introducing all-new ciaz / alivio across europe and … produces ciaz at maruti suzuki india...

Printed in Japan on recycled paper

Published by:

SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION English versionIssued date: March 2015

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

SUZUKI FAMILY 141No.

SUZUKI FAMILY

141Global Communication Magazine

March 2015

and more...

Introducing All-New CIAZ / ALIVIOAcross Europe and Asia on V-Strom 1000IBEX Innovation Award for Suzuki Outboards

All-New Suzuki VITARA

Suzuki is Ready for MotoGP 2015. We’re Back!

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2015 2/3

he all-new Vitara embodies a fresh incarnation of the model’s acclaimed heritage of stylish design, easy-to-manage dimensions, comfortable on-road and

capable off-road performance. Its smaller dimensions meet contemporary needs. It incorporates Suzuki’s cutting-edge ALLGRIP 4WD system. And it enables owners to personalise its design.

The all-new Vitara goes into production at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary in early 2015, and will then make its market debut across Europe. It will later be exported around the world as Suzuki’s global compact SUV.

he “Authentic Sedan”, the all-new Ciaz is a high competitive entry in the global C segment sedan market. It combines a roomy comfortable interior, great driving

performance and excellent fuel efficiency in a stylish design that will inspire pride of ownership.

Suzuki produces Ciaz at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, for sales in India, as well as for export to the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.

The same model under the name ALIVIO(Chinese name: “Qi Yue”) has been produced in China.

Sporty and elegant exterior designThe exterior design of the Ciaz brings together aerodynamic styling, sporty good looks that convey a feeling of driving pleasure, and a stunning elegance that surpasses other C-segment sedans.

Roomy and comfortable cabin The Ciaz offers ample space for the driver, as well as all passen-gers in the front and rear seats. Its refined interior design enhances driving comfort and pleasure, while including numerous

advanced features aimed at satisfying a wide range of customer demands.

Excellent Driving Performance The refined 1.4-litre K14B petrol engine, optimised suspension system, aerody-namic and lightweight body design, and other design features deliver a driving experience that is both dynamic and stable, while achieving class-leading levels of fuel efficiency.

“Authentic Sedan”The All-New CIAZ

The All-New VITARA Makes Its Debut in Europe

The performance benefits of ALLGRIPThe newest generation of Suzuki’s renowned 4WD technologies, ALLGRIP delivers driving pleasure and peace of mind in diverse conditions while promot-ing fuel economy. Four driver-selectable drive modes – auto, sport, snow, and lock – enable optimal control to match road and driving conditions. A new feed-forward function introduced on the Vitara adds the ability to predict front-wheelspin risks and send more torque to the rear wheels before it occurs.

Exterior and interior designThe strong look of the Vitara’s exterior design expresses Suzuki’s SUV styling heritage in high fashion. Its coordinated interior design also communicates SUV toughness with interior appointments giving it a youthful, sporty look.

Personalisation enables owners to express themselvesThe Vitara is designed with personalisation in mind. Owners can choose from 14 body-colour possibilities, combine a range of exterior and interior items, and also order an accessory package to express their individual personalities.

Advanced safety featuresThe Vitara’s active safety equipment includes a Radar Brake Support (RBS) system that employs millimetre-wave radar to monitor the automobile in front and help prevent collisions or mitigate the damage in the event of an unavoidable collision. The

All-new Vitara: First European Media Road Test

Opinion-leading auto journalists from 15 European countries were invited to the Côte d’Azur (in southern France) at the end of November to be the very first to test-drive Suzuki’s all-new global compact SUV. Following a presentation outlin-ing the new model’s key features, the journalists took to the streets along a fixed route in the scenic area around Nice.

Overall, the media reviews and feedback were very positive. Praise was received for the new Vitara’s stylish design, extensive customization options, driving perfor-mance, comfort and low fuel consumption. All in all it was perceived as a “highly capable entrant to the fought-over compact SUV segment.”

New Products

Highly successful Ciaz test drive event in Jaipur

Maruti Suzuki hosted a pre-launch test drive of the Ciaz for members of the media on 2nd September 2014 in Jaipur. This preceded the official launch in India on 6th October 2014. Over 65 journalists representing leading auto magazines, print publica-tions and electronic news publications participated. Their feedback was highly positive, with praise going to the exterior and interior styling, as well as overall performance of the vehicle.

A number of the journalists posted their positive reactions on Twitter immediately following the test drive. A few examples include:

“[I liked the] high quality feel of the design” “Striking design, especially rear 3/4 angle” “Space, comfort and the cabin’s luxury aspect are of a tall order.”

T

T

*The specification may differ according to market.

Vitara’s adaptive cruise control (ACC) system makes driving easier and more relaxing. The system uses the millimetre-wave radar to measure the distance to the preceding vehicle, and it automatically adjusts the Vitara’s speed to maintain any of three driver-selected headway distances.

