Global Communication Magazine

145Spring 2017

Printed in Japan on recycled paper

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SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION English versionIssued date: Spring 2017

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 & Planning 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-shi, Japan 432-8611

HQ News

SUZUKI FAMILY 145No.

The new Suzuki Access 125 is the proud winner of India’s prestigious CNBC Overdrive Viewer’s Choice Scooter of the Year Award for 2016. The new all-rounder Access 125 was highly evaluated for its state of the art engine, fuel efficiency and powerful acceleration derived from the latest technology developed by Suzuki, as well as its pleasing body colour and its design. Viewers and readers vote online and by phone for their favourite vehicles which shows the popularity of the Access 125. Our thanks go out to CNBC Overdrive, our customers and fans for making this model a runaway success.

Glo

The King Is Back!Kevin Schwantz Introduces the new GSX-R1000R

on the stage at INTERMOT

Suzuki Access 125 Wins Prestigious Indian Scooter of the Year Award

Suzuki is a Winner

Visitor goes for a virtual reality ride on GSX-R1000

Suzuki goods on displayDavide Brivio introduces Burgman 400 on stage

Interview survey with visitors

Arriving on stage at INTERMOT in Germany in a flurry of

confetti Suzuki MotoGP legend Kevin Schwantz helped to

introduce the all-new GSX-R1000/GSX-R1000R. Rounding out

the 5 bikes unveiled at INTERMOT in October were the

smallest displacement model in the series, the GSX-R125, the

second model in the street sportbike series, the GSX-S750,

and the all-new V-Strom 1000/V-Strom 1000XT and V-Strom

650/V-Strom 650XT adventure bikes.

At the EICMA 2016 show in Milan in November four new

models were launched: the enhanced new version of the

luxury scooter BURGMAN 400, the GSX-S125 street sportbike,

the GSX250R standard sportbike and the V-Strom 250

SUZUKI FAMILY Spring 2017 02 03

New Model Excitement at German and Italian Shows

GSX-S125 GSX-S750 GSX250R

BURGMAN 400 V-Strom 250 V-Strom 1000V-Strom 650

SPECIAL

GSX-R125

Visitor posing for a picture attacking a simulated curve on GSX-RR, the MotoGP machine

GSX-R1000R

adventure bike.

During the shows, visitors were treated to the thrill of a

virtual reality ride on a race lap as a GSX-R1000 rider. And

when they slowed down a bit from that they could have their

photo taken aboard a MotoGP bike as it leans into a curve at

breakneck speed.

SMC President Toshihiro Suzuki, on hand at the INTERMOT

opening, said the enhanced Suzuki lineup “can be enjoyed by

everyone, from people just starting out on a bike through to

veteran riders. Looking ahead, there is much more to come

from Suzuki, as we strive to produce refreshing, creative

products that exceed expectations in every possible way.”

SUZUKI FAMILY Spring 2017 04 05

SPECIAL Team HAKUTO Unveils Lunar Rover DesignHAKUTO, the only Japanese team competing in the Google Lunar XPRIZE, unveiled the design of their flight model rover at a press conference in Tokyo on 29th August 2016. With a prize of 20 million US dollars given to the winner, the Google Lunar XPRIZE is an international lunar robotic competition that challenges private sector teams to develop low-cost methods of lunar exploration.

“The development concept of the first Vitara, an SUV introduced in 1988, was a Lunar Vehicle”, Kinji Saito, Executive General Manager of Global Automobile Operations, informed guests at the press conference. “Of course it was not actually meant to run on the moon but the idea was to build an SUV with four wheel drive performance that takes you into the unknown while providing a comfortable cabin.”

He added, “This development concept is still alive, and is now incorporated into attractive new models like the Ignis. Supporting the HAKUTO team will be a bold step forward to realise the dream of our original idea, first introduced about 30 years ago. We hope our cooperation will lead to cultivating future technologies.”

HAKUTO Agrees to Rideshare Launch with TeamIndusOn 20th December 2016, Team HAKUTO announced that the team has signed an agreement with India-based TeamIndus to carry its rover to the moon. TeamIndus which is also competing for the prize offered by Google, is led by Bangalore-based venture company, Axiom Research Labs. The launch is scheduled to take place on 28th December 2017 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, India.

TeamIndus is currently developing both a lander and a rover for the competition. TeamIndus has already demonstrated its technical capacity when the team was awarded a Landing Milestone Prize from the Google Lunar XPRIZE in January 2015.

Suzuki has long had a major share of the automobile market in India, and the Suzuki brand and vehicle technology is well-regarded by the Indian public. This latest collaboration will further deepen the already strong relationship between Suzuki and India.

For details of Suzuki and Team HAKUTO’s activities, please visit:

URL:http://www.globalsuzuki.com/hakuto/

Special MicrositeNow Open!

