Suzuki Way Of Life!
Suzuki Way Of Life!
Suzuki Way Of Life!
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CONTENTS<br />
2 New Product<br />
6 What’s Goin’ On? Showtime<br />
8 What’s Goin’ On? Chequered Flags<br />
11 Where’s the Action?<br />
12 What’s Goin’ On? In the Spotlight<br />
16 HQ News & Views<br />
FROM THE EDITOR<br />
This year <strong>Suzuki</strong> celebrates “100 years of<br />
innovation” since our founder and first<br />
president, Michio <strong>Suzuki</strong>, started the<br />
company as a loom manufacturer in October<br />
1909. <strong>Suzuki</strong> has developed products of<br />
superior value by focusing on the customer<br />
for an even better way of life.<br />
Based on our <strong>Way</strong> of <strong>Life</strong>! philosophy,<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> is honouring this anniversary by<br />
continuing to create products that excite<br />
people, meet their needs and give them new<br />
lifestyle possibilities for years to come.<br />
The current economic climate may yet<br />
become the worst in a century. The staff of<br />
this magazine would be happy if it helps<br />
weather the storms ahead by strengthening<br />
the unity of our beloved SUZUKI FAMILY.<br />
To contribute to a future issue, please<br />
send your letter and photo(s) with <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
products to:<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Family Editor<br />
Overseas Planning Division<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Motor Corporation<br />
300 Takatsuka, Minami, Hamamatsu<br />
432-8611 Japan<br />
(Letters and photos sent to us cannot be<br />
returned, and may be edited for publication.)<br />
Some articles of this magazine can be read<br />
online at http://www.globalsuzuki.com, in the<br />
COMMUNICATION MAGAZINE section.<br />
English version<br />
Published by:<br />
SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION<br />
300 Takatsuka, Minami, Hamamatsu, Japan<br />
Issued date: March 2009<br />
Printed in Japan on recycled paper<br />
No. 129<br />
The Winning New <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
Alto/A-star/CELERIO *1<br />
:<br />
The Stylish<br />
Eco-Friendly Compact<br />
At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, <strong>Suzuki</strong> unveiled the all-new Alto/A-star/CELERIO —<br />
the smallest of our five world strategic models. One of the most fun-to-drive city<br />
cars available — the Alto/A-star/CELERIO is a great new example of <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s “<strong>Way</strong> of<br />
<strong>Life</strong>!” philosophy. The new Alto/A-star/CELERIO, by combining eye-catching style<br />
and easy urban mobility with great fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, meets<br />
the lifestyle demands of today’s motorists and the pressing global need for<br />
environmental responsibility. The new Alto/A-star/CELERIO embodies <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s<br />
successful small-car expertise, expressed in a definitive response to the need for<br />
enjoyable, eco-friendly motoring.<br />
Concept<br />
At the heart of the concept for the new Alto/A-star/CELERIO is<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong>’s understanding that people, especially in urban areas, want<br />
economical, eco-friendly motoring without sacrificing style,<br />
comfort, practicality or performance. And compact dimensions<br />
(overall length of 3,500mm, width of 1,600mm, height of 1,470mm<br />
and a wheelbase of 2,360mm) play a large part in realizing<br />
outstanding environmental credentials by keeping weight to a<br />
minimum, while still being user-friendly.<br />
Design, Comfort and Practicality<br />
The new Alto/A-star/CELERIO’s sporty, solid look projects urban<br />
energy. The elegant aerodynamic contours combine tautness with<br />
evocative curviness. This sophisticated design, adapted to<br />
European tastes, features the exceptional combination of low 0.30<br />
drag coefficient, fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions. The cabin<br />
layout favours the front seats, but still amply accommodates four<br />
adults. The useable luggage space behind the rear seats can be<br />
further expanded by folding down the rear seatback and there are<br />
handy storage spaces located all around the cabin.<br />
Performance and<br />
Environmental Compatibility<br />
The new Alto/A-star/CELERIO’s three-cylinder 1.0-liter petrol engine<br />
is a light compact unit with low friction characteristics, a maximum<br />
power output of 50kW and a maximum torque of 90N•m. Fuel<br />
consumption is low at 4.4L/100km and CO2 emissions are just<br />
103g/km. Standard transmission is five-speed manual and a<br />
four-speed automatic transmission (uncommon among one-liter<br />
cars) with gate-type shifter available as an option. The large,<br />
high-rigidity suspension frame, with MacPherson strut type front<br />
suspension, features reinforcement in the strut mounting areas for<br />
superior handling. The rear suspension’s proprietary 3-link rigid axle<br />
design incorporates numerous refinements. <strong>Suzuki</strong> employed its<br />
global motorsport experience to achieve enjoyable handling on<br />
urban roads with linear response, gentle roll movements, light<br />
steering feel and good absorption of shock and vibration. The new<br />
Alto/A-star/CELERIO’s minimum turning radius of just 4.5m enables<br />
easy manoeuvreing to park in tight spaces.<br />
Safety<br />
In the unfortunate event of an accident, the new<br />
Alto/A-star/CELERIO’s body reflects <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s Total Effective Control<br />
Technology (TECT) concept in the form of crushable structures that<br />
absorb impact energy, frame members that disperse impact energy<br />
away from occupants and a strong cabin structure. High-tensile<br />
steel is used for major body parts, achieving high level of occupant<br />
safety without adding excessive weight to the body. Six airbags<br />
(SRS dual front airbags, SRS dual side airbags and SRS dual curtain<br />
airbags) are available, and energy-absorbing trim provides further<br />
head protection. The new Alto/A-star/CELERIO is available with<br />
Electronic Stability Program (ESP® (* 2)), which modulates engine<br />
performance and applies the brakes during cornering and under<br />
acceleration to avoid hazards.<br />
(* 1) The model name may be different depending on individual markets.<br />
(* 2) ESP is a registered trademark of Daimler AG.<br />
Note: This information is based on the specifications of the Alto/A-star/CELERIO<br />
