For other uses, see Suzuki (disambiguation).

2002 Suzuki FXR150

Suzuki Motor Corporation (スズキ株式会社) is a Japanese manufacturing company producing a range of small automobiles (especially Keicars), a full range of motorcycles, outboard motors, and a variety of other small combustion-powered engine products.

History

The company started out as Suzuki Loom Works (鈴木式織機製作所) in 1909. In 1952 it created the motorized bicycle "Power Free". It featured 2x36 cm³ engine. It was so popular, that in 1954 it introduced a second bicycle and changed its name to Suzuki Motor Corporation.

In 1955 it introduced its first mass-produced car, the Suzulight.

During the 1970s, the models "Fronte" (in different variations such as the 360 or the viola) and "Jimmy" (small cross-country) make it possible to widen exports.

In 1981, Suzuki makes an agreement with General Motors to meet the increasing demand of "small cars". With the help of Isuzu (GM had a huge stake at that time) the "Chevrolet Sprint" ("Suzuki Cultus" in Japan) is introduced in the United States.

In 1983, Suzuki exports its models in the United States under the Geo brand. The US Geo Metro is called Suzuki Swift in Europe (and Suzuki Cultus in East Asia). In 1985 the "Samurai" (a small off-roader) is the first car in the United States released under the Suzuki brand.

In 1995, the total production of Suzuki reached more than 975.000 cars.

Currently General Motors has a stake of 20% and tries to revive the Suzuki brand in the United States with new models: the Verona, which is a modified second generation Daewoo Magnus, and the Forenza, based on the Daewoo Lacetti.

OEM deals

Beginning with the Chevrolet Sprint, Suzuki has built cars for other manufacturers over the years. In Europe, the main rebadged Suzuki is the Subaru Justy (and G3X Justy), which has been a version of its Swift and, more recently, its Ignis. Most of Mazda's (and Autozam's) smallest vehicles are made by Suzuki, as is the Nissan Moco. Suzuki's Samurai was also known as the Holden Drover between 1985 and 1987 inclusive. The Chevrolet Cruze and Holden Cruze are also on Suzuki platforms—again the Ignis's—but with a Holden-designed body. The Geo and Chevrolet Tracker were Suzuki Vitaras by any other name.

Cars

• Cappuccino
• Cervo/Whizzkid
• Jimmy/Samurai
• Swift
• Wagon R
• Reno compact car (from Daewoo)
• Verona sedan (from Daewoo)
• Forenza sedan (from Daewoo)
• X-90 SUV
• XL-7 SUV
• Aerio subcompact car

Vans

• Supercarry

Motorcycles

• GSX-R Series
• DL 1000 VStrom
• VZ 800 Marauder
• VL 800 Volusia
• VX 800
• GS450
• SV650(S)
• SV1000(S)
• FXR150
• GSX110S-SZ Katana
• GSX-1300R Hayabusa

Scooters

• Suzuki AN125 Burgman 125
• Suzuki AN150 Burgman 150
• Suzuki AN250 Burgman 250
• Suzuki AN400 Burgman 400
• Suzuki AN400 Type S Burgman 400 Type S
• Suzuki AN650 Burgman 650
• Suzuki AN650 Executive Burgman 650 Executive

External links

• Corporate website (http://www.globalsuzuki.com/)
• Category at ODP (http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Autos/Makes_and_Models/Suzuki/)
• Official site of Suzuki Motorcycles (http://www.suzukicycles.com)
• BurgmanUSA - Home of the Burgman Forums (http://www.burgmanusa.com)