Superior fuel efficiencyThe Vitara is designed to meet contemporary demands for great fuel economy and environmental performance. A variety of weight-saving measures combine with evolved powertrain technologies to conserve fuel.


From Peterborough to HamamatsuAcross Europe and Asia on the V-Strom 1000

Peterborough

Hamamatsu

Through small towns with signs that were incomprehensible to him to winding mountain roads to elevated highways where he was riding along ten stories above the streets, Japan was one of the most varied driving environments of any single country on the long journey. But for the V-Strom 1000 it was home. And as Westlake pulled into the Suzuki R&D Centre in Hamamatsu he was impressed when he saw hundreds of people in Suzuki outfits, waving flags and welcoming him and his machine to the birthplace of the bike. The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 proved to be at home on the streets and highways of Europe, on the mountains and steppes of central Asia and in the vast spaces of Mongolia and Siberia. The Suzuki Family covers the world and is at home in any environment. But still it was wonderful to be back in the Suzuki Family’s hometown, Hamamatsu.

From Peterborough to HamamatsuFrom Peterborough to HamamatsuFrom Peterborough to HamamatsuFrom Peterborough to HamamatsuFrom Peterborough to HamamatsuFrom Peterborough to Hamamatsu

Five months and almost 25,000km. From Peterborough, through Europe and Asia, via Turkmenistan and Mongolia to Japan. A rugged road test for the V-Strom 1000.

rom Bike magazine’s home in Peterborough, U.K., to the V-Strom’s birthplace in Hamamatsu, Japan, three

intrepid and experienced riders took the rugged Suzuki bike on a 25,000 kilometre adventure. The magazine termed this ride “Bike’s most ambitious road test ever.” Editor Hugo Wilson led off the journey, riding the European leg from Peterborough, site of Britain’s largest bike rally, across to Rotterdam, through Switzerland, Italy, the Balkans and Greece before handing off the keys to Jamie Duncan in Istanbul. Duncan then stayed in the saddle across Asia until the V-Strom 1000 arrived on the Japan Sea coast where former Bike editor and freelance writer John Westlake guided the well-traveled but still strong motorcycle through Japan’s towns and cities arriving at the Suzuki R&D Centre to the cheering of hundreds of Suzuki Family members.

During the trip the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 proved its mettle on every surface, terrain and in urban or wilderness environments, at sea level or near the top of the world. There was no back-up crew and none was needed. The European leg went smoothly with Hugo Wilson successfully overcoming the challenge of Rome’s rush hour traffic. Heading east through Turkey, Jamie Duncan describes the sinuous Black Sea back roads and transits Dagestan, Chechnya and Kazakhstan several times crossing into Russia on his way to what he describes as “The world’s most desolate road stop” in Uzbekistan. Spinning out on the gravelly road in Tajikistan at an elevation approaching 4000 meters, Duncan rights the bike and keeps on going. Crossing into Mongolia the road surfaces became even more challenging but the V-Strom met the tasks well with good traction in sand and mud. From Mongolia into Russia Duncan begins to feel that the adventure will come to an end before long. The road surface along the Trans-Siberian Highway is fine but the forests of eastern Siberia seem endless with Vladivostok as the destination making the road the “World’s Longest Dead End”.

When John Westlake managed to get the V-Strom off loaded from the ferry from Vladivostok and then through Japanese customs he thought the bike looked “majestic and shagged”. Then he was off on the final leg of the trip first along the coast of the Sea of Japan.

F


From Peterborough to HamamatsuAcross Europe and Asia on the V-Strom 1000

Peterborough

Hamamatsu

Through small towns with signs that were incomprehensible to him to winding mountain roads to elevated highways where he was riding along ten stories above the streets, Japan was one of the most varied driving environments of any single country on the long journey. But for the V-Strom 1000 it was home. And as Westlake pulled into the Suzuki R&D Centre in Hamamatsu he was impressed when he saw hundreds of people in Suzuki outfits, waving flags and welcoming him and his machine to the birthplace of the bike. The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 proved to be at home on the streets and highways of Europe, on the mountains and steppes of central Asia and in the vast spaces of Mongolia and Siberia. The Suzuki Family covers the world and is at home in any environment. But still it was wonderful to be back in the Suzuki Family’s hometown, Hamamatsu.

Five months and almost 25,000km. From Peterborough, through Europe and Asia, via Turkmenistan and Mongolia to Japan. A rugged road test for the V-Strom 1000.

rom Bike magazine’s home in Peterborough, U.K., to the V-Strom’s birthplace in Hamamatsu, Japan, three

intrepid and experienced riders took the rugged Suzuki bike on a 25,000 kilometre adventure. The magazine termed this ride “Bike’s most ambitious road test ever.” Editor Hugo Wilson led off the journey, riding the European leg from Peterborough, site of Britain’s largest bike rally, across to Rotterdam, through Switzerland, Italy, the Balkans and Greece before handing off the keys to Jamie Duncan in Istanbul. Duncan then stayed in the saddle across Asia until the V-Strom 1000 arrived on the Japan Sea coast where former Bike editor and freelance writer John Westlake guided the well-traveled but still strong motorcycle through Japan’s towns and cities arriving at the Suzuki R&D Centre to the cheering of hundreds of Suzuki Family members.

