SUZUKI FAMILY

Global Communication Magazine

SUZUKI FAMILY March 2012

135

New Suzuki 2 Wheelers: nex, INAZUMA, Hayate, Swish and GSX-R1000

‘Small Cars for a Big Future’ 42nd Tokyo Motor Show Suzuki Outboard New DF300AP Wins 2012 NMMA Innovation Award

Meet the new leading sport compact. Distinct look. Sporty ambience. The New Swift. “It was love at first sight.” I’m a fan.

A photo taken at the New Swift test drive event in Moscow. For a detailed story, please see page 12 of this issue.

SUZUKI FAMILY English version Issued date: March 2012

No.135

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

Winning members of SERT: (from left) Daisaku Sakai, Anthony Delhalle, Dominique Méliand, the team manager, and Vincent Philippe.

and more...

e-Let’s

Swift EV Hybrid: a compact electric vehicle with an engine-driven generator The Swift EV Hybrid, the eco-friendly car, embodies an evolution of the existing Swift Range Extender. It can cover the 20−30km typically driven per day in Japan on battery power alone, and can also extend its range using a compact 658cm3 engine-driven generator. Compared to an electric vehicle that depends entirely on battery power, its smaller lithium-ion battery is quicker to charge, weighs less, uses fewer and e e resources, esou ces, a d costs less. ess

Small Cars for a Big Future The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show Showcasing environmental performance and exciting products

The REGINA embodies Suzuki’s vision of a next-generation global compact car that leverages light weight and superior aerodynamics to realize excellent fuel efficiency and low

emissions. It’s as light as a minicar (just 730kg), and has a drag coefficient at least 10% lower than that of current models. As a result, it achieves fuel economy of at least 32km/L (measured in the JC08 test cycle)** and CO2 emissions as low as 70g/km (measured in the New European Driving Cycle)** using an 800cm3 turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. An Engine Auto Stop Start system that regenerates deceleration energy realizes even further fuel savings.

The Alto Eco is an ultra-efficient city car that achieves fuel efficiency of over 30.2km/L (measured in the JC08 test cycle).** With these new models, Suzuki has used its expertise in compact cars to make even greater improvements. ** The fuel economy and CO2 emissions were measured under specific test conditions. They may be different under different weather, road, driving, and maintenance conditions.

Motorcycle exhibit Evolution of electric drivetrain and fuel-cell technology

New models for the Japanese market

*The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show took place from 2 to 11 December 2011 at Tokyo Big Sight.

REGINA: Suzuki’s next-generation global compact car

Q-concept: two-seat micro mobility for everyday life The Q-concept features an entirely new kind of mobility that’s positioned between conventional motorcycles and cars. With a 2.5-metre overall length and two seats in tandem configuration, it’s ideal for everyday journeys within a radius of about 10km. It is more manoeuvrable and takes up much less parking space than a car, while its cabin is more attractive and comfortable than a motorcycle.

The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show* served as an excellent platform to show where Suzuki stands today and where we are heading. The “small cars for a big future” theme emphasized the key concepts of superior environmental performance and a perfect fit for exciting and active lifestyles. Suzuki offers exciting products worldwide that provide an enjoyable driving experience. Osamu Honda, Executive Vice president, Automotive Engineering, said, “Vehicles are a part of people’s lives all over the world. A vehicle first needs to be useful, user-friendly, and economic. Suzuki also believes that it needs to be cars and motorcycles that realize fresh and vivacious lifestyles.”

Automobile exhibit

BURGMAN Fuel-Cell Scooter

The new Swift Sport is designed as a refined sport compact and the performance flagship of the Swift series. Following the model’s introduction in the European market (with production based in Hungary), production began at the domestic Sagara plant to support a product release in Japan.

Alto EEco Al

Swift Sport

The e-Let’s electric scooter combines zero-emission environmental performance with the practicality needed for everyday shopping and commuting. Features include a high-performance in-wheel motor with regenerative braking capability, a lithium-ion battery, and an onboard charging system. Following a year of on-road reliability trials, Suzuki launched sales of the e-Let’s in Japan on 9 January, 2012. (At present, it is available only in Japan.) The BURGMAN Fuel-Cell Scooter combines greatly reduced CO2 emissions with the everyday practicality of extended riding range. On-road trials under way in the United Kingdom and Japan since 2009 made it the first fuel-cell vehicle of any kind to earn Whole Vehicle Type Approval in the European Union. The Suzuki GW250, V-Strom 650 ABS, and GSX-R1000 were also displayed at the show. SUZUKI FAMILY March 2012

2/3

New Products

nex:

the 113cm3 scooter that’s stirring up a new wind in the ASEAN market

Capturing a bigger share of a booming market Demand for scooters is booming in ASEAN countries. Suzuki set out to expand its share of the growing market by developing an unbeatable new kind of 113cm3 scooter: one that’s easy to ride for anyone in the family and great for urban commuting. To get ahead of the competition, Suzuki set the bar higher by designing the new model to be exceptionally fuel-efficient, light, compact, powerful, and affordable. As a result, the nex is everything today’s ASEAN scooter customers need.

