia – which is the third-largest global market with annual motorcycle sales of more than 8 million - is Indoprix, where the popular Suzuki Smash Titan (FW110) is highly competitive in both the 110cm3 and 125cm3 classes. PT. SUZUKI INDOMOBIL MOTOR has been fielding two teams in the 2012 Indoprix Championship - Suzuki AHRS Racing Team and Suzuki Chia Felix Racing Team .

Elly Idzlianizar Ilias, center, on the podium.

USER’S

VOICE

Former Olympic Athlete Runner Loves His Suzuki V-Strom Grand Tourer

From Ireland

Chairman of the Irish Sports Council’s High Performance Committee Eamonn Coghlan is renowned for his successes on the American indoor track circuit. Coghlan has won 56 races and broken the world record for the indoor mile on three occasions. He is currently the only athlete over 40 to have broken the record for the four-minute mile. The three-time Olympian is also a great fan of Suzuki motorcycles: “Motorcycling, from the point of view of a hobby, almost replaced running for me,” he remarked. It started in 2006 when Coghlan met a motorcycle touring group travelling the US: “I met them in Chicago and when I saw them, I got really interested. I used to have a motorbike when I was a kid, but this got me going and I bought a 600cm3 Suzuki Bandit.” “I now have a 1,000cm3 Suzuki Grand Tourer that I use on my daily commuting and my wife Yvonne and myself also do charity runs: recently, a US one in which we travelled 3,000 miles in two weeks. It’s great fun,” said Coghlan.

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What’s Goin’ On?

SHOWTIME G70 and Swift Range Extender* Spotlighted in Geneva and China In recognition of the need to undertake environmental initiatives in automotive markets, Suzuki has been cutting the CO2 emissions of conventionally powered cars with weight reduction and reducing running resistance, while also developing next-generation electric powertrains. To highlight these diverse environmental efforts, Suzuki introduced two concept models – the G70 and the Swift Range Extender – at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show (8-18 March) and 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (23 April - 2 May). At both exhibits, Suzuki showcased the two models under the slogan “Suzuki Green”.

Jakarta Fair Achieves Brisk Sales of Suzuki Motorcycles PT. SUZUKI INDOMOBIL SALES won the prize for best display booth - designed around the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012* theme - in the annual Jakarta Fair, held 14 June to 15 July and attended by about 4,500,000 visitors. The Fair is the Indonesian city’s biggest public event, promoting all types of durable goods, from household appliances to automobiles. Suzuki sold 1,650 motorcycles, an increase over last year’s sales, with strongest performance by the popular Satria F150. Highlights of the Suzuki booth that attracted the most visitors were the new 250cm3 sport bike, the INAZUMA, and the nex Fl fuel-efficient scooter.

HQ News

1

* Please see the Cup schedule on the back cover.

Suzuki and Intelligent Energy of UK Form Fuel Cell Joint Venture

Suzuki Expands Automobile Production in Vietnam: SMC production and marketing subsidiary Vietnam Suzuki Corporation broke ground 25 April for a new automobile plant, intended to keep pace Groundbreaking ceremony in with the expanding automo- Long Binh Techno Park bile market in the country. Vietnam Suzuki is moving its current plant and constructing a new one adjacent to its motorcycle plant in the Long Binh Techno Park in Dong Nai Province. The new plant will open in 2013 with first-year production capacity of 5,000 autos.

Suzuki Motor Corporation established a 50/50 joint venture company in February, SMILE FC System Corporation (SMILE FC) - with Intelligent Energy Holdings PLC (IEH) of UK - to develop, manufacture and commercialize a fuel cell system by combining the fuel cell development technology of Intelligent Energy (IE) with control and mass-production technologies of Suzuki. The headquarters is located within Suzuki headquarters in Hamamatsu and the research facility at Suzuki’s Yokohama Laboratory. Suzuki and IE have already exhibited co-developed motorcycles equipped with air-cooled fuel cell systems at past Tokyo Motor shows and in 2011 earned the world’s first Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) for the Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter. SMILE FC System Corporation will accelerate development of fuel cells for next generation eco vehicles.