During the trip the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 proved its mettle on every surface, terrain and in urban or wilderness environments, at sea level or near the top of the world. There was no back-up crew and none was needed. The European leg went smoothly with Hugo Wilson successfully overcoming the challenge of Rome’s rush hour traffic. Heading east through Turkey, Jamie Duncan describes the sinuous Black Sea back roads and transits Dagestan, Chechnya and Kazakhstan several times crossing into Russia on his way to what he describes as “The world’s most desolate road stop” in Uzbekistan. Spinning out on the gravelly road in Tajikistan at an elevation approaching 4000 meters, Duncan rights the bike and keeps on going. Crossing into Mongolia the road surfaces became even more challenging but the V-Strom met the tasks well with good traction in sand and mud. From Mongolia into Russia Duncan begins to feel that the adventure will come to an end before long. The road surface along the Trans-Siberian Highway is fine but the forests of eastern Siberia seem endless with Vladivostok as the destination making the road the “World’s Longest Dead End”.

When John Westlake managed to get the V-Strom off loaded from the ferry from Vladivostok and then through Japanese customs he thought the bike looked “majestic and shagged”. Then he was off on the final leg of the trip first along the coast of the Sea of Japan.

F


uzuki Marine’s new DF25A/30A four-stroke outboard motors won the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) 2014 IBEX Innovation Award for

outboard motors at the International Boat Builder’s Exhibi-tion & Conference (IBEX) held in Tampa, Florida 30th September to 2nd October.

IBEX Innovation Awards are among the top prizes in the marine industry, given to new products that demonstrate distinctive technological advancements and deliver practi-

cal, cost-effective customer benefits.Several distinctive features of the

DF25A/30A were evaluated to earn the award, especially technologies to reduce mechanical losses:

- The DF25A/30A roller rocker arm, adopted for the first time in

its class, and the offset crankshaft.- The battery-less electronic fuel injec-

n November 2014, Lake Geneva - on the border of France and Switzerland –

was the attractive venue for several Suzuki events centered on the DF200A, including the European, Middle Eastern and African distributor conferences, a press conference launching the DF200A and a popular DF200A test-ride event.

The European dealership conference featured participation by 20 distributors from 19 countries, while 21

distributors from 20 countries attended the Middle Eastern and African distributors’ conference. The conferences provided distributors with important information and networking opportunities to

Innovation Award for Suzuki Outboards at 2014 IBEX Show

Keen Interest in DF200A Events from Press and Distributors

tion system that offers several important benefits, including reliable starting, especially in colder temperatures, crisp acceleration and smooth running.- The Lean Burn Control System for improved fuel economy.- Weight reduction, part by part, to achieve the lightest weight in its class.- Adoption of direct intake system and engine cover ventilation, to reduce intake temperature and increase combustion efficiency.

This is the eighth Innovation Award won by Suzuki outboards - seven by four-stroke outboards, demonstrating their advanced technologies.

learn from each other and from experts. At the DF200A launched press conference, 30 media

representatives from all across Europe participated, showing keen interest in the DF200A.

Following the conferences and press event, participants enjoyed new DF200A test rides that created great excitement among the guests, who were impressed by the high power and quiet running of the DF200A.

Suzuki Marine— Recognizing Excellence

Suzuki Outboards 50th Anniversary Photo Contest Winners

he final winners of Suzuki Outboards 50th Anniversary Photo Contest - “Suzuki Global Adventure - Illustrating the Suzuki Marine Way of Life!” were announced at the

Yokohama Japan International Boat Show on 5th March. These photos will be featured throughout the year on Suzuki’s web page, in catalogues and at various events.

The Grand Prize winner was “One ride to paradise” of New Caledonia and the three Awards for Excellence went to “Suzuki Sunset” of Sweden, “Doing it the Mozambiquean way” of South Africa and “Feel so nice with Suzuki outboard!” of Japan. Over 150 entries from 21 countries showing the wide diversity of outboard motorboating around the world gave a vibrant illustration of the vigor of the Suzuki Marine Way of Life! Each participating distributor also chose two winners from among their submissions for Distributors

Awards. These were then sent forward to compete for the final prizes.

During Suzuki Outboards 50th Anniversary there will also be a number of other events such as Suzuki’s Clean-up the World Campaign, the 50th Anniversary memorial exhibition at Suzuki Plaza and a fishing tournament. 2015 will be a year for Suzuki Family members around the world to reflect on Suzuki’s outstanding history and to commit ourselves to even more success in the future.

