Suzuki Motor Corporation

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2024

Technology Strategy Presentation

On July 24, 2024, Suzuki Motor Corporation presented its technology strategy aimed at minimizing energy consumption at all stages - from production to processing.

Clearly acting on the course of creating a sustainable future and a society of conscious consumption, Suzuki continues to confidently follow the philosophy of Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi (Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, Beauty) - "Less, less often, lighter, shorter, cleaner." This philosophy will help the company keep energy consumption to a minimum at every stage of the life cycle: from production to processing.

As part of its strategy, Suzuki Motor Corporation will continue to develop compact, light, economical, environmentally friendly and safe cars that formed the basis of the company's long-term strategy. These compact vehicles not only reduce CO2 emissions during operation, but also reduce resources and CO2 emissions during production. This will allow the company to make a significant contribution to the conservation of resources and the fight against climate change.

The key areas of the strategy for the next 10 years are:
1. Light-weight and Safety Body - Innovations in body design: continued development of a light and safe HEARTECT body, as well as the introduction of technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption by reducing the weight of the car. In other words, Suzuki creates safe and compact cars that require minimal energy consumption.

2. Lean-Battery BEV/HEV (Battery Electric Vehicle/Hybrid Electric Vehicle) - Energy efficient electric vehicles: Suzuki will develop electric vehicles that take into account the coefficient of renewable energy and its conditions of use in various countries. The company will create small and efficient electric units and light batteries, minimizing energy consumption.

3. High-efficiency ICE/CNF Technology (ICE: Internal Combustion Engine, CNF: Carbon Neutral Fuel) - High performance internal combustion engines and carbon neutral fuel: In 2023, Suzuki developed a new high performance Z12E engine with a maximum thermal efficiency of 40% (introduced on the New Swift car). In the future, the company will expand this technology around the world using carbon-neutral fuels (such as biogas and biethanol) and next-generation hybrid solutions.

4. SDV right (SDV: Software Defined Vehicle) - Software-configurable vehicles: Suzuki will continue to develop an affordable "SDV right" system or, more simply, an electronic architecture (road assistance systems, navigation and other safety features) that increases the value for vehicles that minimizes power consumption. Software updates will be simplified by integrating wired and wireless solutions.

5. Easy Recyclability and Disassembly Design - Circular Economy: Unlike traditional linear economics, Suzuki will strive to create products that are easily disassembled and recyclable, thereby contributing to resource savings and reducing overall energy consumption.

Suzuki used special software to falsify car safety data

The largest Japanese automakers Toyota,, and Mazda Yamaha Honda Suzuki used specialized to software falsify crash tests and other car safety tests. This was announced on June 4, 2024 by the Ministry, transport Japan having published the preliminary results of a large-scale audit of the activities of local automakers. More. here

2023: 10th largest car sales in the world

The company specializes in compact cars and SUVs, motorcycles and boat motors sold in 206 countries. Since 1955, over 75 million cars have been sold in 181 countries.

2022: Hakuto-R moon lander launch investment

On December 28, 2022 Japanese , the lander HAKUTO-R Ispace of Suzuki Motor Corporation successfully launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida USA and was on its way to the end of December. To the moon

Previously, Suzuki has been involved in the implementation of projects such as recycling, CO2 reduction, the introduction of renewable energy sources, the extraction of biological gas to create biofuels, the development of "flying cars" and "cargo drones," as well as the introduction of electric commercial minivans on battery power supplies in 2023 (BEV - Battery Electric Vehicle).

As of December 2022, the first 3 of the planned 10 stages of the first global mission have been completed: preparation for launch, deployment after launch, establishment of a communication channel. On December 11, 2022, the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle successfully launched with the Japanese lunar lander, then it will have to maneuver in orbit, spend a month in space, enter the orbit of the moon, and at the end of April 2023 it is expected to land a module developed and launched by the world's first private company.

The ispace company is engaged in the development of landers and planetary rovers on a contract basis to deliver payloads from space agencies and private companies to other bodies of the solar system. The main mission of the company and its contribution to the development of a sustainable world is the unification of the Earth and the Moon into a single ecosystem.

In ispace, we paid attention to the moon. Using lunar water resources to our advantage, we can develop the space infrastructure necessary to enrich our daily life on Earth, as well as expand human influence and life in space. In addition, by combining the Earth and the Moon into a single system, an economy with space infrastructure at its core will support human life, making sustainability a reality. This result is our ultimate goal, and the search for water on the moon is the first step towards achieving this goal, "said ispace CEO Mr Takeshi Hakamada.

2020: Car production in 11 countries

Suzuki is increasing the number of overseas production bases, and as of March 31, 2020, 13 companies in 11 countries and regions, including India, Hungary and Indonesia, are producing Suzuki vehicles, supplying them to 181 countries around the world.

