SUZUKI FAMILY

135March 2012

Global Communication Magazine

Printed in Japan on recycled paper

Published by:

SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION English version

Issued date: March 2012

SUZUKI FAMILY 135No. 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.)

300 Takatsuka-cho, Minami-ku, Hamamatsu City,

Japan 432-8611

and more...

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.

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

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2012 2/3

The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show

Alto EcoSwift Sport

EAlSwift Sport

Showcasing environmental performance and exciting products

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

REGINA: Suzuki’s next-generation global compact car

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.

Swift EV Hybrid: a compact electric vehicle with an engine-driven generatorThe 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 resources, and costs less.

Q-concept: two-seat micro mobility for everyday lifeThe 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.

New models for the Japanese market 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.

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.

Motorcycle exhibit

Evolution of electric drivetrain and fuel-cell technology

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.

e e esou ces, a d costs ess

e-Let’s

The Alto Eco is an ultra-efficient city car that achieves fuel

efficiency of over 30.2km/L (measured in the JC08 test

BURGMAN Fuel-Cell Scooter

Small Cars for a Big Future

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

** The fuel economy and CO2 emissions were measured under specific test conditions. They may be different under different weather, road, driving, and maintenance conditions.

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2012 4/5

Capturing a bigger share of a booming marketDemand 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 stylingThe 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

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.

nex: the 113cm3 scooterthat’s stirring up a new wind in the ASEAN market

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.

Suzuki’s Exciting New Lineup:

INAZUMA, Hayate, Swish and GSX-R1000

INAZUMA: rider-friendly 250cm3 performance with an aggressive lookThe 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.

Swish (left) and Hayate (right) at the Auto Expo Show

Hayate: a dynamic 110cm3 choice for commutersSwish: a value-packed scooter for young urban adults 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.

New GSX-R1000: the championship-winning supersport bikeSuzuki 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.”

Presentation to the press of the GSX-R1000

The new 250cm3 INAZUMA motorcycle

New Products

WHERE’STHE ACTION ?

Suzuki Networks in Asia Growing SteadilySuzuki subsidiaries raise brand awareness and expand sales, bringing “Way of Life!” to young markets.

INDIAMaruti Suzuki India Limited

Maruti Suzuki India Continues Network Expansion

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

across the country.

CHINASuzuki Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

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.

6/7SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2012

Two-way Water InletThe engine’s cooling system relies on water supplied 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.

Newly Designed Low-Drag Gear CaseThe DF300AP’s redesigned low-drag gear case was developed

to accommodate the new gears required by the Suzuki Selec-

tive 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.

As the world’s first 220.7kW (300PS) 4-stroke

outboard, Suzuki’s flagship DF300 has been a show-

case 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 RotationIn multi-outboard installations on large boats, a counter-

rotation 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 compart-

ment, 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.

Superior DurabilityTo 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.

Two-way Water InletThe engine’s cooling system relies oonn wawateterr susuppplied through

NEW DF300AP CURRENT DF300

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

Maruti MD Shinzo Nakanishi cuts the tape for Comet Motors opening.

The difference is 101.86mm.

NEW DF300AP CURRENT DF300

Water resistance

← High Low →

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

Regular rotationCounter-rotation

Suzuki DF300AP Wins 2012 NMMA* Innovation Award!

* 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.

What’s Goin’ On?

SHOWTIME

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2012 8/9

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 manufac-

turers, 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 forward-

looking style.

MD Nakanishi explained the strategy: “As the Indian market

matures, customers will select their automobiles to fit their

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

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, includ-

ing Solio, Palette and MR Wagon,

to assess consumer interest and

response in India.

In addition, Suzuki Motor-

cycle 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.

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

cal 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 person-

alised 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.

XA-α

Solio

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.

GSX-R1000

Presentation to the press of the DF20A and DF15A

V-Strom 650 ABSErtiga Suzuki Marine booth with new concept design

What’s Goin’ On?

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2012 10/11

Suzuki Team Wins its 11th World Endurance Championship

In November, the reigning World-Champion Suzuki

Endurance Racing Team (SERT), under the able manage-

ment 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 WEC-

class newcomer Baptiste Guittet, who was drafted in at

the last minute from the Junior Team Suzuki LMS Super-

stock 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.

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 tempera-

tures! 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.

Final World Championship Points

1

2

3

Suzuki Endurance Racing Team

BMW Motorrad France 99

YAMAHA France GMT 94 iPhone

109

105

76

Pos Team Total pts

What’s Goin’ On???

SMARINE PRODUCTSMARINE PRODUCTS MOTORCYCLESS

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2012 12/13

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.

The prestigious royal

honour recognizes the Chairman’s outstand-

ing contribution to the promotion of economic

relations and mutual understanding between

Japan and India.

AUTOMOBILES

TOPICS

From Europe

New Swift Sport Wows Journalists at Barcelona Test Drive

From Pakistan

Suzuki Yellow Cabs Support Pakistani Employment Project

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 Barce-

lona 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 govern-

ment 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.

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 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 condi-

tions created specifically to highlight the

Swift’s advantages.

Chairman R C Bhargava of Maruti Suzuki India

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!”

MARINE PRODUCTS

Mark Beeley on-board

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

Genova Boat Show

Barcelona Boat Show

Movilmotors staff manning the Suzuki Marine booth

European Boat Show ExhibitsHighlight Innovative Suzuki Marine Technology

Twin DF90s Power Challenging Norway Expedition

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!

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.

Suzuki Solar Boat Team Proves Itself Again

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.

Weronika on the road with her faithful VanVan 125.

MOTORCYCLES

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.

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

V-Strom 650 ABS Kicks Off in Belgium

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

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, Mace-

donia, 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

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.

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2012 14/15

What’s Goin’ On???

AUTOMOBILES

SMARINE PRODUCTSMARINE PRODUCTS MOTORCYCLESS

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.

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

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 profes-

sionals 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.

HQ News

1 2Suzuki to Construct NewAutomotive Plant in Vietnam

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 approxi-

mately 1 billion yen. The annual production capacity for

the first year will be 5,000 units, with expansion planned

thereafter.

Suzuki to Launch the e-Let’s Electric Scooter

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 detach-

able 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 perfor-

mance, 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.

SMIPL Achieves 1M Units of Production

HQ News

Motorcycle plant

Site of planned automobile plant