Superior performance, handling, and styling The nex delivers an impressive 6.9kW of maximum power together with fuel economy. The engine is exceptionally efficient thanks to new designs that minimize intake and exhaust resistance, ensure superior cooling efficiency, and minimize friction and weight. A particularly impressive

INAZUMA: rider-friendly 250cm3 performance with an aggressive look The new 250cm3 INAZUMA is Suzuki’s response to growing demand for reliable and cost-effective two-wheel mobility. Unveiled by Suzuki’s British subsidiary at the UK’s biggest bike event, Motorcycle Live, in November 2011, it offers rider-friendly performance and fuel efficiency without any compromise in styling, equipment, or finish quality. Styling inspired by the groundbreaking B-KING gives the INAZUMA an aggressive character and a look of speed. A new in-line, two-cylinder engine with a six-speed transmission delivers performance that’s especially suited to urban commuting. Nimble, comfortable handling is assured by a newly designed semi-double-cradle frame, monoshock rear suspension, front and rear disc brakes, and a multi function instrument cluster.

Suzuki’s Exciting New Lineup:

INAZUMA, Hayate, Swish and GSX-R1000 New GSX-R1000: the championship-winning supersport bike

Suzuki has made a bold new entry into the ASEAN scooter market with the nex, a 113cm3 model that’s generating excitement with a combination of high fuel economy, low weight, compact size, high power, and an attractive price. Suzuki’s Indonesian subsidiary unveiled the nex to dealers, journalists and bloggers in Jakarta in December 2011. Everyone at the event was impressed by the nex’s potential to overtake the competition in the growing ASEAN market. Swish (left) and Hayate (right) at the Auto Expo Show

achievement is a piston that’s 8.8% lighter than that of an earlier Suzuki model with the same bore. The chassis also reflects new advances: A low seat means anyone can get on and off easily; a front disc brake helps to produce plenty of stopping power; and a light frame helps to make the nex more than 2kg lighter than competing models—a huge benefit for handling and fuel economy. Plus, the nex has sleek, richly expressive styling that gives a sense of sportiness, nimbleness, and quality.

The new 250cm3 INAZUMA motorcycle

Hayate: a dynamic 110cm3 choice for commuters Swish: a value-packed scooter for young urban adults

Suzuki unveiled the latest generation of the GSX-R1000 at the North American Suzuki Dealers Meeting in Orlando, Florida, in October 2011. The meeting was attended by the press. The 2012 GSX-R1000’s new features include a single-sided exhaust system, Brembo monobloc front brake calipers, a revised engine design that gives more power and acceleration at mid-range engine speeds, and a weight saving of more than 2kg over the previous model. American Suzuki Product Marketing Manager Derek Schoeberle said: “Once again, Suzuki engineers have raised the bar in acceleration, braking, and cornering.” The press response was also very positive. MotorImpress.com described the new model as “the very best GSX-R1000 ever produced.”

Suzuki launched the Hayate and the Swish at the Auto Expo Show in Delhi in January 2012. The Hayate marks Suzuki’s entry into the Indian market for 100–110cm3 motorcycles. It has a powerful, fuel-efficient 110cm3 engine. It’s built on a highly robust chassis that assures excellent handling and stability even during two-up riding. And it has a sharp, aggressive look that draws on the latest trends among high-end motorcycles. The Swish is an exciting new offering for young adults in urban India. A smart, edgy design makes it a great choice for discerning couples. A four-stroke 125cm3 engine delivers plenty of power. And a sleek, aerodynamic shape ensures for a stylishly smooth ride. Presentation to the press of the GSX-R1000 SUZUKI FAMILY March 2012

4/5

Suzuki D 2012 NMMA* F300AP W Innova ins tion Awa rd!

Revolutionary Integrated Lower Unit

WHERE’S

Suzuki offers the world’s first selective rotation outboard DF300AP, integrating both regular and counter-rotaion operations into a single unit.

