Suzuki

Suzuki Motor Corporation (スズキ株式会社) is a Japanese manufacturing company producing a range of small automobiles (especially Keicars), a full range of motorcycles, outboard motors, and a variety of other small combustion-powered engine products.

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 cmł engine. This bike was popular, so in 1954 it introduced a second bicycle.

Also in 1954 the company name was changed to Suzuki Motor Corporation. In 1955 Suzuki introduced their first mass-produced car, the Suzulight.

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

In 1981, 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.

In 1983, Suzuki exported its models in the United States under the Geo brand. The US Geo Metro is called Suzuki Swift in Europe and Suzuki Cultus in East Asia. In 1985 the Samurai (a small off-roader) was the first car in the United States released under the Suzuki brand.

In 1995, the total production of Suzuki reached more than 975,000 cars.

General Motors had a stake of 20% and introduced the Suzuki brand in the United States with new models from Daewoo: the Verona, which is based on Daewoo Magnus (model V200), and the Reno hatchback and Forenza sedan, both based on the Daewoo Nubira/Daewoo Lacetti (model J200); the cars are equipped with Suzuki engines instead of Daewoo ones.

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.