Changan Suzuki Begins Building Second Plant in China Chongqing Changan Suzuki Automobile, Co., Ltd. (Changan Suzuki), an automobile manufacturing and sales joint venture company in China, began building its second plant in Banan District, Chongqing on 16 April. Scheduled for completion in summer 2013, the new plant will start production in December with 150,000-unit capacity. It is scheduled to expand its capacity as the market expands. To meet expanding Chinese automobile demand by quickly reaching annual production of 500,000 units, the new plant’s capacity will be steadily increased, along with that of an existing plant on the site that produces 250,000 units. Groundbreaking at the new site

* These models were exhibited as the “REGINA” and “Swift EV Hybrid” at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

Winning Sales Team Suzuki Dominates the Bolivia market Motorcycle Exhibition Proves Popular in Vienna Suzuki Austria participated in a “Fahr 2Rad”, two-wheeler exhibition, 20 - 22 April in Vienna that introduced some 25,000 visitors in three days to the Suzuki Spirit, displaying 54 examples of SMC’s versatile lineup - including scooters, motorcycles and electric bikes - 14 of which were available for test rides. Visitors took 1,200 test rides on three different indoor tracks, plus enjoyed 560 guided outdoor test rides supervised by the Vienna police. Suzuki Austria’s Motorcycle Sales Manager Wolfgang Brunner remarked: “It was very important to offer test rides. Most of the newcomers to this show had never tried a motorcycle before, but they thought that a moped, e-bike or 125cm3 motorcycle might be good for their daily commute. Plus, existing customers had the chance to try our big bikes on a guided street course.”

IMCRUZ CORP. S.A., Suzuki’s distributor in Bolivia has a dominant market share in that South American country. Each year market share has increased: from 20% in 2005 to 32.8% for the January to July period of 2012. IMCRUZ has a total of 60 sales persons and their flagship model is Grand Vitara. Their continuing success comes from their steady focus on customer satisfaction under the motto of “Excellent Customer Service” since beginning sales with Suzuki in 1984.

IE’s CEO Dr. Henri Winand with SMC’s Chairman & CEO Osamu Suzuki

2

New Suzuki Plants for Asia Suzuki Constructs New Motorcycle Plant in India : Suzuki Motor Corporation laid the foundation stone 23 April for a new motorcycle plant in Rohtak, Haryana of India. Scheduled for completion in 2014, the plant’s annual production capacity will be 500,000 units. Since 2006, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Ltd. (SMIPL), a production and sales subsidiary established in 2004, has produced two scooter models and two motorcycle models at a Gurgaon, Haryana plant. In FY2011, SMIPL achieved production of 350,000 units, a 122% year-on-year increase.

3

Maruti Suzuki Passes Domestic Sales and Export Milestones Ten Million in Domestic Sales: Suzuki’s subsidiary Maruti Suzuki India Limited on 9 February attained the ten million mark in cumulative domestic sales, the only automobile company in India to pass that milestone. Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi of Maruti Suzuki India Limited remarked “Even as India has grown and transformed, Maruti Suzuki has evolved to meet changing demands”.

One Million in Cumulative Exports: On 30 April, Maruti Suzuki also exported its one millionth vehicle, a glistening red Alto that will be sold in Denmark. Managing Director & CEO Shinzo Nakanishi said, "A million cars in overseas markets is a significant milestone for us. We are happy that cars manufactured at Maruti Suzuki India have found good customer acceptance in overseas markets.”

IMCRUZ’s showroom and the sales team SUZUKI FAMILY September 2012

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AUTOMOBILES

MARINE PRODUCTSS

MOTORCYCLESS

What’s Goin’ On??

MOTORCYCLES

Dutch Suzuki Fans Caught on Camera!