2

31S

I

T

Award for Excellence: Doing it the Mozambiquean way (South Africa)

Award for Excellence: Suzuki Sunset (Sweden)

Award for Excellence: Feel so nice with Suzuki outboard! (Japan)

Grand Prize: One ride to paradise (New Caledonia)


uzuki Marine’s new DF25A/30A four-stroke outboard motors won the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) 2014 IBEX Innovation Award for

outboard motors at the International Boat Builder’s Exhibi-tion & Conference (IBEX) held in Tampa, Florida 30th September to 2nd October.

IBEX Innovation Awards are among the top prizes in the marine industry, given to new products that demonstrate distinctive technological advancements and deliver practi-

cal, cost-effective customer benefits.Several distinctive features of the

DF25A/30A were evaluated to earn the award, especially technologies to reduce mechanical losses:

- The DF25A/30A roller rocker arm, adopted for the first time in

its class, and the offset crankshaft.- The battery-less electronic fuel injec-

n November 2014, Lake Geneva - on the border of France and Switzerland –

was the attractive venue for several Suzuki events centered on the DF200A, including the European, Middle Eastern and African distributor conferences, a press conference launching the DF200A and a popular DF200A test-ride event.

The European dealership conference featured participation by 20 distributors from 19 countries, while 21

distributors from 20 countries attended the Middle Eastern and African distributors’ conference. The conferences provided distributors with important information and networking opportunities to

Innovation Award for Suzuki Outboards at 2014 IBEX Show

Keen Interest in DF200A Events from Press and Distributors

tion system that offers several important benefits, including reliable starting, especially in colder temperatures, crisp acceleration and smooth running.- The Lean Burn Control System for improved fuel economy.- Weight reduction, part by part, to achieve the lightest weight in its class.- Adoption of direct intake system and engine cover ventilation, to reduce intake temperature and increase combustion efficiency.

This is the eighth Innovation Award won by Suzuki outboards - seven by four-stroke outboards, demonstrating their advanced technologies.

learn from each other and from experts. At the DF200A launched press conference, 30 media

representatives from all across Europe participated, showing keen interest in the DF200A.

Following the conferences and press event, participants enjoyed new DF200A test rides that created great excitement among the guests, who were impressed by the high power and quiet running of the DF200A.

Suzuki Marine— Recognizing Excellence

Suzuki Outboards 50th Anniversary Photo Contest Winners

he final winners of Suzuki Outboards 50th Anniversary Photo Contest - “Suzuki Global Adventure - Illustrating the Suzuki Marine Way of Life!” were announced at the

Yokohama Japan International Boat Show on 5th March. These photos will be featured throughout the year on Suzuki’s web page, in catalogues and at various events.

The Grand Prize winner was “One ride to paradise” of New Caledonia and the three Awards for Excellence went to “Suzuki Sunset” of Sweden, “Doing it the Mozambiquean way” of South Africa and “Feel so nice with Suzuki outboard!” of Japan. Over 150 entries from 21 countries showing the wide diversity of outboard motorboating around the world gave a vibrant illustration of the vigor of the Suzuki Marine Way of Life! Each participating distributor also chose two winners from among their submissions for Distributors

Awards. These were then sent forward to compete for the final prizes.

During Suzuki Outboards 50th Anniversary there will also be a number of other events such as Suzuki’s Clean-up the World Campaign, the 50th Anniversary memorial exhibition at Suzuki Plaza and a fishing tournament. 2015 will be a year for Suzuki Family members around the world to reflect on Suzuki’s outstanding history and to commit ourselves to even more success in the future.

2

31S

I

T

even more success in the future.

Award for Excellence: Doing it the Mozambiquean way (South Africa)

Award for Excellence: Suzuki Sunset (Sweden)

Award for Excellence: Feel so nice with Suzuki outboard! (Japan)

Grand Prize: One ride to paradise (New Caledonia)


2014 AFF Suzuki Cup Kicks ASEAN Fans into High GearSince 2008 Suzuki, as the title sponsor of the AFF Suzuki Cup, has been the prime mover for spreading the popularity of football in the 11 nations that compete for the Suzuki Cup.

displays that allowed fans to get close and touch the great products Suzuki has in ASEAN. In addition there were also football-themed attractions that appealed to visitors and showed the fun and excitement of the Suzuki Way of Life!

The children joined the opening ceremony of each game as escorts for the players. As the Suzuki Cup’s host country, Suzuki Malaysia invited some orphans to join at the final match. Suzuki Malaysia had donated a Suzuki APV van to a local orphanage as one of their CSR activities. At the final game, some of the children from the orphanage joined as escorts for the players at the exciting moment when the teams entered the stadium ready for the final battle.

the next day, thousands and thou-sands of fans lined the route from the airport to downtown, crowding overpasses and curbsides to cheer on the heroes.