for Europe. Availability of equipment and features may vary according to<br />
market and grade.<br />
SUZUKI FAMILY<br />
March 2009 2/3
New<br />
Products<br />
Stylish World Debut<br />
At a press conference at Pierre Cardin Theatre in Paris on<br />
25 September 2008, SMC introduced three new<br />
motorcycle models to an excited crowd of about 550<br />
people, including some 200 journalists, as well as <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
European distributors and their top dealers. SMC’s 2009<br />
entry to the mid-capacity class of motorcycles, the<br />
exciting new GLADIUS, generated particular excitement<br />
and attention from photographers. The GLADIUS naked<br />
model - developed as a combination of style and<br />
technology, efficiency and fashion - is an unmatched<br />
value on two wheels, with an extra dose of daily fun<br />
included. Masayoshi Itoh, Deputy Executive General<br />
Manager of <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s Global Marketing Division, explained<br />
the new model’s guiding concepts: “We paid particular<br />
attention to the styling, aiming for a fashionable, sporty<br />
new look that communicates an easy-going personality<br />
and generates an emotional attachment to the bike. Plus<br />
the chassis is slim and compact, so the overall package<br />
is very easy to handle for riders of a wide range of skill<br />
Masayoshi Itoh, Deputy Executive<br />
General Manager of <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s Global<br />
Marketing Division, introduces GLADIUS<br />
at a press conference at Pierre Cardin<br />
Theatre in Paris.<br />
Fashion Meets Technology<br />
Elegance on Two Wheels<br />
levels. We’re positioning the GLADIUS as a stylish ride for<br />
a wide range of people, including those who are looking<br />
for an entry model, and we’re confident that it’s going to<br />
have lots of fans.”<br />
It All Comes Down To Fun<br />
A unique work of motorcycle artistry, the 2009 GLADIUS is<br />
always ready to satisfy the senses, the soul and the<br />
desire to experience a fabulous ride. Every visual detail is<br />
designed to attract, whether cruising down the boulevard<br />
or parked in front of your favorite café. From the richly<br />
curved bodywork surfaces, compact truss frame and<br />
unique multi-reflector headlight to the selection of vivid<br />
colour options, the distinctive good looks of the GLADIUS<br />
delight the eye. GLADIUS is the stylish bike that can fulfill<br />
your personal fashion cravings and express your<br />
individuality in new and exciting ways. But this beauty is<br />
also an outstanding performer: powered by a refined,<br />
fuel-injected version of <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s renowned SV650 DOHC<br />
90-degree V-Twin engine, the GLADIUS combines sporty,<br />
rider-friendly characteristics with long-term reliability.<br />
Each cylinder head carries two iridium spark plugs to<br />
Clear lens turn indicators flank the shapely<br />
multi-reflector headlight. The compact combination<br />
tail and brake light beneath the rear of the seat is<br />
framed by the rear fender.<br />
The stylish new GLADIUS generated<br />
great excitement and attention<br />
from photographers.<br />
The amply padded seat fully supports the rider’s<br />
hips, while shape and positioning of tubular<br />
handlebars and foot pegs add to riding comfort.<br />
The single rear shock progressively linked to the<br />
rectangular-section steel swingarm enables<br />
smoother suspension reaction.<br />
The GLADIUS: a masterpiece of fresh styling blends<br />
traditional displacement with elegant new look,<br />
smooth handling and a friendly, comfortable ride.<br />
enhance combustion efficiency. Advanced digital engine<br />
management and emission controls ensure the highest<br />
level of efficiency with fewer emissions. The 17-inch cast<br />
aluminium alloy wheels contribute to performance, as do<br />
the dual floating front disc brakes, a single rear disc<br />
brake and optional ABS (Antilock Brake System).<br />
Furthermore, GLADIUS is designed to provide maximum<br />
comfort, with easy riding position in every circumstance,<br />
whether cruising the open road, maneuvering through<br />
tight spots or stopping at a traffic light. The well-padded,<br />
bolstered two-tone seat is positioned just 78.5cm above<br />
the ground, with an optional higher seat available for<br />
taller riders. The chassis and bodywork are slimmed down<br />
at the point where the fuel tank meets the rounded<br />
The GLADIUS chassis and bodywork are slim<br />
where the fuel tank meets the two-toned<br />
seat, which has rounded outside forward<br />
edges and is relatively low (785mm above<br />
the pavement), assuring rider comfort.<br />
Standard 17-inch cast aluminium-alloy wheels<br />
(MT3.50 front wheel and MT5.00 rear wheel) each<br />
feature five spokes. Dunlop Qualifier sport radial<br />
tires are standard equipment: 120/70ZR17(58W)<br />
front and 160/60ZR17 (69W) rear. Dual floating<br />
front brake discs (290 mm) work with dual-piston<br />
calipers. The single 240mm rear brake disc is<br />
fitted with a single-piston caliper.<br />
forward edges of the seat, and tubular handlebars and<br />
foot pegs positioned to maximize comfort. Add to that<br />
the tuned front and rear suspension, and you have put on<br />
the street 2009’s most elegant statement of motorcycle<br />
technology, efficiency and resounding fun – the new<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> GLADIUS.<br />
Special “GLADIUS” Website<br />
The 2009 <strong>Suzuki</strong> GLADIUS is a gorgeous two-wheeled<br />
expression of <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s “<strong>Way</strong> of <strong>Life</strong>!” Learn how to<br />
develop your own new style and individuality at<br />
http://www.gladiusstyle.com/, where you can view the<br />
stylish urban character of GLADIUS and read fashion<br />
suggestions in five languages (English, French, German,<br />
Italian and Spanish).<br />
The GLADIUS is powered by a refined<br />
fuel-injected DOHC 90-degree V-Twin<br />
engine, based on the proven SV650<br />
powerplant famous for long-term reliability,<br />
broad power and quiet rumble.<br />
You can view the stylish urban character of GLADIUS and read fashion<br />
suggestions in five languages (English, French, German, Italian and<br />
Spanish) at http://www.gladiusstyle.com/<br />
SUZUKI FAMILY<br />
March 2009 4/5
2008 Paris Mondial de<br />
l’Automobile Spotlights<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> History and Future<br />
The 2008 Mondial de L’Automobile in<br />
Paris, which featured the world debuts of<br />
90 models, attracted 1,433,000 visitors<br />