Earlier this year, Dutch Suzuki distributor B.V. NIMAG sponsored a nationwide photo contest encouraging Suzuki riders to go out with their

Spring Service Campaign Stimulates Business for SIE cameras and try to capture photos of the “biggest Suzuki fans in the Netherlands”. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of fans from all over the country sending in creative and original photos illustrating “Team Suzuki spirit”. Photographers of the 50 best submissions were rewarded with a unique VIP trip to round 3 of the FIM World Superbike Championship in Assen, including a meet and greet with Crescent FIXI Suzuki riders John Hopkins and Leon Camier. A selection of the photos can be found on the Suzuki Netherland Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Suzukimotoren

Suzuki GB Dealers Sponsor Nationwide Road-show Spain’s SUZUKI XPERIENCE 2012 Proves Unforgettable

This year, Suzuki motorcycle dealers in Great Britain sponsored a nationwide road-show of test-riding opportunities and special limited-time offers that ran for four months, beginning 26 May. As many as four events ran each weekend, with nearly the entire model range available for test rides and Suzuki GB staff on-hand to keep things rolling smoothly. Suzuki GB Marketing Manager George Cheeseman remarked: “We're delighted that the dealer network has come together for this nationwide event. Not every dealer can make every model available for demonstration, so the model range makes this exciting. This is a ‘back to basics’ approach, putting riders on bikes and connecting them with dealers." Promoted through dealer's own customer databases, local media and Suzuki's social media channels, the road-show days have proven to be very successful, with contacts recorded from each event and good conversion rates monitored as well.

In June, at least 1,000 biking enthusiasts participated in the Suzuki Xperience 2012 on the Motorland Aragon Circuit in Spain, with former World Champion motorcycle road racer Kevin Schwantz as the guest star. The exciting activities created an unforgettable day for bikers, starting with Suzuki Action School for Suzuki owners led by Kevin Schwantz himself. Following that, participants enjoyed test rides of the new V-Strom 650 ABS, the GSR750, the GLADIUS and the BURGMAN range and an exhibition featuring

the Suzuki Spanish road racing championship (CEV) team, with riders Javi del Amor and Adrian Bonastre on their GSX-R1000s. Also offered were motorbike simulator races; workshops on safety, on-road settings and track settings; a slow-riding race for moto-clubs assistants and visits to the GP track. Naturally there was a Suzuki motorbikes exhibit, a Suzuki Merchandising Boutique, a popular Kevin Schwantz signing session and much more.

From January through March, Suzuki International Europe (SIE) ran a spring service campaign aimed at keeping Suzuki motorcycle workshops profitable during the winter season. Timing was good, since seasonal license plates on many motorcycles expire between October and March. A cooperative effort of the service, spare parts, accessories and sales/marketing departments created attractive service and warranty packages. But dealers were free to choose the most suitable offer for them, which encouraged participation. In addition to an advertising teaser available from SIE, Suzuki dealers could choose from several media to inform customers about their individual special offer packages. The incentives and rewards to customers for vehicle inspections were valuable, including a generous 12-month mobility warranty (road-side assistance) for all vehicles inspected within campaign period; pick-up service for the first 20 customers and numerous other discounts on various kinds of parts, labor and accessories. The promotion resulted in 4701 inspections and participation by 222 dealers.

Although motorcycles have been used mainly for basic transportation in China, growth of income and resulting lifestyle changes have steadily increased demand for recreational bikes, prompting Suzuki to pioneer two large displacement motorcycles in the Chinese market: Suzuki’s flagship motorcycle Hayabusa 1300 (displacement 1300cm3) and cruiser type SUZUKI BOULEVARD M109R (displacement 1800cm3). The Hayabusa and SUZUKI BOULEVARD M109R will be marketed by a dealer in Beijing and two dealers in Shanghai. This initial sales network will be expanded gradually, especially to the larger cities that tend to lead the demand for recreational two wheelers.

