Suzuki

History

The company started out as Suzuki Loom Works (鈴木式織機製作所) in 1909. In 1952 it created the motorized bicycle (called Power Free) which featured a 2x36 cc engine. This bike was popular, so in 1954 it introduced a second bicycle.

Related Topics:
Loom - 1909 - 1952 - 1954

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In 1954 the company's name changed into Suzuki Motor Corporation. In 1955 Suzuki introduced its first mass-produced car, the Suzulight.

Related Topics:
1955 - Suzulight

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During the 1970s, the models Fonte (in different variations such as the 360 or the Viola) and Jimny (small cross-country) were produced.

Related Topics:
Fonte - Jimny

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In 1985, Suzuki made an agreement with General Motors to meet the increasing demand for small cars. With the help of Isuzu, (GM had a large stake in them at that time) the Chevrolet Sprint (Suzuki Cultus in Japan) was introduced in the United States.

Related Topics:
1985 - General Motors - Isuzu - Chevrolet Sprint - Suzuki Cultus - Japan - United States

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Also in 1985, the Samurai (a small off-roader; known as the Jimny in Japan and SJ410/SJ413 elsewhere) was the first car in the United States released under the Suzuki brand, as a 1986 model. It was successful until Consumer Reports got it to roll over in a 1988 test.

Related Topics:
Samurai - Consumer Reports

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1989 was a big model year. Suzuki both redesigned the Swift and began selling it in-house for the first time, and a new small SUV called Sidekick was introduced, bringing Suzuki's model count to three. With 1989 also being the birthyear of GM's Geo brand, both Suzukis came to lead a double-life as the Geo Metro and Geo Tracker.

Related Topics:
1989 - Swift - Sidekick - Geo - Geo Metro - Geo Tracker

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In 1995 Suzuki brought the Esteem sedan to America, which was barely any bigger or more powerful than the Swift and always sold modestly. Total Suzuki production reached more than 975,000 cars this year.

Related Topics:
1995 - Esteem

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In 1996, Suzuki unleashed an unusual convertible SUV, the X-90 to replace the Samurai. It lasted three model years and died after 1998. It was also the Sidekick's last year, which was replaced by the Vitara and the Grand Vitara for 1999.

Related Topics:
1996 - X-90 - 1998 - Vitara - Grand Vitara

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After 2001, the Swift (by then the most inexpensive car in America) had left the Suzuki lineup. The Esteem also left, to be replaced with the Aerio for 2002. Suzuki was now down from two SUVs to one, and two cars to one.

Related Topics:
2001 - Aerio

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In 2004, General Motors rebadged two Daewoo cars with the Suzuki name: the compact Forenza (Daewoo Nubira/Daewoo Lacetti) and the midsize Verona (Daewoo Magnus, formerly the Daewoo Leganza). The Forenza gained wagon and hatchback body styles for 2005, with the hatchback sold under the Reno name. Suzuki also introduced a redesigned Grand Vitara as a 2006 model.

Related Topics:
2004 - Daewoo - Forenza - Daewoo Nubira - Daewoo Lacetti - Verona - Daewoo Magnus - Daewoo Leganza - Reno - 2006

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OEM deals

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

Related Topics:
Chevrolet Sprint - Subaru Justy - Mazda - Autozam - Nissan Moco - Samurai - 1985 - 1987 - Holden - Chevrolet Tracker - Suzuki Vitara

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