Football is now firmly established and growing in popularity throughout Southeast Asia. SUZUKI, as a title sponsor, had carried out various activi-ties to spread our brand awareness and corporate message.

During the tournament Suzuki also raised awareness of football and of the Suzuki brand with a sticker campaign. Stickers with national flags were given out at shopping malls and other venues as well as at Suzuki dealerships throughout the region.

In an attractive area next to the stadium, Suzuki set up

he excitement of the 2014 AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Suzuki Cup reached a new height in the final minutes of the match between Malaysia and Thailand

on 20th December. With a 2-0 lead coming out of their victory in the first leg of the contest with Malaysia, the Thai War Elephants were stunned when Malaysia pulled even with 2 goals in the first half of the second leg in Kuala Lumpur.

The Thai side was further wounded when Malaysian star Safiq Rahim put Malaysia ahead. But the experienced Malay team was tiring and the youthful Thai’s were not finished. With a goal from Charyl Chappuis, the War Elephants tied the aggregate score and then went ahead with a thrilling late game goal by Chanathip Songkrasin, tournament MVP. When the Thai team arrived in Bangkok

T


2014 AFF Suzuki Cup Kicks ASEAN Fans into High GearSince 2008 Suzuki, as the title sponsor of the AFF Suzuki Cup, has been the prime mover for spreading the popularity of football in the 11 nations that compete for the Suzuki Cup.

displays that allowed fans to get close and touch the great products Suzuki has in ASEAN. In addition there were also football-themed attractions that appealed to visitors and showed the fun and excitement of the Suzuki Way of Life!

The children joined the opening ceremony of each game as escorts for the players. As the Suzuki Cup’s host country, Suzuki Malaysia invited some orphans to join at the final match. Suzuki Malaysia had donated a Suzuki APV van to a local orphanage as one of their CSR activities. At the final game, some of the children from the orphanage joined as escorts for the players at the exciting moment when the teams entered the stadium ready for the final battle.

were also football-themed attractions that appealed to

Cup’s host country, Suzuki Malaysia invited some orphans to join at the final match. Suzuki Malaysia had donated a Suzuki APV van to a local orphanage as one of their CSR activities. At the final game, some of the children from the orphanage joined as escorts for the players at the exciting moment when the teams

the next day, thousands and thou-sands of fans lined the route from the airport to downtown, crowding overpasses and curbsides to cheer on the heroes.

Football is now firmly established and growing in popularity throughout Southeast Asia. SUZUKI, as a title sponsor, had carried out various activi-ties to spread our brand awareness and corporate message.

During the tournament Suzuki also raised awareness of football and of the Suzuki brand with a sticker campaign. Stickers with national flags were given out at shopping malls and other venues as well as at Suzuki dealerships throughout the region.

In an attractive area next to the stadium, Suzuki set up

he excitement of the 2014 AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Suzuki Cup reached a new height in the final minutes of the match between Malaysia and Thailand

on 20th December. With a 2-0 lead coming out of their victory in the first leg of the contest with Malaysia, the Thai War Elephants were stunned when Malaysia pulled even with 2 goals in the first half of the second leg in Kuala Lumpur.

The Thai side was further wounded when Malaysian star Safiq Rahim put Malaysia ahead. But the experienced Malay team was tiring and the youthful Thai’s were not finished. With a goal from Charyl Chappuis, the War Elephants tied the aggregate score and then went ahead with a thrilling late game goal by Chanathip Songkrasin, tournament MVP. When the Thai team arrived in Bangkok

T


What’s Goin’ On? SHOWTIME Suzuki Exhibits at Indonesian Shows

2014 Indonesia International Motor Show at Arena Pekan Raya JakartaPT. Suzuki Indomobil Motor (SIM), the Indonesian subsidiary of the Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), showed both production models and reference exhibits in their booth at the 22nd Indonesia International Motor Show, which was held in Jakarta from 18th September through 28th September, 2014.

SIM unveiled the Karimun WagonR GS at the show as a new variant of the Karimun WagonR compact car, powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and featuring a stylish exterior design and premium black interior.

Executive Vice President of SMC Toshihiro Suzuki said, “Our new automobile assembly factory located in the Greenland International Industrial Centre will expand our production capacity in Indonesia to 250,000 units per year. In addition to responding to growing demand in Indonesia, our aim is to also expand exports to surrounding ASEAN countries and other regions.”

Suzuki also exhibited its DF20A outboard motor on a boat trailer with the Grand Vitara in order to propose new lifestyle choices to the visitors.

The Suzuki booth itself featured a new design, a dynamic “S” motif on the ceiling. It attracted a lot of notice, brought favourable comments from the visitors.

Indonesia Motorcycle Show 2014 at Jakarta Convention CentrePT. Suzuki Indomobil Motor (SIM) used the event to introduce the new Suzuki Address. The new Suzuki Address features excellent fuel efficiency, large 20.6L utility box under a rider’s seat and a variety of the latest technological innovations that surpass other scooters in its class. These features make the Address a quality choice for all riding needs, including use as a daily commuter.