Scan QR code to learn more

Satish Dhawan Space Centre

SUZUKI FAMILY Spring 2017 06 07

At the Genoa Boat Show in September, Suzuki unveiled two new high-end additions to its range of four-stroke outboards, the DF175AP and DF150AP. Both remarkably compact outboards deliver outstanding power and precise performance with their superior fuel efficiency. Their 10.2:1 compression ratio provides great low-end torque and generates impressive acceleration. One of their high-end features is Suzuki Selective Rotation which enables the same engine to operate in either a normal or counter-clockwise direction. Yasuharu Osawa, Executive GM of Global Marine & Power Products Operations said, “I am confident that these new models will be hugely popular across Europe and will strengthen Suzuki’s reputation for outstanding large horsepower outboards.”

DF175AP Joins Suzuki Bikes at EICMA ShowThe EICMA Show in Milan in November provided visitors another chance to take a look at the DF175AP. At this premier motorcycle event, Suzuki displayed 61 bikes and took this opportunity to also exhibit the DF175AP along with a cut-away engine model. The inclusion of Suzuki outboards in this show reminded visitors that Suzuki’s DNA includes outstanding technology and impressive innovation, whether on the road or on the water.

SV650 “Scrambler” Appears at the Paris Boat ShowFollowing the success at the EICMA Show, Suzuki Marine has once again shown the Suzuki brand’s strength by displaying the wide variety of its product line. At the Paris Boat Show in December, Suzuki Marine exhibited the new DF175AP and DF150AP outboard motors along with Suzuki motorcycle SV650 Scrambler to highlight Suzuki’s prowess on the water or on the land.

Misuzu Okamoto, a free diver sponsored by Suzuki, was part of the Japan women’s team that won the gold medal at the AIDA Team World Championships in Kalamata, Greece in September. The three-member Japanese team bested 10 other national teams. Okamoto said she is thankful for the support of Suzuki Marine and will continue to work closely with Suzuki to promote the sport of freediving and the need for marine conservation.

Suzuki Marine’s Outstanding Technology and Impressive Innovation

Marine and Motorcycle Joint Activities

T O P I C S

DF175AP and DF150AP Unveiled at Genoa Show

SPECIAL

Suzuki’s Okamoto Wins Free Diving Gold

Colombian Marine and Motorcycle Dealers Visit Japan for FIFA FinalsTwenty-three staff from Suzuki Motor de Colombia and its 10 motorcycle and outboard dealers were in Japan in December to cheer on ATLETICO NACIONAL, the Colombia football team which represented South America in the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016. For the visitors, it was a great opportunity to visit Suzuki in Hamamatsu. The Colombian group toured Suzuki Plaza and visited the Kosai Plant where they were able to see the passion Suzuki workers put into mono-tsukuri, the art of Japanese manufacturing.

SUZUKI FAMILY Spring 2017 08 09

Suzuki Title Sponsor for Exhilarating

AFF Suzuki Cup 2016

The AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 delivered a wind of excitement on

the field and to countries around the Southeast Asian region.

On 15th October, eleven national teams began their quest for

the Cup. A Qualifying Round in Cambodia narrowed the field to

eight teams, who then competed in the Group Round held in

Myanmar and the Philippines. The top four teams, Thailand,

Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar, moved into the Final Round

hosted by each of the four countries.

Thailand and Indonesia won through to the final games and

faced off in each country. Indonesia won at home 2-1 on 14th

December at the Stadion Pakansari Bogor. But when the action

shifted to Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, the home fans

cheered their team to a 2-0 shutout victory giving Thailand a

total two game margin of 3-2 over the courageous Indonesian

team. Both of Thailand’s goals were scored by youngster

Siroch Chatthong, which lead the team to raise the winner’s

cup for the second time in a row, along with its 5th title in AFF

tournament history. Thailand’s Chanathip Songkrasin was

named the tournament MVP, making it the second consecutive

time he had been recognised with this award.

Various promotional activities were carried out to promote the

Suzuki brand and its products. Beginning in October, the

trophy was taken on a tour around the participating countries.

In Myanmar, the trophy was on stage at the Ciaz press

conference as a part of a tie-up promotion of AFF Suzuki Cup

and the Ciaz launch. “Life with Suzuki”, a promotional video

showing famous football players was broadcasted, and also

appeared on SNS in each country. Sticker campaigns and other

events took place throughout the region to heat up

enthusiasm for the tournament and promote the Suzuki brand.

The AFF Suzuki Cup has brought Suzuki’s core brand value “Excitement” to enthusiastic supporters in Southeast Asia.