during the 4-19 October public run.<br />
On 2 October, the first of two press<br />
days covered by 13,000 journalists from<br />
92 countries, <strong>Suzuki</strong> Motor Corporation<br />
held a press conference featuring a<br />
keynote speech by a distinguished SMC<br />
Board Member. In his address, Senior<br />
Managing Executive <strong>Of</strong>ficer Toshihiro<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> outlined the nearly 100 years of<br />
expansion since the company’s founding<br />
in October 1909 and cited development<br />
of the first <strong>Suzuki</strong> product, an innovative<br />
loom invented by Founder Michio <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
The new Alto on display in Paris<br />
WHAT’S GOIN’ ON?<br />
SHOWTIME<br />
to meet new market needs.<br />
He noted that although <strong>Suzuki</strong> has<br />
expanded from looms into production of<br />
motorcycles, cars and outboard motors:<br />
“we’re still guided by the same kind of<br />
philosophy that was behind the development<br />
of that first loom: a philosophy of<br />
creating products that excite people,<br />
meet their needs and give them new<br />
lifestyle possibilities.” Steady expansion<br />
guided by that philosophy has reached<br />
the point that the company currently<br />
markets <strong>Suzuki</strong> products in 193 countries<br />
and regions around the world for annual<br />
sales of more than 3.5 trillion yen.<br />
Regarding automobiles, <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
reminded the audience that, since<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> built its first production car in 1955,<br />
SMC annual motor vehicle production<br />
volume has reached two million units in<br />
Toshihiro <strong>Suzuki</strong> outlined SMC’s heritage.<br />
2005. The accumulated production of <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
cars is now nearly 40 million units. He noted<br />
that <strong>Suzuki</strong> began car exports to Europe in<br />
1968 with a model called the Fronte, and in<br />
March 2008, aggregate car shipments to<br />
European countries topped 4.5 million units.<br />
The SX4-FCV fuel-cell car<br />
Speaking of the present and future, Mr.<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> highlighted <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s environmental<br />
efforts, as exemplified at the Mondial de<br />
l’Automobile by a display of two fuel-cell<br />
vehicles (reference models): the SX4-FCV<br />
fuel-cell car, which combines a high -performance<br />
fuel cell with a high-pressure hydrogen<br />
tank and a capacitor, and the Crosscage<br />
fuel-cell motorcycle, which combines a light,<br />
compact, air-cooled fuel-cell system with a<br />
high-performance secondary battery.<br />
The highlight of the press conference<br />
was the unveiling of <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s fifth and smallest<br />
world strategic car model: the new Alto,<br />
which will be making its market debut in<br />
Europe in spring 2009. Mr. <strong>Suzuki</strong> described<br />
the three main goals of the new Alto: a city<br />
car with outstanding environmental performance,<br />
stylish design and great convenience<br />
within a compact body. Low fuel consumption<br />
and low CO2 emissions are enabled by<br />
excellent aerodynamics and <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s K10B<br />
engine. <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s unique mini-vehicle development<br />
knowhow was effectively employed<br />
to create spaciousness and convenience.<br />
And the three-dimensional look of the<br />
design combines aerodynamic efficiency<br />
with the attractive results of design research<br />
in Europe. The launch of the new Alto<br />
attracted considerable media interest,<br />
suggesting a bright future for this exciting<br />
model in the European market.<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Italia Exhibit<br />
Excites Milano<br />
Motorcycle Show 2008<br />
The most important 2008 Italian event<br />
for two-wheel vehicle fans, the Milano<br />
Motor Show (EICMA), exhibited more<br />
than 1,000 motorcycle and related<br />
brands to 505,000 visitors from Italy and<br />
abroad, as well as 2,700 journalists.<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Italia displayed 75 bikes in a large<br />
1800m 2 exhibit dedicated to the SMC<br />
brand.<br />
On 4 November, <strong>Suzuki</strong> offered a<br />
world preview of the new Bandit 650, a<br />
strategic bike aimed primarily at the<br />
European market. Other important new<br />
Popular <strong>Suzuki</strong> exhibit at Milano Motorshow 2008<br />
bikes debuting in Italy at the show were<br />
the new V-twin cylinder Gladius, the new<br />
GSX-R 1000 and the Intruder M1500.<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> also displayed the “Gemma”, a<br />
futuristic 250cm 3 scooter currently<br />
distributed only in Japan.<br />
To express the “<strong>Way</strong> of life” concept,<br />
the Italian subsidiary displayed three<br />
prototypes: the Van Van Country, the Van<br />
Van Surf and the Sixteen Footable.<br />
The Van Van line concept was<br />
versatile. The “Country” version suggested<br />
by <strong>Suzuki</strong> Italia would be perfect for<br />
country trips and relaxing picnics far from<br />
the city traffic, offered lively yellow fairing<br />
resembling a wicker picnic hamper and<br />
sunflowers. The free sporty lifestyle<br />
image of the Van Van Surf suggested by<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Italia’s marketing staff featured big<br />
flower graphics and matte blue colours<br />
contrasting with the white-orange seat,<br />
orange rims and blue frame.<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Italia’s concept for the Sixteen<br />
125 restyled the “Footable” version in a<br />
sporty way, to remind buyers of the<br />
exciting world of table-soccer. Combining<br />
the young and fresh look of the Sixteen<br />
Exciting Sixteen Footable prototype<br />
with the sporty soul and spirit of leisure, the<br />
unique scooter featured a seat decorated like<br />
a pitch rectangle, football-shaped storage<br />
compartment and mirrors, and footrests<br />
resembling table-soccer players.<br />
Especially popular with photographers<br />
were the Superbike and Moto GP stands<br />
displaying Capirossi’s and Kagayama’s<br />
machines, and another showing the GSX-R<br />
European Cup machines and the Burgman<br />
650 R that participated in the scooter speed<br />
championship circuits. A shop with the<br />
official <strong>Suzuki</strong> clothes collection offered<br />