The new Suzuki Address is being built in Indonesia as a global model that will be exported to several markets in Europe, Australia, and Japan, as well as the ASEAN countries. It represents Suzuki’s steadfast desire to make SIM an important motorcycle export base in the future.

From the stage, Suzuki announced its return in 2015 to MotoGP. Nobuatsu Aoki, one of the Suzuki MotoGP test riders and Managing Director Motoo Murakami, were on stage for the announcement along with the popular Indonesian INDOPRIX rider Rafid Topan. Together with others they lined up behind the MotoGP machine, the GSX-RR. Everyone at the event felt the excitement building for Suzuki’s re-entry this year to MotoGP.

Suzuki Announces New Models at INTERMOT 2014

Suzuki Motor Corporation unveiled six new models for overseas markets and announced its return to MotoGP racing at the INTERMOT International Motorcycle, Scooter and Bicycle Fair held in Cologne, Germany from 30th September to 5th October 2014. With over 200,000 visitors attending, the 50th edition of this leading international trade fair marked the highlight of the season for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts from around the world.

The new models displayed in the Suzuki booth included the GSX-S1000/ABS and fully faired GSX-S1000F/ABS street bikes, GSX-R1000 ABS Supersport bike, V-Strom 650XT ABS sport adventure tourer, Bandit 1250S sportbike, and the Address scooter. Also on display was the prototype of the Suzuki GSX-RR MotoGP bike for the 2015 season.

Suzuki Unveils the All-New VITARA at the 2014 Paris Motor Show

The 2014 Paris Motor Show, one of the biggest events in the 2014 automotive calendar, was held from 2nd October to 19th October 2014 under the theme of ‘Automobile and Fashion’.

Suzuki used this opportunity to unveil the all-new Vitara SUV. At the press conference, Executive Vice President of SMC Toshihiro Suzuki said, “We believe this new-generation SUV will not only fascinate Vitara series fans, but also all

customers interested in compact SUVs.”New booth design earned a good reputation.

Large-scale multi screens on the wall especially caught the eyes of visitors.

The ALIVIO Debuts at the Guangzhou International Motor Show

Suzuki Motor Corporation displayed the new Alivio (Chinese name: “Qi Yue”) sedan at the 12th Guangzhou International Motor Show in China, which ran from 20th November to 29th November 2014.

Suzuki announced that sales would begin in December, Executive Vice President Toshihiro Suzuki said, “We consider China an important market, and are confident the new Alivio will meet the expectations of our Chinese customers.” The Alivio is a C segment sedan that features appealing design, a comfortable cabin, and great driving performance with high fuel efficiency.

Suzuki Marine also displayed the newly launched DF30A outboard

motor in the Suzuki booth as part of

a collaborative exhibition.

Toshihiro Suzuki, Executive Vice President of SMC shaking hands with Davide Brivio, Suzuki MotoGP Team Manager


Memorable Ciaz Launch Event in Oran, Algeria

Algerian distributor SPA ELSECOM Automo-biles (SEA) - which has been selling Suzuki autos imported from India since 2000 - is now marketing the New Suzuki Ciaz. About 22 journalists invited to the SEA press event launching the Ciaz in the city of Oran last December praised the sporty and elegant Ciaz design and its advanced features for its class.

After the press event, the media joined a 25-km test drive through the city and along the southern Mediterranean coast. The smooth, comfortable, stable ride made a strong impression and the Ciaz attracted lots of attention during breaks from locals, who were as eager as the journalists to photograph the new model.

Suzuki Italia Teamwork with Torino Football Club

Last season, Suzuki Italia began sponsoring the Torino Football Club (FC), to enhance the Suzuki brand value and recognition in Italy, where soccer fans are passionate, games are broadcast weekly and the sport is covered daily by newspaper and television. At the stadium now, the Suzuki logo is seen every-where: on team uniforms, on two Torino FC special exhibition cars and in photos of new models on the bench and billboard.

In addition, a Suzuki banner appears on the Torino FC website; Suzuki Italia invites Torino FC personnel and fans to dealer events; and encourages our dealers and business associates to sponsor special seats.

AUTOMOBILES

What’s Goin’ On?

This season, for the Torino FC official photo, Suzuki Italia joined the players on the prestigious turf of the Olympic Stadium in Turin with the Swift Sport, SX4 S-Cross and Jimny, images that have appeared widely all across the internet.

Winning 2014 Season in CRC for Suzuki Swift Sport

The 2014 China Rally Championship (CRC) on 1st December ended the Wuyi Section with absolutely excellent performances by the Suzuki Swift Sport, including several wins for the team: fifth place in Group N (International Group); the championship of Group N2 (International 1.6L Group) and the Women’s Rally Championship. The overall performance of the Suzuki Swift Sport team has produced championships in all 6 Sections (N2), making Suzuki Swift Sport the Champion of the Year (N2).