VIETNAM

INDONESIA

PHILIPPINES

MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE

CAMBODIA

THAILAND

MYANMAR

SPECIAL

SUZUKI FAMILY Spring 2017 10 11

Top Podium Success Bodes Well for SUZUKI ECSTAR in 2017Less than two years after launching its return to MotoGP the SUZUKI ECSTAR Team was back atop the podium at the British GP. Steadily improving throughout 2016, the team’s victory at the Silverstone Circuit makes it clear to all that Suzuki’s return to MotoGP is a great success.

Team Manager Davide Brivio is confident that his team will continue to improve in the coming season. Brivio was particularly encouraged by the GSX-RR machine’s strong performance in the second half of the 2016, season. Inheriting the fabled Suzuki DNA from earlier generations when Suzuki’s muscular Grand Prix machines propelled Suzuki teams’ World Championship laurels, the GSX-RR represents a new stage in Suzuki’s racing spirit.

On board for the SUZUKI ECSTAR team in 2017 will be a pair of talented riders. Andrea Iannone, a fierce competitor, knows how to win with 7 podium finishes in his 2 years at the MotoGP level. Iannone will be paired with Alex Rins a young up and coming Spanish

SERT Captures 15th World Championship in 2016 - Off to a Great Start in 2017Congratulations to the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) for winning the 2016 Endurance World Championship with a thrilling season ending effort at Oschersleben, Germany in August. The GSX-R1000 performed magnificently throughout the race taking second place, just 21 seconds behind the first place team. SERT’s margin enabled the Suzuki team to squeak by its nearest rival by one point to earn its 15th world title and its 8th top trophy in the past decade. Suzuki privateer team April Moto Motors Events was also proud to join SERT on the 2016 season’s World Championship podium.

With the race series now going to a new format, SERT started the 2016-2017 season in great shape, taking 1st place in the 24-hour marathon at the fabled Paul Ricard circuit at Bol d’Or in southern France in September. SERT rider Anthony Delhalle said “It was a crazy and amazing race but we knew

MotoGP

WEC

2016 Results Give High Hopes for Suzuki Racing Teams for 2017

Final PointsPos

123

Team

Suzuki Endurance RacingGMT94Team April Moto Motors Events

Machine

SuzukiYamahaSuzuki

Total

888778

Final PointsPos

1234

Team

Yamaha MotoGPHonda teamDucati team Team Suzuki

Total

482454296295

rider with 4 wins and 17 podiums on the Moto2 World Championship circuit in 2016. A great machine with great riders is just part of the story. The Team SUZUKI ECSTAR now will be focusing on consistency as our riders, our race team, our engineers and supporters at home work hard to make winning a habit on the MotoGP tour in 2017.

we had a great package with the GSX-R”. The power, durability and reliability of the GSX-R1000 has proven itself to be a winning machine and as the FIM EWC 2016-2017 season unfolds we look forward to continued success for this outstanding bike with its talented riders and team.

Alex Rins

Andrea Iannone

Delta Marine Represents Suzuki Marine in VietnamBringing “Way of Life!” to a Young Market

WHERE’STHE ACTION ?

Wha

t’s G

oin’

On?

SHOW

TIM

EExciting Future for Qatar

Suzuki Marine Welcomes New Distributor

Suzuki Marine’s new distributor, Al dar Marine, made a memorable debut as a first time exhibitor at the Qatar International Boat Show in December 2016 in Doha, Qatar. The exhibit proudly showcased the electronic fuel injection DF140A and the award winning DF200A and DF300A models. Held at the Mourjan Marinas Lusail City, the QIBS attracts exhibitors with a wide variety of marine products including unique dhows. The QIBS is committed to support Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and aims to make that nation a world-class hub for business, leisure and sport. And Suzuki Marine and Al dar Marine are excited that Suzuki Marine’s precision-engineered, powerful and exciting outboards are a part of this dynamic effort.

In September Suzuki Marine appointed Delta Marine Co., Ltd., as its first outboard motor dealer in Vietnam. With operations in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Delta Marine will target boats for sightseeing scenic spots such as Heron Bay and official government use. With the remarkable growth in Vietnam in recent years, Delta will play a major role in Suzuki Marine’s efforts in the dynamic ASEAN market.

Suzuki at the Paris Motor Show

European Premier of IGNIS

Mondial de l'Automobile 2016 in September was the place and time for European premier of the new compact cross-over Ignis. The all-new Ignis combines stylish appearance and versatile functionality, inheriting design elements from legendary Suzuki models while introducing a unique new personality.

Suzuki’s styling design heritage, demonstrated by the display of the 70’s model Cervo at the show highlighted Suzuki’s long history of compact car design. This tradition has been passed down and elements brought to life in the Ignis. The minimal exterior design looks fresh but undoubtedly Suzuki, which makes the model purely iconic.