visitors interesting and unique <strong>Suzuki</strong> goods.<br />
The <strong>Suzuki</strong> “<strong>Way</strong> of life” was evident<br />
everywhere, with CI colours, beautiful girls,<br />
videos, music and appearances by the<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Toshiba Trial Bike Team. Walter Belli<br />
entertained the public on three days with<br />
astonishing acrobatics and a jump from a<br />
high balcony on his seatless BMX.<br />
The final day, <strong>Suzuki</strong> Italia hosted 200<br />
Japanese <strong>Suzuki</strong> dealers on a tour to see<br />
how <strong>Suzuki</strong>s are marketed in Italy.<br />
SUZUKI FAMILY<br />
March 2009 6/7
<strong>Suzuki</strong> 2008 Race Results:<br />
Teams Ramp Up for 2009 Season<br />
SERIES POS RIDER TOTAL PTS<br />
MotoGP<br />
MotoGP<br />
MX1<br />
MX1<br />
WSB<br />
WSB<br />
WSB<br />
Endurance<br />
AMA SBK<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> 2008 Racing Results<br />
8<br />
10<br />
2<br />
3<br />
5<br />
6<br />
11<br />
1<br />
1<br />
Chris Vermeulen<br />
Loris Capirossi<br />
Steve Ramon<br />
Ken De Dycker<br />
Max Neukirchner<br />
Fonsi Nieto<br />
Yukio Kagayama<br />
SERT<br />
Ben Spies<br />
GSV-Rs Finish MotoGP Season in Top Ten<br />
The 2008 RIZLA SUZUKI MotoGP factory team rode <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
GSV-R 800cm 3 4-stroke machines through their second<br />
competitive season of the World Road Race Championship<br />
(MotoGP) with fine results.<br />
The sixth-ranked rider of the 2007 series, <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s<br />
Chris Vermuelen, took two consecutive third places – in<br />
round 10 of the German championship and round 11 in<br />
Indianapolis – to achieve a series ranking of eighth for 2008.<br />
His team-mate Loris Capirossi, a veteran rider in his<br />
first season with <strong>Suzuki</strong>, overcame absence from the<br />
eighth round British Grand Prix because of injuries<br />
suffered in the preceding round in Catalunya to finish the<br />
2008 season in tenth place, thanks to his impressive third<br />
place in the twelfth round in the Czech Republic.<br />
AMA Superbike Champion Ben Spies stood in for<br />
Capirossi in his absence and was also a wildcard entrant<br />
in the eleventh round American Grand Prix and the<br />
fourteenth round Indianapolis Grand Prix, achieving<br />
fourteenth, eighth and sixth places in those rounds,<br />
respectively.<br />
WHAT’S GOIN’ ON?<br />
The Vermeulen/Capirossi Team looks forward to<br />
applying the lessons of 2008 in the 2009 season of the<br />
MotoGP Championship.<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Wins Second Consecutive<br />
MX1 Manufacturer Title<br />
In 2008 Motocross of Nations (MX1) competitions, 2007<br />
champion Steve Ramon of <strong>Suzuki</strong> was joined by seasoned<br />
professional team-mate Ken De Dycker, who previously won<br />
the 2005 championship in Germany and the 2006 championship<br />
in Great Britain.<br />
Ramon, piloting <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s aluminium-framed electronic-<br />
control fuel injection RM-Z450WS, put up a terrific fight for<br />
the 2008 top spot, winning the second heat and gaining the<br />
podium in the eleven heats overall, to finish the season<br />
ranked second by a narrow margin.<br />
This year’s team entrant, Ken De Dycker, made an<br />
impressive debut by winning both heats in the opening<br />
event. He went on to win three more heats, taking five out<br />
of 13 overall, to gain the podium and end the 2008 season<br />
ranked third.<br />
Thanks to the outstanding performances of both team<br />
riders, <strong>Suzuki</strong> won the Manufacturer Title for the second<br />
year running. Ramon and De Dycker will team up again<br />
with the aim of recapturing the championship in 2009.<br />
Chris Vermeulen takes the lead TEKA SUZUKI dominates MX1 season opener.<br />
128<br />
118<br />
495<br />
490<br />
311<br />
256<br />
154<br />
109<br />
652<br />
GSX-R Series Dominates Production Races<br />
The <strong>Suzuki</strong> GSX-R series achieved great results in 2008’s<br />
major production races in Europe and the United States. In<br />
the World Endurance Championship, the <strong>Suzuki</strong> France<br />
Endurance team (SERT), became champions for the fourth<br />
consecutive year on the GSX-R1000. In the Superbike World<br />
Championship, new team member Max Neukirchner gained<br />
the podium seven times overall with victory in two heats,<br />
while Fonsi Nieto made his mark by winning heat two of the<br />
opening round. In Great Britain’s traditional TT race on the<br />
Isle of Man, the GSX-R1000 took the top three places in the<br />
Superbike class, and the GSX-R600 claimed victory in the<br />
Supersport class.<br />
Ben Spies won the American Superbike Championship<br />
for the third year running and Matt Mladin took second<br />
position, giving <strong>Suzuki</strong> first and second rankings in the<br />
series. <strong>Suzuki</strong> has won the American Superbike<br />
Championship for six consecutive years. These stellar 2008<br />
performances confirm the outstanding speed and<br />
endurance capabilities of the GSX-R series in action and<br />
promise great achievements for the 2009 season ahead.<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> wins World Endurance Championship.<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> WRC Challenge<br />
Proves SX4’s Potential<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong>’s two SX4 WRCs proved reliable throughout the 2008<br />
season, demonstrating the car’s strength and durability in<br />
the tough rally conditions.<br />
At Round 14 in Japan, 31 October to 2 November, the<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> team claimed its best-ever results on home<br />
territory, setting Day 2’s fastest stage time. P-G Andersson<br />
finished in fifth place while team-mate Toni Gardemeister<br />
Muddy road in Great Britain round<br />
was sixth. Both cars scored driver and manufacturer points.<br />
At the WRC conclusion in Great Britain 5-7 December, the<br />
SX4 showed its capabilities by setting some top-five times<br />
in challenging stages of the season’s toughest conditions,<br />
with Andersson finishing day one on the provisional<br />
podium. Commented Gardemeister: “We’ve improved the<br />
SX4 WRC a lot this year in terms of both speed and<br />
reliability.”<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Suspends FIA WRC Activities: Due to the current<br />
economic situation, we have suspended FIA WRC activities.<br />
We appreciate our team members and supportive rally fans.<br />