Throughout the racing year, the Suzuki Swift Sport has been highly acclaimed by the racing industry and the media for its outstanding handling performance and first-rate sporty characteristics. So the Suzuki team has completed their first year of challenges with outstanding rewards and is looking forward to competing in the 2015 circuit!


MARINE PRODUCTS

Suzuki HQ Visit for Danish and Greenland Affiliates

Late last November, 27 Danish and Green-land dealers, sponsored by Danish distribu-tor Johs Thornam A/S, visited Suzuki Head-quarters in Hamamatsu, Japan. The Suzuki affiliates had a wonderful time touring Suzuki Plaza, the Toyokawa plant and Lake Hamana. The event created many good memories for the dealers, strengthening the ties among the Suzuki Marine members, Johs Thornam A/S, dealers and Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Suzuki Marine Partnership with Monty Halls

Broadcaster, explorer and marine biologist Monty Halls is well known for his diving expeditions, BBC television Great Escape series, Dive Magazine column and support for conservation causes. Now, working with the Humber boatbuilder, Halls has chosen Suzuki outboards to power the dive boats for his latest expedition and, in fact, intends to run Suzuki’s new DF200A model to support all of his challenging future expeditions. Halls, who unveiled Suzuki’s new DF200A models at the recent Southampton Boat Show and took centre stage at the recent Dive Show, is clearly destined to be a great brand ambassador for Suzuki Marine.

Suzuki DF250 Class B WInner in Endurance 2014

Last October, the World Championship of Motonáutica for Endurance Class B was contested for three categories (Boat Production, S1 and S2), in Barcelona, Spain, under the organization of Catalan Federa-tion of Motonáutica.

Carlos Santaella, after-sales service manager of Movilmotors, L.S. -Suzuki Outboard distributor in Spain - won the World Championship on board a Graünner 26 powered by a Suzuki DF250 147kW(250PS)

engine.The Championship is open to boats not

more than 8 metres long and emphasizes speed, so allows propulsion by one or two outboard or interior engines of up to 294kW (400PS), in various combinations and categories. The event attracted 19 crafts from Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Galicia, Andalusia and Catalonia, making the performance an international record for a competition of this modality.

It’s FUN, It’s Jimny!! Popular “Jimny Day” in Brazil

SVB Automotores do Brasil six times a year coordinates “Jimny Day”, a fan event exclusively for Jimny owners in Brazil. Each of the Jimny Days takes place in different cities offering a beach, country or resort atmosphere. It always features an off-road trail that teaches and tests the techniques of genuine 4x4 driving, so that owners and their families can experience the pleasure of overcoming radical off-road challenges together.

The last event, held on 6th of December, 2014 in Campos do Jordão attracted more than 200 Jimnys. The colorful

Jimnys lining up was just spectacular! After returning from the off-road trail, the Jimny fans were invited to a special lunch featuring a rock concert at the Suzuki Lounge.


HQ News

1

2

3

Leading Awards for the Suzuki Hustler

In November last year, Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Hustler minicar (sold only in Japan) won the 2015 Car of the Year Award presented by the Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC). RJC praised the Hustler for pioneering “a new genre as a lighthearted mini SUV” that offers driving performance, appealing colours and “realises enough comfort for city driving”. Citing the Hustler as a dream-maker that can be enjoyed with the family, a companion or alone, RJC concluded: “The deep insight and freshness of the car were highly valued.”

In addition, the Hustler was awarded many other honours in 2014, including the 2014-2015 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame car of the year award presented at the end of October.

Ever since its launch in January 2014, the Hustler has appealed to a wide variety of male and female customers.

SUZUKI GREEN Technologies AchieveGreater Fuel Efficiency

S-ENE CHARGE maximizes fuel efficiencyS-ENE CHARGE further evolves Suzuki’s fuel-saving regenerative braking technology to deliver even greater fuel efficiency. The system combines the use of an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) — a generator with a motor function — and a specially designed lithium-ion battery to assist the engine when accelerating. By taking some of the load off the engine during acceleration, the system saves fuel without sacrificing performance.

The ISG uses deceleration energy to generate electricity that charges both the lead-acid battery and the lithium-ion battery specially designed for

the S-ENE CHARGE system. Its starter motor uses a belt drive to restart the engine and realise silent and smooth restarts.

The Wagon R and Wagon R Stingray minicar for the Japanese market are the first Suzuki models to adopt this new technology.

The all-new Alto built on Suzuki‘s next-generation lightweight platform

On 22nd December, Suzuki announced the launch of the all-new Alto minicar in Japan. In addition to its updated styling, the eighth generation of this popular model adopts Suzuki’s newly developed platform to achieve a 60kg*1 reduction in weight. This combines with enhanced powertrain efficiency to realize fuel consumption of 37.0km/L*2, the lowest among non-hybrid gasoline vehicles in Japan*3.