As the world’s first 220.7kW (300PS) 4-stroke outboard, Suzuki’s flagship DF300 has been a showcase for Suzuki’s innovative technologies and designs. Now, setting new standards for innovation, the new DF300AP has a redesigned lower unit with the “Suzuki Selective Rotation” system, marking the first time regular and counter-rotation operations have been combined into the same light-weight unit. A two-way water inlet on the newly designed lower unit accelerates water flow into the cooling system for improved cooling efficiency.

Suzuki Selective Rotation In multi-outboard installations on large boats, a counterrotation outboard is usually paired with a regular rotation model to help keep the boat travelling on even keel, in a straight line. But the DF300AP’s special counter-rotation gearing in the lower unit enables the prop to rotate in the opposite direction eliminating the need for a dedicated counter-rotation outboard. A special switch activates a circuit inside the engine compartment, to power the counter-rotational propeller. This industry first utilizes a special integrated unit of gears, shaft and bearings that operate reliably and efficiently in both regular and counter-rotation directions.

THE ACTION ?

Two-way Water Inlet The engine’s cooling system relies on on water wate wa terr su sup supplied pplied through dual low water intakes located on the lower unit, a configuration that increases water flow for greater cooling efficiency. The forward inlet at the gear case nose delivers a greater water supply, especially at high speeds. The second inlet is also positioned lower, for shallow water conditions.

The difference is 101.86mm.

The DF300AP’s redesigned low-drag gear case was developed to accommodate the new gears required by the Suzuki Selective Rotation system. While increasing gear durability, the new case has a smoother, more hydrodynamic shape, enabling movement through the water with lower drag and higher efficiency. Regular rotation

Highest drag areas in red show that the new lower unit design slices through the water with less drag.

Superior Durability To accommodate Suzuki Selective Rotation, gears in the lower unit were redesigned using a stronger alloy, slightly larger diameters for greater rigidity and special heat treatment for higher durability. NEW DF300AP CURRENT DF300

Suzuki subsidiaries raise brand awareness and expand sales, bringing “Way of Life!” to young markets. INDIA

CHINA

Maruti Suzuki India Limited

Suzuki Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

Maruti Suzuki India Continues Network Expansion

Newly Designed Low-Drag Gear Case

Counter-rotation

Suzuki Networks in Asia Growing Steadily

NEW DF300AP

* The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is America’s leading association of marine products manufacturers. This is the second year in a row and the seventh time overall that Suzuki Marine has won this highly prestigious award for outboard engine excellence.

CURRENT DF300 Water resistance ← High

Low →

Suzuki subsidiary Maruti Suzuki India Limited last fall opened its 1000th Indian showroom. At the inauguration ceremony for Comet Motors in Surat, Gujarat on 29 October, Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director of Maruti, dedicated the facility to customers, remarking “This 1000th outlet is an important milestone for us and the Indian automobile industry: a reaffirmation of our faith in the India growth story. Network expansion is strategic for our business and we will continue to focus on it.” As the market leader in India’s automobile industry, Maruti Suzuki is set to double its sales network in the next five years. The company already boasts sales offices in 740 cities and service facilities in over 1400. In addition, Maruti Suzuki continues to enhance the customer experience through a unique initiative: upgrading its three-year-old showrooms under project ‘Nav Nirman’. The improvements will make the buying experience uniform for customers all Maruti MD Shinzo Nakanishi cuts the across the country. tape for Comet Motors opening.

New Suzuki China Building Signals Expansion of Mainland Business

The 18 November ceremony celebrating completion of the new Suzuki Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. office building in Shanghai, China was attended by Consul-General of Japan Hiroyasu Izumi, as well as 120 guests from 60 companies. The new facility houses the first direct sales store for imported Suzuki automobiles on the Chinese mainland. The subsidiary dealer’s showroom on the first floor of the new building, which opened for business on 7 January, plays an important role in direct customer research, while serving as a model for future dealerships planned to be built throughout China. The second floor houses offices of Suzuki China, which is poised to expand imported Suzuki vehicle sales all across the Peoples Republic. The impressive new building symbolizes the united determination of Suzuki China employees and dealers to raise recognition of the Suzuki brand and expand sales of Suzuki imported vehicles in every way possible.


6/7

What’s Goin’ On?