SMC’s 2008 WRC experiences will contribute to future<br />
development of <strong>Suzuki</strong> automobiles.<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
12<br />
13<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
6<br />
WRC 2008 Drivers’ final standings<br />
Sebastien Loeb<br />
CITROEN TOTAL WRT<br />
Mikko Hirvonen<br />
BP FORD ABU DHABI WORLD RALLY TEAM<br />
Daniel Sordo<br />
CITROEN TOTAL WRT<br />
Per-Gunnar Andersson<br />
SUZUKI WORLD RALLY TEAM<br />
Toni Gardemeister<br />
SUZUKI WORLD RALLY TEAM<br />
WRC 2008 Manufacturers’ final standings<br />
CITROEN TOTAL WRT<br />
BP FORD ABU DHABI WORLD RALLY TEAM<br />
SUBARU WORLD RALLY TEAM<br />
STOBART VK M-SPORT FORD RALLY TEAM<br />
SUZUKI WORLD RALLY TEAM<br />
MUNCHI'S FORD WORLD RALLY TEAM<br />
122<br />
103<br />
65<br />
12<br />
10<br />
191<br />
173<br />
98<br />
67<br />
34<br />
22<br />
SUZUKI FAMILY<br />
March 2009 8/9
Strong Finishes for<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Drivers in JWRC Points<br />
The 2008 FIA Junior World Rally Championships (JWRC) season<br />
featured strong performances by <strong>Suzuki</strong>'s junior drivers.<br />
A <strong>Suzuki</strong> Swift Super 1600 finished Spain’s Round 6, held 2-5<br />
October, in sixth place, with driver Jaan Molder earning three JWRC<br />
points. His team-mate Michal Kosciuszko ended up just outside<br />
the points, as did Team Germany driver Florian Niegel.<br />
At the final round in Corsica 10-12 October, strong performances<br />
by <strong>Suzuki</strong> drivers put two <strong>Suzuki</strong> Swift Super 1600s in the<br />
points. Pierre Marché claimed fourth on his JWRC debut, having<br />
earned a 'wild card' entry by winning the <strong>Suzuki</strong> Rallye Cup in<br />
France. In seventh place, Florian Niegel claimed his third points<br />
finish, while <strong>Suzuki</strong> Sport Europe drivers Michal Kosciuszko and<br />
Jaan Molder finished in the top eight.<br />
Strong points finish for <strong>Suzuki</strong> Juniors in Corsica<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
5<br />
8<br />
11<br />
JWRC 2008 Drivers’ final standings<br />
Sebastien Ogier<br />
Aaron Burkart<br />
Martin Prokop<br />
Michal Kosciuszko (<strong>Suzuki</strong>)<br />
Jaan Molder (<strong>Suzuki</strong>)<br />
Florian Niegel (<strong>Suzuki</strong>)<br />
WHAT’S GOIN’ ON?<br />
42<br />
34<br />
32<br />
22<br />
11<br />
8<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Gears Up for 2009 FIA JWRC<br />
For the 2009 JWRC season, <strong>Suzuki</strong> is again fielding the Swift<br />
S1600, with four promising drivers: Aaron Burkart (Car #31),<br />
Michal Kosciuszko (Car #32), Simone Bertolotti (Car #33) and<br />
Yoan Bonato (Car #35).<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Sport Europe, which has provided professional rally<br />
assistance and support for European customers since 2003, plans<br />
to reclaim the JWRC title in 2009 with the Swift. Says Team Manager<br />
Yasuhiro Ishii, “We will endeavor to attain the highest standard of<br />
support and assistance to these talented drivers in our efforts to<br />
claim the 2009 JWRC title.” The season began 30 January in Ireland.<br />
See more at:<br />
http://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorsport_auto/index.html<br />
Michal Kosciuszko<br />
Nationality: Polish<br />
Date of birth: 20 April, 1985<br />
Career<br />
-2005 Polish Rally Championship S1600<br />
Winner (SUZUKI Ignis)<br />
-2006 Junior World Rally Championship<br />
18th (SUZUKI Ignis)<br />
-2007 Junior World Rally Championship<br />
12th (RENAULT Clio)<br />
-2008 Junior World Rally Championship<br />
5th (SUZUKI Swift)<br />
Co-Driver<br />
Name: Maciek Szczepaniak<br />
Nationality: Polish<br />
Simone Bertolotti<br />
Nationality: Italian<br />
Date of birth: 4 May, 1985<br />
Career<br />
-2008 Junior World Rally Championship<br />
12th (RENAULT Clio)<br />
Co-Driver<br />
Name: Luca Celestini<br />
Nationality: Italian<br />
Aaron Burkart<br />
Nationality: German<br />
Date of birth: 20 September, 1982<br />
Career<br />
-2006 Junior World Rally Championship 12th<br />
(CITROEN C2)<br />
-2007 Junior World Rally Championship 7th<br />
(CITROEN C2)<br />
-2008 Junior World Rally Championship 2nd<br />
(CITROEN C2)<br />
Co-Driver<br />
Name: Michael Kölbach<br />
Nationality: German<br />
Yoann Bonato<br />
Nationality: French<br />
Date of birth: 13 May, 1983<br />
Career<br />
-2008 France Championship <strong>Suzuki</strong> Cup winner<br />
Co-Driver<br />
Name: Benjamin Boulloud<br />
Nationality: French<br />
PREMIER WHERE’S<br />
MORTRS<br />
THE ACTION?<br />
Dealers Demonstrate and <strong>Of</strong>fer<br />
New <strong>Way</strong>s to Enjoy <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s <strong>Way</strong> of <strong>Life</strong>!<br />
Affiliates in South Africa and Israel develop fresh perspectives on <strong>Suzuki</strong> life-style options.<br />
South Africa<br />
Pretoria<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Auto SA’s first lifestyle dealership in South Africa’s<br />
capital city of Pretoria, <strong>Suzuki</strong> Montana, uniquely<br />
demonstrates <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s <strong>Way</strong> of <strong>Life</strong>! philosophy by offering<br />
complete mobility options. The facility, opened in July in<br />
Pretoria’s Montana suburb, offers customers the full<br />
range of locally available <strong>Suzuki</strong> passenger cars and<br />
SUVs, as well as <strong>Suzuki</strong>’ s comprehensive line-up of<br />
motorcycles and ATVs and <strong>Suzuki</strong> Marine’s exciting range<br />
of outboard motors and marine products. Says dealer<br />
principal, Grant Galloti: “It enables us to offer our<br />
customers a tailored mobility solution that can embrace<br />
cars, bikes and boats – or any combination thereof.”<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Montana’s professional staff are well versed<br />
in the varied product range, while a dedicated service<br />
workshop also caters to the full spectrum of <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs and marine products.<br />
On-the-spot financing facilities are also available. So the<br />
dealership offers new and existing <strong>Suzuki</strong> customers an<br />
unusually varied and exciting dealership experience,<br />
boosts brand awareness across a broader range of<br />
products, and provides a one-stop <strong>Suzuki</strong> sales and<br />
service solution. Customers can view and experience<br />
firsthand <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s core brand<br />
values of exceptional quality,<br />
superior functionality and<br />
overall excellence.<br />