ALLGRIP Technology Moves on to the Next Stage

Paris was also the venue for an important announcement about the next stage for Suzuki’s ALLGRIP. This celebrated four-wheel drive technology is now brought under a single name covering three categories* to match every driving condition and lifestyle.

A series of environmental technology features include a rigid, lightweight new-generation platform, and a mild hybrid system SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) which provides extra assist through the electric motor and efficient battery recharge.

At the show, Suzuki also exhibited the SX4 S-CROSS facelift with its tougher, more sophisticated look befitting an SUV and its variant the SX4 S-CROSS Cruising concept. Highlighting customisation possibilities the display of the Cruising concept beside the DF300AP showed the perfect fit of land and sea cruising.

*ALLGRIP AUTO, ALLGRIP SELECT, ALLGRIP PRO. For more details: Please visit the microsite of ALLGRIP: http://www.globalsuzuki.com/allgrip/index.html

SUZUKI FAMILY Spring 2017 12 13

Scan QR code to learn more

SUZUKI FAMILY Spring 2017 14 15

From India

The BALENO a Big Hit in the Dynamic Indian Automobile MarketThe Baleno, Suzuki’s ideal compact hatchback, rapidly reached a sales milestone of 100,000 units in India. This remarkable achievement is accomplished only less than a year after its launch in October 2015. Sold through NEXA, Maruti Suzuki’s new retail experience channel, the Baleno is already one of the biggest success stories of the Indian automobile industry and the growth is expected to continue to be robust.

Built on an innovative new platform the Baleno offers great driving performance with a comfortable ride and fuel efficiency. The Baleno’s design has been particularly attractive to young Indian families who have helped make the model India’s leading premium hatchback. It is already exported to markets worldwide including Japan.

From Australia

Suzuki Women’s Advisory Taskforce (SWAT Team)

Suzuki Australia has formed the Suzuki Women’s Advisory Taskforce (SWAT) team to see how to make showrooms more female friendly and to increase the number of females in its sales force. Chaired by Suzuki Australia’s Product & Training Manager Joanna Montalto and Booran Suzuki Owner Cassy Cadden, the team’s objective is to ensure the best in dealership experience for females, who make up two-thirds of Suzuki Australia customers.

The SWAT team will work to attract more females to join the sales force and keep retention of female staff to a high level. This should ensure that women continue to purchase Suzuki vehicles and recommend our brand to their family and friends.

From Mauritius

Suzuki Mauritius Off-Road AdventureFrederick Wieche, Brand Manager of Axess, Suzuki distributor in Mauritius, took to the trails in October 2016 to participate in the Colin Mayer Tour and to promote the Suzuki brand.

The three-day, 180km competition took the mountain bikers through some of Mauritius’ most spectacular scenery. The race passed along beautiful coastlines, through dense woodlands and past traditional salt pans and attracted 50 teams of two riders each from various nations.

AUTOMOBILES MOTORCYCLES

From the Philippines

Suzuki Philippines Launches Marine BusinessWith 7,100 islands, the Philippines is a great place to be for the outboard motor business. That is the way Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH), a manufacturer of value-packed motorcycles and distributor of compact vehicles looks at this situation. In October 2016 SPH began supplying 4-stroke outboards to the Philippine market. Whether for tourism, recreation, transportation, rescue and recovery operations, or fishing, boating is a “Way of Life!” for people in the Philippines. By focusing on strengthening customer satisfaction and developing a dealer and service network, SPH is getting ready to take advan-tage of the great potential of this exciting market in the marine industry.

From India

Suzuki India Makes a Fashion StatementWith its Access 125 Special Edition (SE) and the Gixxer Special (SP), Suzuki is positioned as a fashionable and trendy brand to attract India’s youth. Teaming up with Jack & Jones, a popular high fashion brand from Europe, Suzuki India unveiled the Access 125 SE at a glamorous fashion show in New Delhi with models sporting trendy clothing to match the attractive look of the Special Edition. The Gixxer SP was also on display at fashionable clothing outlets in high-end Indian shopping areas, reinforcing the brand image of Suzuki as a stylish and premium motorcycle which especially appeals to youth.

MARINE PRODUCTS

From Italy

DF300AP Explores Ancient SeawaysFrom Venice and back to Genoa with stops along the way in the Adriatic and Aegean Seas, the Nuova Jolly Prince 28 Sport Cabin powered by Suzuki’s DF300AP completed the RAID Aegen 2016. The seven-metre Jolly Prince was under way for 154 hours over 27 days, travelling 2,802 miles along the seaways travelled by ancient sailors. The Jolly Prince averaged a speed of over 18.2 knots per hour using only 1.275 litres of fuel per mile, proving the strength, efficiency and reliability of the trusty DF300AP.