SHOWTIME Delhi Auto Expo 2012 Premieres Ertiga Compact MPV and XA-α Concept Compact SUV Maruti Suzuki India Limited participated at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012, held 5-11 January this year, under the theme “Way of Life”, expressing Suzuki’s global philosophy of creating products and services that will delight and enrich customers’ lives. India has become a major growth market with 2011 passenger vehicle sales of 2.5 million units, so the show featured exhibits by about 2,000 companies, including 21 automobile manufacturers, and attracted more than 700,000 visitors. Suzuki’s exhibit highlighted the global premieres of the Ertiga compact MPV and a new concept compact SUV, the XA-α (XA-Alpha), which mark Suzuki’s confident future-oriented foray into new segments, a move that will help the company retain its leadership position in the Indian automobile market. On 5 January, Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki India Limited unveiled the XA-α, boldly designed to appeal to urban youth. The new lifestyle vehicle features the off-road capabilities of an SUV to handle the toughest conditions of both city and country driving in trendy forwardlooking style. MD Nakanishi explained the strategy: “As the Indian market matures, customers will select their automobiles to fit their

Ertiga

Suzuki Italia S.p.A. Attracts Visitors at EICMA Motorshow 2011

XA-α

personalities and lifestyles: their ‘Way of Life!’ The XA-α SUV is an indication of how compact vehicles are driving the big future for automobiles.” The next day, Managing Officer & Executive General Manager Kenichi Ayukawa, of Global Automobile Marketing of SMC, joined MD Nakanishi to introduce the Ertiga compact MPV. Powered by a 1.4L petrol engine and 1.3L diesel engine, the Ertiga is aimed at Indian families who like to travel together and want a new generation compact MPV with utility that stands out from the crowd. As GM Ayukawa Solio explained: “The Ertiga is designed for the dynamic and demanding lifestyles of modern families: the perfect car to support activities of each family member’s life, whether urban commuting, everyday suburban use or long-distance transport for vacations.” Maruti MD Nakanishi concurred: “With Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki has created a new segment in India – the Compact MPV Segment - which will surely strengthen Maruti Suzuki’s leadership position in the industry.” The Company also displayed a range of Japanese small cars from the Suzuki portfolio, including Solio, Palette and MR Wagon, to assess consumer interest and response in India. In addition, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited launched two new models for the Indian market at the show: the fuel-efficient, light-weight Hayate compact 110cm3 motorcycle and the stylish fuel-efficient Swish 125 scooter.

The International Motorcycle Exhibition (EICMA) 2011 show held 8 – 13 November in Milan – recognized as the world’s largest – hosted manufacturers from 43 countries who presented their new models and concept vehicles to over 500,000 visitors. Suzuki Italia S.p.A displayed 51 models – the entire 2012 line-up including the BURGMAN Fuel Cell prototype – to demonstrate Suzuki’s continuous innovation and ecological initiative, while five exciting concept models expressed the Suzuki “Way of Life”. The Suzuki Italia S.p.A. press conference on the 8th introduced the new GSX-R1000 and the new V-Strom 650 ABS, demonstrating Suzuki Motor Corporation’s core values and market progress. Also highlighting the Suzuki exhibit were the Alstare and Yoshimura Superbike, the Moto Gp machine, the GLADIUS Cup winning machine the Fuel Cell prototype and the five “Way of Life” concept models: the VanVan 125 Marine, the V-Strom 650 ABS Extreme, the Intruder Ioci, the GSX-R600 Yoshimura and the BURGMAN Golf. Exhibition riding by the Team 360° thrilled the public with acrobatic jumps by world record holder Walter Belli and two other young riders. Outside of the pavilion, Suzuki Italia S.p.A. organised 1,400 test rides of many models, including the V-Strom 650 ABS, GSR750, GLADIUS, VanVan 125, BURGMAN 650 Executive, BURGMAN 400, BURGMAN 200 and SIXteen. Suzuki collected data about 3,500 customers with a personalised gadget given to visitors who authorized its use. In addition, sales of official Suzuki accessories almost doubled over last year, totalling about 26.000 € in value.

Suzuki DF20A and DF15A Make World Debut at Düsseldorf At the 43rd International Boat Show in Düsseldorf, held 21-29 January 2012, Suzuki Marine’s updated booth was extremely popular with visitors, who could easily understand Suzuki’s corporate identity and appreciate the features of the products on display. On opening day, Suzuki Marine launched the world premier of the DF20A and DF15A to the press and the market. The models impressed visitors with their compact size, best in the 14.7kW(20PS) and 11.0kW(15PS) classes respectively. The outboards are also the first in their classes to feature battery-less Electronic Fuel Injection, an original technology that is effectively combined with Suzuki’s Lean Burn Fuel Control system. The press, in particular, appraised the innovative new features very highly. In addition to the new products presentaion, the Suzuki Marine booth offered a hands-on concept display where visitors could experience the total “Suzuki” Brand and explore the innovative technologies and products, greatly increasing visitor interest and excitement.