Israel<br />
Tel Aviv<br />
The Israeli <strong>Suzuki</strong> Customer Clubs, established to<br />
increase skills and maximize the enjoyment and safety of<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> owners, sponsored several international events in<br />
2008 with the support of Avnir Motor Co., Ltd.<br />
The 300-member Israeli Burgman Club joined its<br />
counterpart group in Italy in July 2008 for a 12-day<br />
excursion by 50 riders on 22 Burgman scooters. The trip<br />
through landscapes of Northern Italy forged strong bonds<br />
between the two clubs, who plan future joint events.<br />
Avnir Motor Co., Ltd. arranged the entire excursion – from<br />
the transport of the motorcycles to escort throughout<br />
the journey – for the customers.<br />
The Israeli GSX-R club, established in 2006 to raise<br />
the standard of safe riding, collaborates with “the Israeli<br />
center for advanced riding” to offer courses integrating<br />
field and classroom trainings to improve braking, turning<br />
and control skills for <strong>Suzuki</strong> sport vehicle owners. Over<br />
60 Israeli riders have participated. In September, Avnir<br />
Motor Co., Ltd. accompanied and subsidized a course for<br />
25 riders in Hungary.<br />
Avnir established the Israeli DR Club in 2006 to<br />
accompany riders during their first field trips. Over 100<br />
riders have participated in off-road riding instructions,<br />
excursions, regular training days and theoretical<br />
instruction in the importer’s showrooms in Israel. In<br />
November, DR-Z400E motorcycles with 12 Israeli riders<br />
traveled on a 700km motorcycle excursion in Turkey,<br />
from the Mount Olympus in Kemer through Antillanca to<br />
Antalya in the south.<br />
SUZUKI FAMILY<br />
March 2009 10/11
Algerian Distributor’s New<br />
Showrooms Feature <strong>Suzuki</strong> CI<br />
Algerian distributor ELSECOM Sarl on 6<br />
November inaugurated a new showroom in<br />
Alger city. Based on <strong>Suzuki</strong> CI policies, the<br />
facility features a communication board with<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong>’s central chrome S motif, special<br />
exhibition spaces, accessories corner (“Car<br />
<strong>Life</strong> Wall”) and more. The opening ceremony<br />
welcomed the Japanese ambassador as<br />
guest of honour with notable political figures<br />
and many journalists in attendance.<br />
Another new showroom in Constantine,<br />
Algeria’s third largest city, opened on 8<br />
November. By following the <strong>Suzuki</strong> CI manual,<br />
both of the new showrooms raise the quality<br />
of <strong>Suzuki</strong> marketing and will help to build the<br />
brand image in Algeria.<br />
Exterior and interior views of the new Alger showroom<br />
Distributor of <strong>Suzuki</strong> in Turkey<br />
Hosts 25th Anniversary Gala<br />
One of Turkey’s first automobile distributors,<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Otomobil Pazarlama ve Ticaret A.Ş.,<br />
WHAT’S GOIN’ ON?<br />
IN THE SPOTLIGHT<br />
celebrated its 25th anniversary in the Cıragan<br />
Palace on 22 July, 2008. <strong>Suzuki</strong> Turkey<br />
Chairman N. Ural Hakverdi and his wife<br />
welcomed many VIP guests, among them<br />
former Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz and his<br />
wife, Japanese Ambassador Nobuaki Tanaka,<br />
and President of <strong>Suzuki</strong> International Europe<br />
Minoru Amano, as well as members of the<br />
current government and prominent business<br />
leaders.<br />
The evening’s 500 guests enjoyed dinner,<br />
performances by well-known Turkish entertainers<br />
and opportunities to view <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
motorcycles and automobiles, as well as a<br />
short movie projected on large screens about<br />
the history of <strong>Suzuki</strong> Motor Corporation and<br />
the 25 years of <strong>Suzuki</strong> Otomobil Pazarlama ve<br />
Ticaret A.Ş.<br />
The event was covered by about 100<br />
media members, since <strong>Suzuki</strong> was among the<br />
first vehicles officially imported to Turkey and<br />
has been offered for 25 years by the same<br />
distributor.<br />
Chairman N. Ural Hakverdi and his wife Juliane, with<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> International Europe President Minoru Amano<br />
(right), cut a traditional anniversary cake.<br />
New <strong>Suzuki</strong> Distributor<br />
Begins Sales in Brazil<br />
On 7 October, new <strong>Suzuki</strong> Distributor SVB<br />
Automotores Do Brasil Ltda. kicked off their<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> sales in Brazil through eight dealers<br />
located mainly in Sao Paulo and other key<br />
cities.<br />
From the start of operation, all of the<br />
dealerships were ready to offer the full range<br />
of service at a high quality level, featuring<br />
outstanding facilities with beautifully built<br />
showrooms and comprehensive sales,<br />
service and spare parts functions.<br />
The new distributor also participated in the<br />
Sao Paulo Auto Show later in October,<br />
exhibiting the Concept Kizashi and Grand<br />
Vitara, which both attracted much attention<br />
from visitors.<br />
The <strong>Suzuki</strong> Brand, in partnership with this<br />
new distributor, is destined to achieve high<br />
status in the territory, leading to expansion of<br />
sales.<br />
A showroom of new <strong>Suzuki</strong> Distributor<br />
SVB Automotores Do Brasil Ltda<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Auto South Africa<br />
Shines at Motor Show<br />
At the bi-annual Johannesburg International<br />
Motor Show held 31 October to 9 November,<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Auto South Africa and <strong>Suzuki</strong> South<br />
Africa (motorcycle and lifestyle products)<br />
walked away with the top prizes for<br />
showcasing their latest products.<br />
The spectacular <strong>Suzuki</strong> ‘<strong>Way</strong> of <strong>Life</strong>’ stand<br />
- displaying a wide range of automobiles,<br />
motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and marine<br />
products – attracted thousands of visitors<br />
and won the motor show’s top accolade of<br />
Best Outdoor Stand.<br />
In addition, <strong>Suzuki</strong> was cited for best display<br />
and performance on the outdoor 4x4 track,<br />
thanks to the style and outstanding test drive<br />
performances of the Jimny and Grand Vitara.<br />
The display successfully highlighted the outer<br />
beauty and inner functionality of <strong>Suzuki</strong> 4x4<br />
vehicles while demonstrating that they’re fun<br />
to drive.<br />