2018: Foreign sales record - 2.6 million vehicles

In fiscal 2018, the company achieved a record overseas vehicle sales of 2.602 million units.

2017: Closure of snowmobile engine production

For almost half a century, Suzuki has been perfecting its designs and has been producing engines for more than a quarter of a century for one of the most successful and well-known companies in the United States, the legendary Arctic Cat snowmobile, ending its collaboration in 2017 and directing its forces to develop new projects.

2012: Abandonment of car sales in the United States

Assessing global prospects, in November 2012 Suzuki decided to abandon the sale of its cars in the United States. As compensation, a number of new production sites were launched.

2009

India becomes world's largest Suzuki producing country

In fiscal 2009, Suzuki's annual production in India reached 1 million units for the first time. That's more than the 950,000 units the company has produced in Japan, meaning India has become the largest Suzuki producing country in the world (including exports).

The recovery from the global financial crisis was faster in the world than in Japan. In fiscal 2010 alone, Suzuki sales peaked at 2.14 million units, mainly due to high performance in India.

Opening of Suzuki Plaza Museum at Hamamatsu Headquarters

In April 2009, Suzuki announced the opening of the Suzuki Plaza Museum in its main headquarters in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture (Japan). The museum was created so that everyone could get to know the history and activities of the company, founded in 1909 all in the same Hamamatsu. The museum is a collection of products and exhibits associated with the founder's name and Suzuki brand, including looms, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, cars, outboard boat motors, and the company's current vehicle manufacturing trends.

2008: Income slump due to global financial crisis

In September 2008, Lehman Brothers, the main investment bank in the United States, filed for bankruptcy. This has led to chaos in global financial markets. Stock prices plummeted and a major recession began. This recession, the worst in a century, has severely affected the global economy. Car sales collapsed and factories were forced to cut production or restructure staff.

Suzuki has experienced serious drops in export levels. In October, the forecast for annual income for fiscal year 2008 was revised downward.

1998: Agreement with GM on the joint development of compact cars and their production in Hungary and Poland

On May 27, 1998, Suzuki and GM reached an agreement to jointly develop a new model of compact passenger cars. According to this agreement, the model will be produced at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary under the name Suzuki Wagon R +, and GM will produce the Opel/Vauxhall Agila car at its plant in Gliwice, Poland.

The main components for these models will be supplied between the two plants in order to optimize investments and increase price competitiveness. The Wagon R +, released on January 24, 2000, was the first model to combine Suzuki and GM technology.

1992: Factory opened in Hungary

The Hungarian division of Suzuki, located in Esztergom (Hungary), began its work in 1992 with the production of models such as the Wagon R +, as well as the first variations of the Swift and Splash models for the global market.

In 2024, the company produces two models: Vitara and S-CROSS. 31 years and 5 months after the opening of the plant, in February 2024, the company released its four million car - Suzuki Vitara for the Hungarian market.

As the main division of Suzuki in Europe, the Esztergom plant produces models not only for the Hungarian market, but also for 123 countries both in Europe and in Latin America.

1988

Buying 30% stake in US snowmobile maker Arctco

In 1980, an American customer who purchased engines from Suzuki for their snowmobiles, Arctic Enterprises went bankrupt, reborn only in 1983 under the name Arctco, maintaining its successful cooperation with the Japanese manufacturer, making Arctic Cat snowmobiles with installed engines from Suzuki one of the most popular among North American buyers.

In 1988, Suzuki acquired a 30% stake in Arctco, creating a strong partnership and ensuring the production of over 110,000 Arctic Cat snowmobiles with Suzuki engines from 1984 to 2017.

Release of the world's first car with electric power steering

In 1988, Suzuki released the subcompact model Cervo. It was on this car that the electric power steering debuted, giving rise to a new comfort in driving for drivers around the world. Read more here.

1986: Start of Canadian plant construction with GM

Due to restrictions on the export of cars to the United States, Suzuki could not supply the required number of cars to this country. As a result, GM offered Suzuki the opportunity to launch production in North America.

And in January 1985, Suzuki's project team to study technical and economic evaluation of production began work. Of the proposed locations for the Suzuki plant, the city of Ingersoll in Canada was chosen. The city had a favorable location next to the main highway, which went from Canada to Detroit, and also connected the southern regions of the United States. In addition, numerous auto assembly plants and component manufacturing plants were located along the highway, which was a great advantage in terms of logistics efficiency.

CAMI Automotive Inc., established on August 27, 1986 (August 28, Japanese time) together with Suzuki and General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada), was Suzuki's first production base in North America. The company name CAMI was an acronym for Canadian Automotive Manufacturing Incorporated.

Suzuki became the third Japanese automaker to start operations in Canada after Toyota and Honda, and CAMI became Suzuki's 11th overseas production site.