Taiwanese Market Welcomes Suzuki’s New Big Bikes In May, Suzuki introduced three large motorcycle models to the Taiwanese market: SUZUKI BOULEVARD M109R, GLADIUS ABS and V-Strom 650 ABS. Before the market premier, Tai Ling Motor Co., Ltd. held a press launching event and reception for Suzuki motorcycle users on 23 April at ATT-4-FUN. The world-renowned AKEMI, already a popular model, was featured there as an image character designed to build enthusiasm in advance for the new model premiere. On 2 June, 50 riders participated in the test rides offered in Dong-Hu (East Lake), Taipei. Such a high turnout indicates that good sales returns are a likely result of the launch activities.

Mauritius Moto Social Ride Emphasizes Safety

Suzuki Launches Large Displacement Motorcycles in China On 30 June, Suzuki Motor Corporation introduced the ultimate sport Hayabusa 1300 and the flagship cruiser SUZUKI BOULEVARD M109R to the Chinese market. SMC entered China early in the 1980’s selling 110cm3 to 150cm3 two-wheel vehicles, and now the 1300cm3 to 1800cm3 bikes are being introduced to satisfy changes in market demand.

Emcar Co Ltd, a Suzuki distributor on the island nation of Mauritius, organized a Big Bike Social Ride on the 7 April that was open to all makes. Of the 43 participants, 30 were Suzuki riders. Motorcycle Manager Adrien Rogers welcomed riders and offered them a Suzuki gift package and light breakfast. He then reviewed details of the journey ahead, emphasizing respect for road safety guide-

lines and explaining that breaks during the journey would feature demonstrations of safe riding techniques. Riders began the 200km journey in Port Louis and traveled mainly on the northwest coast of the island, stopping for lunch at the popular Mont Choisy public beach. At the end of the ride, Rogers thanked the riders and promised an early repeat of the Social Ride.

SUZUKI FAMILY September 2012

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AUTOMOBILES

MARINE PRODUCTSS

MOTORCYCLESS

What’s Goin’ On??

Suzuki Outboards Star in UK’s Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant

AUTOMOBILES Poland’s Suzuki Fan Club Enjoys Tenth Rally

MARINE PRODUCTS Suzuki Marine Liaison Office Is a Big Commitment to Europe

GM Masahiro Yamamoto at his office

At the European Press launching in May of new models in Schwielowsee, Germany, Marine & Power Products Group Manager Yasuharu Osawa announced the July establishment of the new Suzuki Marine European Liaison office in Brussels, Belgium. “Suzuki Motor Corporation decided to establish the new office because customers expect standardized service throughout Europe, but each market is unique, so we need to tailor products and services accordingly,” he explained, impressing media and distributors with the strong Suzuki commitment to the market. Activities to expand Suzuki brand awareness, rationalize business operation and step up market research activities for future product development began in the city of Diegem, supervised by liaison General Manager Masahiro Yamamoto.

Suzuki Marine Celebrates Decade of Growth in Australia and New Zealand The ten-year anniversary of Suzuki’s association with Haines Suzuki Marine in Australia and New Zealand was celebrated at a national dealer conference in Noosa, Australia with new product releases and test rides

Suzuki GB supplied 55 four-stroke DF2.5 outboard motors to UK Sea Cadets for use in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant held on 3 June. More than 1,000 ships and boats paraded about 11km on the Thames River, watched from the banks by more than one million spectators. The aquatic event celebrating the 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was enjoyed by another 3 billion people worldwide on television and the internet. The 55 boats equipped with Suzuki

DF2.5s led the Queen’s barge in a diamond formation, with boys and girls aged 12-17 from Great Britain and Commonwealth nations aboard. Since 2010, Suzuki GB has been providing outboard motors to the non-profit Sea Cadets organization, which offers in-depth marine education programs to children in the UK. Based on its reliability, compactness and light weight, the 68cm3 four-stroke DF2.5 was chosen as the best match for all 55 of Cadets’ small boats participating.

More than 100 of Poland’s Suzuki fans met for two days of friendship and automotive competitions in early May. The 4x4 off-road part of the rally was held the first day in Jura Park, a mountainous region in the South of Poland, offering new experiences and challenging development of driving skills. On the next day, the participants competed at an airport, where timing and precision were important. The airport proved to be a perfect place for a picnic! In the evening, the organizers reviewed the rally events and handed out awards.