Once again, <strong>Suzuki</strong> automobiles, motorbikes,<br />
all-terrain vehicles and marine products have<br />
proved adaptable, innovative and exciting. The<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> <strong>Way</strong> of <strong>Life</strong>, a good way to live!<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> staff in South Africa earned top prizes at<br />
Johannesburg Motor Show.<br />
AFF <strong>Suzuki</strong> Cup 2008<br />
Generates Regional Excitement<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Motor Corporation, in a great expression<br />
of <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s “Sporty” DNA, served as the<br />
title sponsor of AFF (ASEAN Football Federation)<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Cup 2008. The AFF <strong>Suzuki</strong> Cup<br />
2008 – from preliminaries 17–25 October<br />
through finals 5–28 December – was contested<br />
by AFF’s 11 members: Brunei, Cambodia,<br />
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the<br />
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and<br />
Timor-Leste. The Vietnamese team won the<br />
final match with Thailand, in a dramatic finish<br />
that narrowly avoided going into overtime.<br />
Sponsoring AFF <strong>Suzuki</strong> Cup 2008 enhanced<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong>’s brand image with sports fans in the<br />
ASEAN region and beyond as a passionate<br />
creator of remarkable vehicles that enthusiastically<br />
supports the world’s most popular sport.<br />
Presentation of <strong>Suzuki</strong> Cup 2008 MVP Award<br />
Trip to Japan<br />
Rewards Swiss Dealers<br />
Outstanding dealers and staff members of<br />
Frankonia AG, a <strong>Suzuki</strong> dealership in Switzerland,<br />
enjoyed a trip last October to SMC headquarters<br />
in Japan. The fifty winners of a dealer<br />
incentive program earned points by selling<br />
motorcycles, scooters and ATVs during the<br />
incentive year of July 2007 to July 2008.<br />
Swiss travelers in front of SMC headquarters<br />
On arrival in Japan, the group enjoyed a<br />
typical Japanese dinner at Grand Hotel<br />
Hamamatsu. The second day they visited<br />
SMC headquarters and the new <strong>Suzuki</strong> Plaza<br />
museum. During a technical visit to the<br />
Toyokawa Plant, <strong>Suzuki</strong> engineers answered<br />
questions and explained <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s global<br />
motorcycle market. That evening the travelers<br />
attended the <strong>Suzuki</strong> Welcome Dinner with<br />
traditional Japanese sake barrel opening<br />
ceremony.<br />
After sightseeing in Nagoya, the group flew<br />
back to Dubai for some days in the Arabian<br />
sun. The team-building trip will surely help<br />
the grateful group to do their best in the year<br />
ahead.<br />
Danish Agricultural Fairs<br />
Feature <strong>Suzuki</strong> ATV Exhibits<br />
C. REINHARDT AS, <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s motorcycle distributor<br />
in Denmark, mounted exhibits in 2008 at<br />
two of the country’s leading agricultural trade<br />
fairs. About 16,000 people attended the trade<br />
fair “LIB” (Farm Machine Importers Association),<br />
held 13-15 November in Fredericia, and<br />
some 60,000 visited the Agromek trade fair in<br />
Herning on 25 - 29 November. At both fairs, five<br />
of the distributor’s employees were joined by<br />
staff from about ten dealers, working in shifts<br />
to introduce Danish farmers to the utility and<br />
versatility of <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s fleet of ATVs (All-Terrain<br />
Vehicles) and various implements.<br />
Smaller, lighter-weight ATVs are gaining<br />
popularity among Danish farmers compared to<br />
traditional tractors, which are too heavy for use<br />
in the current warmer, wetter climate conditions.<br />
The designated <strong>Suzuki</strong> dealers worked<br />
hard at both fairs to highlight the utility of<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> ATVs and advise farmers about their<br />
potential uses.<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong>’s fleet of ATVs on display at the trade fair<br />
in Denmark<br />
SUZUKI FAMILY<br />
March 2009 12/13
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Warsaw Masters Brings<br />
Tennis Stars to Poland<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Motor Poland recently boosted<br />
corporate strategy by sponsoring a women’s<br />
tennis exhibition tournament in Warsaw. The<br />
company invited six world-class players to<br />
the <strong>Suzuki</strong> Warsaw Masters Tournament, held<br />
30 April to 4 May in Warsaw’s renowned<br />
4000-seat KS Warszawianka sport complex:<br />
Lindsay Davenport (USA), Elena Dementieva<br />
(RUS), Marta Domachowska (POL), Maria<br />
Kirilenko (RUS), Swietlana Kuznetsova (RUS)<br />
and Agnieszka Radwanska (POL).<br />
US tennis player Lindsay Davenport at <strong>Suzuki</strong> Warsaw<br />
Masters Tournament<br />
The highly ranked professionals competed<br />
for prize money of $105,000, which was won<br />
by the Russian players. Polish media praised<br />
the popular event, saying “…the tradition of<br />
women’s tournament was endangered and<br />
needed new formula to survive. Fortunately,<br />
the idea was saved by <strong>Suzuki</strong>!”<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Motor Poland President Harumichi<br />
Uto commented: “Our aim is to create strong<br />
association of <strong>Suzuki</strong> with interesting events,<br />
active life style, sport and culture – emotional<br />
and intellectual values. We believe the Polish<br />
market deserves a special approach and<br />
creative projects as it is one of the most<br />
promising markets in Europe.”<br />
WHAT’S GOIN’ ON?<br />
IN THE SPOTLIGHT<br />
Famous Stage Play Helps<br />
Promote <strong>Suzuki</strong> in Poland<br />
Warsaw-based <strong>Suzuki</strong> Motors Poland and<br />
other <strong>Suzuki</strong> dealers generated huge Polish<br />
media interest in 2008 by co-producing<br />
performances of the stage play “The Woman<br />
In Black”.<br />
Called by a theatre critic “(one of) the<br />
most brilliantly effective spine-chillers you<br />
will ever encounter”, the play is a classic<br />
English ghost story adapted by Polish director<br />
Krzysztof Lang, combining the power and<br />
intensity of live theatre with the cinematic<br />
quality of film noir. Well-known television and<br />
movie actors Jaroslaw Boberek and Tomasz<br />
Dedek played the lead roles.<br />
The successful Warsaw premiere at the<br />
prestigious Fabryka Trzciny theater in December<br />
2007 inspired <strong>Suzuki</strong> dealers to sponsor<br />