CAMI began construction work and installation of equipment with the aim of launching the plant in April 1989. At the same time, training of employees began. Suzuki sent about 150 specialists to Canada, including those living outside Japan, as well as teachers and instructors. Under their leadership, local employees began work on the latest automated production lines.

1985: Suzuki Samurai model designed specifically for the US market

In July 1985, the Suzuki Samurai was released, designed specifically for the US market. It was a striking success, with model exports reaching 89,000 units in fiscal year 1987.

The launch of Samurai in the United States was followed by the launch of Sidekick (Vitara), with exports of about 30,000 units per year. However, on January 4, 1989, the United States announced its decision to reclassify universal cars as trucks. This meant the introduction of import duties of 25%, which led to a slowdown in sales.

1984

Jimny 1300 compact SUV launch

In November 1984, the Jimny 1300 was released, equipped with a 4-stroke engine with a volume of 1300 cm3. Obviously, the Jimny has become an important model that has led the growth in sales of Suzuki compact SUVs in foreign markets. After Cultus and Jimny, Suzuki continued to expand the line of compact cars, adding the Escudo model (export name: Vitara), Solio (export name: Wagon R +), Aerio and Swift.

The release of the popular snow blower Snow Shoot SS755

In 1984, Suzuki returned to snowblower production with the introduction of the Snow Shoot SS755. It was a revolutionary machine that became the first in its class: it was equipped with a 7-horsepower engine, which allowed it to remove up to 36 tons of snow per hour, throwing it to a distance of 14 meters. But the most surprising thing was that the SS755 weighed only 96 kg, which made it incredibly maneuverable and easy to use. The Snow Shoot SS755 became popular with Japanese consumers for its power, compactness, ease of use and comparatively low cost.

The production of snowplows continued for some time and ceased due to Suzuki's new long-term strategy. It highlighted the main activities of the Japanese manufacturer, mainly based on the automotive industry, motor vehicles, boat motors and others.

1983

1981: Agreement with GM to supply fuel-efficient vehicles to the United States

With the beginning of the 1980s, there was an increase in fuel prices in North America, and the American concern General Motors (GM) faced the question of revising and adapting technologies in connection with this growth. The company needed new products, so it sought to develop compact cars. Suzuki has been on course for new continents, with a strong and successful track record in producing low-fuel economy subcompact models.

The fuel efficiency of Japanese cars was especially highly appreciated, as gasoline prices in the United States rose. If in 1979 1 gallon was worth only 80 cents, then in 1980 it rose sharply to 1.25. dollar

And in August 1981, through the mediation of Isuzu Motors Ltd., at that time already experienced with General Motors, Suzuki entered into an agreement with GM.

Suzuki and GM developed the new Cultus model. The car combined an innovative design, a light and compact body and an economical engine. Cultus became the basis for the Suzuki compact cars created later and became world famous.

From April 1984, Cultus began exporting for General Motors under the Chevrolet Sprint name.

1976: Arctic Enterprises Snowmobile Engine Improvement

In 1976, a noise threshold of 78 dBA was introduced in the United States, and Suzuki engineers, commissioned by American partners, were able to design a snowmobile engine suitable for the restrictions imposed, thereby becoming a supplier to a major American player in the winter equipment market.

As a result of a fruitful collaboration between Suzuki and Arctic Enterprises, a revolutionary engine was developed, which was a real breakthrough in the industry. Its feature was a special cylinder coating - Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) (composite electrochemical material), which Suzuki specifically developed for Arctic.

In partnership with Arctic Enterprises, Suzuki created 7 models of 2-stroke engines ranging from 275 to 500 cm3, which were installed on Arctic Cat snowmobiles.

1974: Launch of snowmobile engine production for US Arctic Enterprises

In 1974, Suzuki, already having its own positive experience, began production of snowmobile engines by order of a leading manufacturer in the United States under the Artic Cat brand of Arctic Enterprises.

1973

Launch of Motorized Wheelchair Manufacturing Line

Main article: Suzuki Motorized Wheelchairs

In search of new business development opportunities, Suzuki drew attention to the growing demand for medical and social equipment. In 1973, the company created a design team to develop products that could improve people's quality of life. After exploring various options, the team decided to focus on creating a motorized wheelchair.

Closing the direction of snow removal equipment due to the oil crisis

In 1973, the oil crisis broke out, and the direction of Suzuki snow removal equipment had to be frozen.

1971: First snowblower release to replace US imports

Household difficulties for residents of snow regions sent the engineering minds of the company towards the implementation of the idea of ​ ​ creating snowplows. In the early 1970s, the snowblower market in Japan was by no means empty - American-made models prevailed. However, given the differences in the structure and humidity of snow in Japan and the United States, American snowblowers were not ideal for Japanese conditions: they were clogged with snow and did not effectively discard it, and small wheels constantly slipped.

