2010 is going to landmark year for automakers. General Motors plans to roll out its first commercial fuel cell vehicles by decade's end, while Chrysler may debut the Imperial. Hyundai plans to be one of the world's top five automakers by then, though its current leadership shake up may temporarily send it roadside.
Suzuki is now joining the 2010 club with the ambitious goal of tripling its sales by that time. Quarter sales this year were three times that of 2005. which already was a record year for the small automaker, mostly by dint of its rapidly expanding lineup. According to Koichi Suzuki, president of American Suzuki Motor Corp., the company feels Americans are more receptive to its products, especially its small, fuel efficient vehicles. Suzuki not only plans to increase its product lineup (pictured is the XL-7), but upgrading current dealerships while simultaneously adding new ones. Over 300 Suzuki dealerships will be fully renovated and 60 new ones will opened by the end of 2006.
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[Source: The Buffalo News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Karesh @ May 30th 2006 12:15PM
That new XL-7 has an attractive, three-row interior and competitive powertrain, but that new corporate face is going to be hard to overcome.
They currently do much better in the third world than in the U.S. For example, they're #1 in India by a sizable margin.
GM WHO? @ May 30th 2006 12:32PM
These guys have nowhere to go but up after years of having the giant blue leach suck them for all they're worth. Being kicked to the curb in favour of Daewoo is was a blessing for Suzuki
hj @ May 30th 2006 12:47PM
Whatever. This is what we've been hearing from suzuki for the past 15 years. They've never been able to build a reputation here for anything more than an el-cheapo subcompacts.
American and Proud @ May 30th 2006 12:54PM
Looky Looky, Toyota has a big recall, better watch it folks, these rice cakes can get you killed.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13046349/
Toyota Head Office @ May 30th 2006 1:20PM
#4
How very observant round-eye! We are trying very hard to beat you American imbeciles at everything, but it seems we still cannot surpass your record holding numbers for recalls. Your ability to mass produce sub-standard equipment is a mystery to our scientists. Several of them have committed Hara-kiri as a result.
Sincerely,
John 'My Ford truck burned my house down and killed my family' Wong
P.S. Does G.M.C. really stand for Greatest Mistake Created
Joel A @ May 30th 2006 1:25PM
Folks, the article's about Suzuki, not Toyota. Let's keep it focused on the topic. Thank you.
Mattie and Sally Ann @ May 30th 2006 1:41PM
#6
You say you gone focus?.......Bothus?.............
American and Proud @ May 30th 2006 1:45PM
. Folks, the article's about Suzuki, not Toyota. Let's keep it focused on the topic. Thank you.
Then I am assuming Joel that you will be posting the news release?........I was just making sure it's seen....I know how forgetful folks can be.
Kotse @ May 30th 2006 2:14PM
I wish Suzuki would bring over the "Mini"-esque new Swift pronto..:D
Ian @ May 30th 2006 2:22PM
Doesn't this SUV use the new GM 3.6L V6?
Now tell me who developed this engine GM or Suzuki, or both?
Come to think of it who developed the common chassis?
Ebm14 @ May 30th 2006 7:44PM
Suzuki will kind of be like the next Hyundai as far as sales and have excellent quality well above its competition(maybe better then Hyundai). However, what attracts me to this brand is that most cars will be Japanese-made. The new XL-7 will eventually be replaced with something from their own blood and have a lot more individuality. Remember that the successful Honda Pilot used to be the Honda/Izuzu/GM Passport. And know that Dawoo is gone, a lot of neat little Suzukis will be poping out of the wood works.
Eric @ May 30th 2006 7:44PM
The Engine is designed by GM..but it is built by Suzuki. I'm glad to hear that casue, American built crap arn't trust worthy. Better having them design it, but have it handled well by the japanese.
Nate Wesley @ May 30th 2006 10:18PM
I disagree Mr. Karesh...the 'face' of the XL-7 and other Suzukis is actually one of their most endearing features...they don't look like other vehicles, and that's in a positive way.
ritchie @ May 31st 2006 2:20AM
last time I checked GM is still the No.1 car vehicle in the world.
Eric @ May 31st 2006 11:59AM
GM is no 1 worst dealers that make crappy cars the break after few minutes of drivibf it lol.
Corey W. @ May 31st 2006 5:50PM
Just wondering... How was GM holding Suzuki back??
Not being a smart@ss, I'm just not buying, the "Ok, now that GM has release it's shackles, our greatness will now shine" campaign...
GMWHO? @ Jun 1st 2006 10:58AM
http://maintenance.autoblog.com/2006/03/29/suzuki-shares-on-the-upswing-after-gm-stock-dumpage/
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=115320