performances in other Polish cities, where the<br />
play often became an important social and<br />
cultural event. Local media, politicians, artists<br />
and other VIP guests of <strong>Suzuki</strong> dealers<br />
attended the popular<br />
performances, which<br />
proved to be an<br />
excellent and original<br />
form of promotion for<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> in the Polish<br />
market.<br />
Grand Vitara on display at play venue<br />
New DF8 and DF9.9 Launched at<br />
Düsseldorf Boat Show<br />
At the Düsseldorf boat show in Germany on<br />
17 January, <strong>Suzuki</strong> Marine launched two<br />
new-generation portable 4-stroke outboards:<br />
the all-new DF9.9 and DF8.<br />
The completely redesigned DF9.9 features<br />
an all-new 208cm 3 OHC 4-stroke engine that<br />
weighs 4.5kg less than the original DF9.9. The<br />
same engine is utilized in the DF8, a new<br />
addition to <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s lightweight, compact and<br />
fuel-efficient 4-stroke line-up.<br />
The new outboards offer excellent power<br />
-to-weight ratio, exceptional fuel-efficiency<br />
and an innovative operating design that incorporates<br />
gearshift, throttle operation and<br />
throttle friction adjustment all on the stylish<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> function tiller handle.<br />
Shigeyuki Masuda, Director of Motorcycle<br />
Export and Marine for <strong>Suzuki</strong> International<br />
Europe, introduced the new models,<br />
commenting: “I am sure these outboards will<br />
be a huge success and help us achieve our<br />
goal of becoming the number one 4-stroke<br />
brand.”<br />
World premiere of the all-new DF9.9 and DF8<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Adds Splash to<br />
London Boat Show<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> GB PLC unveiled an Indoor Harbour<br />
Feature at the 2009 London International<br />
Boat Show presented 9-18 January at ExCeL.<br />
The <strong>Suzuki</strong> Indoor Harbour enabled show<br />
visitors to see and inspect boats powered by<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> 4-stroke outboards in their natural<br />
element - on water.<br />
At over 1,000 square meters, the <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
Indoor Harbour was the largest stand <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
has ever taken at a UK boat show. This huge<br />
space was used to incorporate a large pool<br />
for displaying boats and engines afloat.<br />
With its fantastic 10 meter high backdrop,<br />
the huge pool, containing around 15,000<br />
liters of water, featured 14 Sports Boats, RIBs<br />
and Fishing Boats. A further 10 boats were<br />
displayed on the stand, making for a total of<br />
24 boats from 11 different boat brands. With<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong>’s latest range of DF2.5 – DF300<br />
outboards on display, the <strong>Suzuki</strong> Indoor<br />
Harbour had a lot to offer visitors to this<br />
year’s show.<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Indoor Harbour at the Show<br />
Dutch Distributor Demonstrates<br />
New DF90/80/70 in Malta<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> distributor B.V. NIMAG of Holland<br />
invited their 20 key dealers to the beautiful<br />
island of Malta for demonstrations of the new<br />
DF90/80/70 on 13-17 October.<br />
In cooperation with ZARB Stores Limited,<br />
Malta’s <strong>Suzuki</strong> Distributor, NIMAG provided<br />
local boats for participants to fully experience<br />
the cutting-edge technology of <strong>Suzuki</strong>'s new<br />
generation outboards.<br />
The dealers were greatly impressed by the<br />
looks, performance and outstanding fuel<br />
efficiency of the new DF90/80/70. The low<br />
noise, compact size, smooth shifting and<br />
powerful acceleration greatly exceeded their<br />
expectations. The dealers indicated as well<br />
that the easy operation of the new tilt-limit<br />
system and single-turn starting mechanism<br />
gives these engines a strong competitive<br />
edge.<br />
New Models Impress 2008<br />
Canadian Marine Meeting<br />
Over 150 <strong>Suzuki</strong> marine dealers, independent<br />
boat builders and media from across Canada<br />
participated in <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s new model introduction<br />
this past September at Clevelands House<br />
in the beautiful Muskoka “cottage country”<br />
region of Ontario.<br />
Over 20 boats powered by <strong>Suzuki</strong> engines<br />
lined the docks at the site, offering firsthand<br />
experience of <strong>Suzuki</strong>’s new DF70, DF80, DF90<br />
and DF100, as well as the rest of the <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
marine line-up.<br />
Everyone was impressed by the smooth<br />
performance and quiet of the new engines.<br />
“<strong>Suzuki</strong> has just raised the bar in the popular<br />
mid-sized output range with the new models”,<br />
remarked <strong>Suzuki</strong> Canada’s GM for public<br />
relations Nathan Naslund. “Our market share<br />
in Canada continues to increase and with<br />
these new additions, we can expect the same<br />
in 2009.”<br />
Latin American Distributors<br />
Try Out the New DF90<br />
The second Central and South American<br />
<strong>Suzuki</strong> Marine Distributors’ Conference 26-28<br />
October in Panama City – held in cooperation<br />
with Suplidores - featured introduction and<br />
trials of the New DF90.<br />
The 31 representatives of distributors<br />
from 12 countries (Argentina, Aruba, Ecuador,<br />
El Salvador, Guatemala, Cost Rica, Colombia,<br />
Chile, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela and<br />
Mexico) were joined by seven <strong>Suzuki</strong> representatives<br />
from Japan. New distributors<br />
Activa Trading (Aruba) and Trader (El Salvador)<br />
attended for the first time.<br />
During the conference, Motos <strong>Suzuki</strong><br />
(Costa Rica) and Dos Ruedas Service<br />
(Venezuela) were commended for excellent<br />
2008 business performance, achieved<br />
through programs to improve after-sales<br />
service and promote popularity of the large<br />
4-stroke models.<br />
The new DF90 trials, under clear blue skies<br />
in Playita Marina near the Panama Canal,<br />
gave participants the chance to experience<br />
the second-generation 4-stroke motor. This<br />
model, featuring “<strong>Suzuki</strong> Lean Burn” for good<br />
fuel economy as well as good acceleration,<br />
will go on sale this summer.<br />
New DF90 trials at Playita Marina<br />
SUZUKI FAMILY<br />
March 2009 14/15