Presentation to the press of the DF20A and DF15A

GSX-R1000

V-Strom 650 ABS

Suzuki Marine booth with new concept design


8/9

What’s Goin’ On?

Suzuki Team Wins its 11th World Endurance Championship In November, the reigning World-Champion Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT), under the able management of Dominique Méliand of France, won the 2011 FIM World Endurance Championship for the eleventh time, climaxing a season that was exciting from the start. SERT won the opening round on 17 April, the 24-hour 75th-Anniversary Bol d'Or at Magny Cours in France. GSX-R1000-mounted riders and reigning world champions Vincent Philippe, Freddy Foray and Anthony Delhalle crossed the line at the finish with 814 laps completed; six laps clear of their closest rivals. At the second round 8-hour race on 21 May at Albacete in Spain, SERT finished third, despite being given a stop-go penalty in the opening half of the race. SERT riders Vincent Philippe, Freddy Foray and Daisaku Sakai battled hard throughout the night session, but couldn’t quite catch the leaders at the 2am finish, recording a total of 305 laps. The team held a two-point lead over BMW going into the third round of the series. On 31 July, at the third-round 34th Suzuka 8-Hour race in Japan, Yoshimura Suzuki Racing Team made one of the most-thrilling finishes ever at that circuit: GSX-R1000 riders Yukio Kagayama, Josh Waters and Nobuatsu Aoki lost by a whisker to the rival FCC TSR Honda, finishing in second position. Just 38.7 seconds separated the two teams after eight hours and 217 laps of racing. Meanwhile, SERT riders Vincent Philippe, Anthony Delhalle and Daisaku Sakai finished ninth, after starting 15th, earning eight points from the race and finishing only six points behind

the then new series leaders BMW Motorrad France 99. SERT snatched back the lead by finishing second in the fourth-round Le Mans 24-Hour race in France on 25 September. Lacking regular riders Vincent Philippe and Freddy Foray due to injuries, the team was piloted by Anthony Delhalle, Daisaku Sakai and 22-year-old WECclass newcomer Baptiste Guittet, who was drafted in at the last minute from the Junior Team Suzuki LMS Superstock squad. The exciting and drama-packed race saw many lead changes, but finished with Suzuki riders only one lap behind the winners, SRC Kawasaki. SERT’s GSX-R1000s performed faultlessly throughout. At the deciding final round on 12 November, the injury-depleted team of Vincent Philippe, Anthony Delhalle, Daisaku Sakai and Freddy Foray brought the GSX-R1000 home in third place overall in the eight-hour race at Losail, to clinch SERT’s 11th title, ahead of closest rivals BMW Motorrad France 99, who finished just in front of the French team in second. Although the lead had changed hands frequently during the opening four hours, the Suzuki team made good use of pit stops and maintained consistent lap times supported by a faultless performance by the GSX-R1000 Superbike. The tactical performance kept SERT nine points ahead of the BMW team in the Championship standings. With less than 50 seconds separating the three top teams, a well-timed manoeuvre helped seal Suzuki’s success once again at the top-level of World Endurance racing.

Final World Championship Points Pos

Team

Total pts

1

Suzuki Endurance Racing Team

109

2

BMW Motorrad France 99

105

3

YAMAHA France GMT 94 iPhone

76

Suzuki Vehicles Challenge Tough Himalayan Events The Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya is one of the world’s most exciting motorsport events, running for 300km daily on the highest motor-able road in the world, Khardung la Pass, at temperatures below -20°C. Last October’s week-long run through the undulating terrains of the mighty Western Himalayas was the 13th edition of the annual event, with over 290 participants and 161 vehicles (35 bikes, 126 automobiles) covering a total distance of 2000kms over six days. Suzuki Cars Excel Despite Extreme Conditions: In the four-wheel competition, Suzuki cars proved their mettle once again in this toughest of rallies: eight participating teams were made up of Maruti Suzuki employees and nine out of ten winning teams were Maruti Suzuki cars. The R&D division’s Dharampal Jangra and Shijo Joshua tackled the “Extreme” category in their SX4, a first for any Maruti employee. In addition, four Maruti Suzuki employee teams won laurels in SX4 cars finishing the “Adventure” category for stock cars. Suzuki Belgium also entered two renowned Belgian car journalists in the exciting event, driving a standard 1.2 Swift. Stéphane Lemeret is chief editor of “Autotrends”, a leading Belgian magazine, and Jean Christoph Herminaire is a journalist for a national newspaper. The pair traversed the roughest terrains and finished the rally in a respectable position. Clearly, Suzuki product quality proved outstanding, as both writers reported in their respective publications. Their Indian motorsports adventure was well-covered in other media in Belgium.