Suzuki 4x4s Plough Forward Suzuki Ireland will be showcasing its 4x4s and other cars at this year’s Irish National Ploughing Championships, the largest

TO PICS

for dealers and marine media. Suzuki Representative Director and Executive Vice President Toshihiro Suzuki officially opened the conference. New DF20/15A, DF300/250AP, DF140/115/100A, and 10th anniversary limited version white DF40/50/60A were launched to enthusiastic dealers. The new products attracted glowing reviews and considerable excitement. Haines Suzuki Marine Chairman and CEO John Haines was delighted by the success of the event and expressed appreciation for the relationship with Suzuki: “My company and our country’s enthusiasm for the brand, product quality and engineering excellence

grows stronger every year. We are honoured to be in a position to celebrate 10 years of Suzuki-branded excitement in Australia and New Zealand.” Amid the excitement of new product launches, Queensland Water Police, an important commercial customer of Suzuki Marine, presented Haines Group Chairman and CEO John Haines with a plaque citing Suzuki’s outstanding contribution to rescue and recovery efforts during the Queensland floods in 2011. Suzuki Marine Australia worked tirelessly around the clock providing essential motor and maintenance support to the lifesaving work of the water police.

WHERE’S

THE ACTION

New Colombian Automobile Distributor Launches Suzuki Sales Network ?

Derco Colombia S.A.S.

New distributor Derco Colombia S.A.S. began automobile sales in early June before its formal opening on 20 June in Bogota, Colombia. The large-scale opening ceremony - very well-attended by industry media - was hosted by distributor President Ramiro Urenda, whose speech expressed his confidence and enthusiasm for Suzuki vehicles. The Suzuki distributor’s network will thoroughly cover the Colombian territory, with 18 showrooms in 13 cities and six more to open in the second half of this year. Both Suzuki and Derco Colombia are committed to a successful partnership and confident that the new dealer network will restore Suzuki as a leading player in the Colombian automotive market.

agricultural show in Europe. In Wexford 25-27 September, the Suzuki exhibit will include a complete model range including Alto, Splash, Swift and the SX4 and Grand Vitara 4x4s. “This is an ideal opportunity for Suzuki Ireland to demonstrate its range of off road vehicles and our range of diesel engines. As diesel engines account for 74% of all new car sales in Ireland, it is important for the farming community to be aware of Suzuki’s commitment to this growing market,” said Declan Maguire of Suzuki Ireland, “The Grand Vitara has been an institution in the Irish farming community. It’s also a great opportunity to

show the 4x4 technology and how Suzuki is constantly developing and innovating this technology.”

Photo shows last year’s event.

Swiss Beach Soccer League Sponsored by Suzuki

Magyar Suzuki Sponsors U17 Football Tournament 2012

From Switzerland

From Hungary

Suzuki Switzerland last year became the title sponsor for the national Swiss Beach Soccer League, as well as the automotive sponsor of the Swiss national beachsoccer team. This year’s league season will feature the 16 best national teams, playing in nine weekend games held in different regions. The familyoriented events offer entertainment and sports excitement appealing to people of all ages. Beach soccer became popular a few years ago and there are now National, European and World Beach Soccer Championships. More Info: http://www.beachsoccer.ch/suzuki-league/index.html

Magyar Suzuki Corporation partnered with Ferenc Puskás Football Academy for the fifth time, sponsoring the annual U17 international youth football tournament, held 6-9 April in Felcsút, Hungary. The tournament, named after legendary player Ferenc ‘Pancho’ Puskas, hosted six competing teams: Real Madrid of Spain, Panathinaikos of Greece, Austria Wien and others. Budapest Honvéd won the tournament for the second time. “Magyar Suzuki actively supports Hungarian sports”, remarked CEO Hisashi Takeuchi, “All participants were enthusiastic and dedicated, and we offer our warm congratulations on their achievements”. More Info: http://pfla.hu http://puskassuzukicup.net

SUZUKI FAMILY September 2012

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