Suzuki made a number of significant design changes to its designs, including the use of tires from agricultural machines and increased engine power. So in 1971, its own model of the Suzuki snowblower was released - Snow Rake SR20, and the very next year - Snow Rake SR21.

1970: Launch and closure of snowmobile production

In the early 1970s, to compensate for the seasonal decline in motorcycle demand, Suzuki began production of snowmobiles. The move was also aimed at meeting growing demand for snowmobiles in North America. At the same time, as the popularity of this winter mode of transport grew, new standards were introduced regarding, for example, noise regulation. And Suzuki engineers set about developing and researching an engine that would meet such standards.

In 1970, Suzuki launched production of its first snowmobile SM10 at the Iwata factory (Japan), equipped with a 360 cc air-cooled engine from a mini-truck. Soon after, the company introduced three more models with engines ranging from 300 to 440 cm3. But, unable to resist the onslaught of a variety of American manufacturers, the production of snowmobiles under its own Suzuki brand was still stopped.

1955

Launching a car business

Suzuki's automotive business began in 1955.

The release of the first model motorcycle with a two-stroke engine

Changes in Japanese law led to a rapid rise in popularity of 125 cc motorcycles, prompting Suzuki to develop the Colleda COX model. During the development process, Suzuki also began to master the technologies of two-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines, having a similar displacement, had a number of advantages over four-stroke ones. They were distinguished by a simpler device, which made them cheaper to produce and provided higher power. Two-stroke engines also generated more torque, were more reliable and less likely to fail. In addition, since the main competitors used four-stroke engines, equipping Suzuki with two-stroke units could be a way to distinguish them from the market.

Suzuki also began exploring the potential of two-stroke engines. As a result of these studies, a Colleda ST model, a'quiet, durable and reliable' motorcycle, was launched in March 1955 under Mr. Maruyama, which changed the perception of two-stroke engines and gained immense popularity, paving the way for Suzuki's continued success in the motorcycle industry.

1954

Name change from Suzuki Loom Manufacturing to Suzuki Motor

In 1954, with the launch of the full Colleda motorcycle, Suzuki took the first step towards the production of cars. And on 1 June 1954, the company changed its name from Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Co. to Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd.

In deciding to change his name, Michio Suzuki saw the potential for his company and decided to begin research and further production of cars, which was a long-standing dream of this astute person. So, on July 1, 1954, in the Free News magazine, published by Suzuki for its dealers, Michio published a message about changing the name of the company:

"Over the years, our company has been engaged in the production and sale of textile equipment, and we have managed to make our possible contribution to the development of the industry. I would like to thank you for your many years of support. In May 1952, we formulated a number of new principles of governance. Since we started producing and selling cycle motors, our performance has grown significantly. In January of this year, we managed to increase the capital of the company to 250 million yen; Having equipped our plants with the latest high-precision equipment, we now stably produce mass-produced products. Therefore, we decided to change the name of the company - we have been considering this step for a long time, and after approval at the general meeting of shareholders on May 26, a new name was adopted - Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. We will try to contribute to the development of the automotive industry of our country. "

Launch of the production of the first motorcycle under the Colleda CO brand

In May 1954, after the success of the Power Free and Diamond Free motorized bicycles, Suzuki introduced the Colleda CO, a 90 cc motorcycle with a four-stroke engine. The name Colleda comes from the phrase 'Otobai wa koreda!', which means' This is a motorcycle for you! 'and reflected the company's desire to make this mode of transport accessible to the general public.

Colleda CO established itself as a reliable product, winning its class at the prestigious Mount Fuji Ascent Race just a couple of months after the release of the motorcycle.

1953: Motorcycle sales share of company revenue rises to 76%

The sales mix of the time shows that the tipping point in the company's business came in 1953. For 6 months, from April to September 1952, looms accounted for 48.4% of Suzuki sales, while motorcycles accounted for 28%. However, from October 1952 to March 1953, looms accounted for only 18.8% of sales, and the share of motorcycles rose to 76.3%.

1952: Motorized Bicycle Production

1930

1922

1920: Founding of Suzuki Loom Manufacturing

Suzuki Loom Works was the predecessor of the larger production company Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Co, founded on March 15, 1920 in Hamamatsu (Shizuoka Prefecture).

1909: Founding of Suzuki Loom Works loom company

Since Michio's loom, created by him for his mother, turned out to be much more effective than other looms of that time, a stream of orders fell on its creator. And in 1909 Michio founded Suzuki Loom Works.

1908: Future company founder Michio Suzuki creates a pedal-powered loom for his mother

In 1908, the future founder of the company, Mr. Michio Suzuki, using his skills as a carpenter, independently created a pedal-powered loom. He gave it to his mother in the hope of facilitating her weaving work.