Suzuki RMX450Z Biker Wins Trophy for Performance: Suzuki Motorcycle India’s Suresh Babu participated aboard a Suzuki RMX450Z motorbike, which performed flawlessly in the only Indian motorsport event listed on the off-road rallies calendar of the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme). Babu finished the rally in 6th position, the highest private entry, and was awarded the prestigious John Mark James trophy for exceptional performance. Enthused rider Babu: ”I enjoyed the rally thoroughly on my Suzuki, which handled like silk over 5000km of treacherous terrain at such high altitudes where there is so little oxygen and sub zero temperatures! The Suzuki’s intelligent fuel injection enabled absolutely trouble-free running throughout, staying in top three until the penultimate stage, when I lost over an hour due to a tyre puncture. I look forward in capitalizing on what we have learned the next year!”

Ramón Ibarra Won Chilean Rally Championship Suzuki driver Ramón Ibarra piloted a Suzuki SX4 Sedan to victory in the N3 category of finals of the RallyMobil Motorshow 2011, held near the La Moneda Palace in the capital city, Santiago last November. This is the third title in the category for Ibarra. Ibarra was crowned champion after a very close race on the 1,600 metre circuit. For RallyMobil fans, the final N3 series – featuring cars of up to 2,000 cm3 4x2 drive system - was the most exciting race. The N3 championship was closely fought between the top two pilots, who started the final race with only a 1.5 point difference, which attracted more than 40,000 excited spectators to the event. Fifty-four pairs of competitors, including 47 foreign pilots, took to the Alameda track in the event, which was broadcast on ESPN and followed enthusiastically throughout Latin America. The circuit course running through Alameda Bernardo O’Higgins Avenue in front of La Moneda Palace was highly entertaining for spectators, who could clearly observe how drivers handled all challenges of the course.


10/11

AUTOMOBILES

MARINE PRODUCTSS

MOTORCYCLESS

What’s Goin’ On??

European Boat Show Exhibits Highlight Innovative Suzuki Marine Technology

MARINE PRODUCTS Twin DF90s Power Challenging Norway Expedition

Mark Beeley on-board

In July 2011, Suzuki GB PLC’s Marine Area Sales Manager for the North of England Mark Beeley joined an expedition of two small 6.3m rib boats fitted with Suzuki twin DF90s that travelled from Wick, Scotland 1000 miles across open sea and north up the coast of Norway well into the Arctic Circle. Suzuki GB PLC loaned the DF90’s and helped finance the expedition. The Suzuki engines performed superbly throughout the demanding voyage, achieving excellent average fuel consumption per boat, even while carrying 1350kg of extra equipment. The trip, which was covered by the London Telegraph, demonstrated that the Suzuki DF90 is by far the leading engine in the 66.2kW (90PS) class. Organised by the owner and editor of RIB Magazine, the expedition also was widely covered in the boating press. Joining the expedition was well-known ocean yacht racer Pete Goss, who was impressed by the superb reliability of the DF90s and expressed interest in crossing from Japan to the UK, through the Northwest passage, in a small RIB powered by a Suzuki DF50 or DF70 outboard!

Genova Boat Show

Suzuki Italia participated in the 51st Genova International Boat Show 1-9 October, with an almost 500m² booth spotlighting Suzuki Marine’s message. The entire line-up was displayed, including two boats directly distributed by Suzuki Italia and powered by DF40 and DF90. Next, during 5-13 November, Movilmotors represented Suzuki Marine in Spain’s 50th Barcelona International Boat Show, one of the oldest in Europe. The Suzuki Marine booth exhibited a wide range of outboards including DF300, along with inflatables and boats. The shows were effective at impressing visitors with Suzuki’s continuous effort and commitment to research and development.

Barcelona Boat Show

Movilmotors staff manning the Suzuki Marine booth

Suzuki Solar Boat Team Proves Itself Again

AUTOMOBILES Maruti Chairman Receives Japanese Imperial Honour On 7 November 2011 at the Imperial Palace, His Majesty The Emperor of Japan conferred The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star* upon Chairman R.C. Bhargava of Suzuki’s India subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki India Limited. Chairman R C Bhargava The prestigious royal of Maruti Suzuki India honour recognizes the Chairman’s outstanding contribution to the promotion of economic relations and mutual understanding between Japan and India.