*1 Comparison between the all-new Alto equipped with CVT and conven-tional Alto Eco.

*2 2WD equipped with CVT using measurements taken in the JC08 test cycle.*3 Based on Suzuki research in December 2014.

Sales Milestone for the Award-winning Swift

In August 2014, the Suzuki Swift achieved cumulative worldwide sales of four million, only nine years and nine months from its market introduction.

SMC launched the Swift in 2004 as a world strategic model, demonstrating Suzuki compact car expertise and dedication to creating sporty, stylish and fun-to-drive vehicles. First produced and sold in Japan, Swift production and distribution began in Hungary, India, and China the following year. Full-model change in 2010 was followed by production and distribution in Thailand from March 2012.

Ever since the 2005 launch in India, the Swift has increased sales, keeping pace with market expansion by adding diesel variants and sedans. Indian sales account for approximately half of the four million units, followed by 19% sold in Europe and 11% sold in Japan.

The award-winning Swift - produced in eight countries- has become popular in more than 140 countries and regions worldwide since its debut.

Suzuki Gixxer Wins Prestigious Indian Awards

After being launched in the Indian market, Suzuki’s GSX150 (Gixxer) has received numerous awards gaining appreciation for its distinguishing features such as stylish design as well as excellent driving performance and fuel economy. As the result, the model received a number of media awards including being named Bike of the Year at the Bloomberg TV Autocar India Awards, the Bike India Awards 2015, the CNBC OVERDRIVE AWARD, the ET ZIGWHEEL AWARD 2015, the NDTV Car and Bike AWARDS 2015 and BBC Top Gear MAGAZINE AWARDS 2015.

Gixxer is a flagship model boasting pioneering styling and sophisticated appear-ance, combined with exceptional driving performance and the best fuel economy in its class. Its sporty appearance embodying functional beauty is attractive to young riders. Its light and stiff frame combined with its newly developed 155cm3 engine provides the Gixxer with exceptional running performance with good low-speed response and smooth acceleration. Gixxer’s fuel economy ranks at the top among all 155cm3 sporty motorcycles sold in the Indian market.

Suzuki Donates to Fight Ebola

The Ebola epidemic ravishing West Africa is one of the largest and most virulent in history and has sparked international relief efforts from around the world. Suzuki Motors and Liberian partner Chicri Brothers have been doing their part to help.

In cooperation with the government, local communities and the Lebanese community there, they have donated 2 new Suzuki motorcycles as well as cash.

Chicri Brothers, Inc. has been doing business in Liberia since 1961 and has always stood with the people in good years and bad. Suzuki Motor Corporation and Chicri Brothers Inc. believe that together we can make the world a safer and better place for all.

Defending champions and 13-time winners of the Endurance FIM World Endurance Championship, the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT), won the final round of the series at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in September, ending the 2014 season with a

MOTORCYCLES


SERT Wins 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Endurance Finale

stunning display of speed and consistency.

The riders - Vincent Philippe, Anthony Delhalle, Erwan Nigon and reserve rider Damian Cudlin, leaped from fifth place to second overall, with the maximum 60 points. The GSX-R1000-mounted team took the lead early on and thereafter was never passed, adding an extra 10 points at each of the eight and

16-hour stages in the race. SERT Team Manager Dominique Méliand remarked: “It’s a bit early to talk about 2015 but this win at the end of the season will open a few doors for us. We have already received congratula-tions from Japan!”

Suzuki Announces New Suzuki Asian Challenge

Suzuki has announced that it will inaugurate its own Asian series, the Suzuki Road Racing Championship in 2015.

The new Suzuki Asian Challenge will run in conjunction with the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and will be run on the Suzuki FU150. The series will provide a base for a structured program aimed at discovering and grooming riders from the Asian region. Yukio Kagayama, who has become a world renowned racing rider in races such as the World Superbike Championship, has been entrusted to manage the program. Suzuki is dedicated to building riding talent in the Asian region by providing experience that will make it possible for these riders to challenge world class events.

Kagayama will also entry his team, ”Team Kagayama Suzuki Asia”, in the Supersports 600cc category. The Suzuki Asian Challenge champion for 2015 will have a chance to join his team to challenge the 2016 ARRC with the GSX-R 600.

Printed in Japan on recycled paper

Published by:

SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION English versionIssued date: March 2015

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

SUZUKI FAMILY 141No.

SUZUKI FAMILY

141Global Communication Magazine

March 2015

and more...

Introducing All-New CIAZ / ALIVIOAcross Europe and Asia on V-Strom 1000IBEX Innovation Award for Suzuki Outboards

All-New Suzuki VITARA

Suzuki is Ready for MotoGP 2015. We’re Back!

introducing all-new ciaz / alivio across europe and … produces ciaz at maruti suzuki india...

Documents