TO PICS

Miyakoda team members with Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura (centre in white shirt)

The all-volunteer Miyakoda Challenge solar boat team, made up of 15 Suzuki marine and motor vehicle engineers, again tackled the Japan Solar & Human Powered Boat Race 2011 on 27 and 28 August in Aichi, Japan. The team has consecutively won two events in the last five years of the annual race, which began in 1989. In a field of 20 competitors, the team entered three events with their home-built solar-powered boat, “White Hawk”, and won two: the 1hr endurance race and the 200m speed race. The White Hawk, built of fibre-reinforced plastic mounted solar panels, features a hydrofoil wing that lifts the vessel’s body to reduce water resistance. The efficient cruise power employing economical electricity enabled achievement of a target speed of 36km per hour. “Miyakoda Challenge’s goal next year is to enter and win all three events, including the slalom race”, declared team leader Ryouichi Fujino.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited is the most successful example of Indian-Japanese collaboration, and Chairman Bhargava played a key role in this achievement. *Japan’s oldest national award, established in 1875 recognizes distinguished contributions by individuals, either Japanese or non-Japanese.

Swift Takes the Spotlight in Russia

The campaign attracted over 5,000 visitors, who enjoyed activities provided for the entire family. Even the smallest Suzuki guests were kept entertained, with superhero appearances, special children’s test drives and face-painting by make-up experts. PR Manager Natalia Astafyeva of SUZUKI MOTOR RUS, noted: “We can say for sure: now Suzuki has got several thousand real friends more in Russia!”

In August and September 2011, large-scale test drives of the Suzuki Swift were held in five major Russian cities – Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg and Moscow. Participants, who could choose from among many Suzuki Swift grades, tested the cars under unpredictable and extreme conditions created specifically to highlight the Swift’s advantages.

New Swift Sport Wows Journalists at Barcelona Test Drive

Suzuki Yellow Cabs Support Pakistani Employment Project

From Europe

From Pakistan

At the first exclusive preview in Spain 24-27 October, leading media representatives from sixteen European countries were invited to put the new Suzuki Swift Sport through its paces. Around a hundred automotive industry journalists gathered in the Barcelona area to take part in the event. The Swift Sport was very well received overall, as journalists were impressed with the quality construction and handling. “High Emotion, Low Emissions!” the development slogan of Suzuki’s new sporty car, was well-represented in many positive press reports. The Swift Sport was described by the media as a top-of-the-range performance supermini which, although not ground-breaking, is significantly more efficient and powerful. As a lively, quality car offering enjoyable driving and fun, the Swift Sport was even awarded five out of five stars by one car magazine.

Pakistan’s public sector has demonstrated strong and growing commitment to Suzuki brand and products. Recently, the government of Punjab ordered 20,000 Suzuki vehicles, including 12,000 Mehrans (0.8L small car) and 8,000 Bolans (0.8L small van), intended to provide self-employment opportunities to educated unemployed youth and stimulate growth in the local automobile industry, as well as provide quality public transport. The Government of Punjab, in coordination with Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd (PSMCL), will distribute Suzuki yellow cabs to selected youth over a period of eight months, through PSMCL’s authorized dealer network. The Government of Punjab has expressed appreciation for the contributions of PSMCL to realizing the admirable goals of the valuable self-employment scheme.


12/13

AUTOMOBILES

MARINE PRODUCTSS

MOTORCYCLESS

What’s Goin’ On??

V-Strom 650 ABS Kicks Off in Belgium

Suzuki Belgium test campaign distributors with a V-Strom 650 ABS

MOTORCYCLES Suzuki Co-sponsors Fox’s Mini Moto Surf Challenge 2011

Stafford Montgomery, President. (4th from left), Ricky Carmichael (5th from left) and Ross Montgomery, GM (4th from right) pose with 2012 RM-Zs and the Montgomery Motors Team.

The third annual Fox Mini Moto Surf Industry Challenge, held 1 and 2 December on the North Shore in Hawaii, invited Fox dealers and motorcycle/surfing industry guests to an exciting motocross/surfing challenge. At the first day’s amateur mini moto on the HMA Motocross Track, 40 riders showed their motocross skills on Suzuki DR-Z125 motorcycles provided by Montgomery Motors Limited, Hawaii’s Suzuki distributor. Amateur riders were joined by such professionals as Supercross/Motocross champions Ricky Carmichael and Jeff Emig, wakeboard professionals Parks Bonifay and Rusty Malinoski, and professional surfer Ian Walsh. The second day’s Surf Challenge on the Pool Bar surf break at the Turtle Bay Resort was equally exciting. Despite high waves, the surfing contestants carved the waves and did perfect tail slides.

Suzuki Belgium organised a great incentive for all distributors who took part in the V-Strom 650 ABS test campaign: a two-day trip last autumn with their wives on demonstration bikes to the Mondorf Parc Hotel in the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg. The first day’s ride on a twisting route through the Belgian Ardennes and Luxemburg concluded with a brief presentation in the hotel by General Manager Stephane Goeury, followed by a hearty meal. Day two included a visit to the nearby thermal baths and a return ride back to Belgium. The well-conceived incentive trip strengthened the bonds with and amongst Suzuki dealers, while raising enthusiasm for Suzuki’s new V-Strom 650 ABS to a higher level.

Suzuki VanVan 125 Crosses Europe

Weronika on the road with her faithful VanVan 125.

The slogan “To make a dream come true, because life means adventure” motivated Weronika Kwapisz’s triumphant 12000km

solo ride across Europe demonstrating Suzuki’s “Way of Life!” philosophy. Weronika had longed to see more of Europe from a motorcycle since her 2008 motorcycle trip to Santa Monica, Italy. Last year, supported by Suzuki Motor Poland, she spent 48 days on her motorcycle crossing Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Luxemburg, Belgium, Holland and Germany. The intrepid rider finished on 23 October, aided by her Suzuki VanVan 125, a leisure version of enduro, equipped with an extremely durable 4-stroke engine. The 8.9kW (12hp) single-cylinder engine proved sufficient for the 122kg-bike. Remarked Weronika: “The motorcycle did not disappoint me, not for a moment, even though it had to stand a really difficult test. The machine is capable of a lot, despite its small capacity.”

German Suzuki Dealer Supports Christmas Campaign for Children

SMIPL Achieves 1M Units of Production In January, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL) achieved an accumulated one million units of production since beginning operation in February 2006. From the start, SMIPL has steadily expanded production at Gurgoan in Haryana state, first adding the HEAT and Zeus motorcycles, then initiating the Access scooter in September 2007 and the GS150R motorcycle in December 2008. The Zeus was later changed to the SlingShot model in August 2010. At Auto Expo 2012 in January, SMIPL introduced two new two-wheel models now in production, the Hayate motorcycle and the Swish scooter, which have been added to their line-up. The company plans to expand its production capacity up to 540,000 units per year by late this year.

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Suzuki to Construct New Automotive Plant in Vietnam

Site of planned automobile plant

Aware of the plight of needy children in some areas of Romania and the Ukraine, German Suzuki dealer Nils Bergmann helped organize - with Round Table charity - a collection of Christmas gifts for delivery to hospitals, children's homes, schools and institutions for street children in the region. More than 65,000 packages were lovingly packed by children in Germany for youngsters who otherwise would wait in vain for a Christmas gift. Bergmann himself collected 1,935 packages from Pinneberg’s schools and kindergartens. In addition, 535 were collected at a summer closing party of motorcycle riders. Suzuki International Europe GmbH provided a company truck that joined 20 others, three coaches and three sprinters in the delivery convoy to Odessa in Ukraine and various locations in Romania, where volunteers distributed the gifts to the children.

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Suzuki to Launch the e-Let’s Electric Scooter

Motorcycle plant

Vietnam Suzuki Corporation, Suzuki Motor Corporation’s automobile and motorcycle manufacturing and sales subsidiary in Vietnam, will construct a new automobile plant in Dong Nai Province in southern Vietnam. In order to meet developing Vietnamese market demand in the near future, Vietnam Suzuki Corp. will move the production of automobiles into a new plant to be constructed on the site neighboring its new motorcycle plant in Long Binh Techo Park. The investment for building the new plant - which is scheduled to start production in 2013 - will be approximately 1 billion yen. The annual production capacity for the first year will be 5,000 units, with expansion planned thereafter.

On 9 January Suzuki Motor Corporation launched its electric scooter the e-Let’s in the Japanese domestic market. The e-Let’s boasts enhanced utility features such as a detachable battery, while keeping the user-friendliness of a 50cm3 engine powered scooter. Developed as an electric scooter featuring low noise, low vibration, and zero-emission environmental performance, the e-Let’s is intended to familiarize the market with a practical electric scooter offering unique qualities that will attract any user. Based on the Let’s4 Basket, a 50cm3 scooter noted for user-friendliness, the e-Let’s combines a high-performance in-wheel motor with regenerative braking capability and a lithium-ion battery. In addition to the typical smooth acceleration and nimble performance of an electric scooter, the new model realizes 2kg less curb weight* than the Let’s4 Basket. * The weight of the charger is not included.


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