REPORT: Suzuki CEO denies talks with VW amidst tie-up rumors
Suzuki Alto Lapin - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hear about those reports last week of a potential tie-up between Suzuki and Volkswagen for microcar development? Osamu Suzuki, chief executive at the automaker that bear his name, heard the same rumors that we did, and they apparently came as news to him. Though Suzuki falls short of denying outright that any potential deal could be struck, he told the Chunichi Shimbun daily (via Reuters):
So far there's been absolutely no contact (with Volkswagen). Lately, we've been the victim of a lot of rumors (of equity tie-ups and cooperation deals).Suzuki sells more mini cars – albeit tiny 660cc Kei urban runabouts – in Japan than any other automaker not named Toyota, yet it has a limited footprint in most other markets. Thus, it's not surprising that rumors of impending partnerships are common. In this case, though, it would seem that reports of a potential 10% stake by VW are at least a bit premature.
Gallery: Suzuki Alto Lapin
[Source: Reuters]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Calebe 6:09PM (6/29/2009)
I've always wanted a Suzuki Lapin.
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ronEbear 6:37PM (6/29/2009)
Lapin means rabbit in French.
jinsei888 6:13PM (6/29/2009)
With a design language like that, they might as well tie-up with Nissan (Cube).
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Rich 6:33PM (6/29/2009)
You've heard of Japan, right? Ever seen a photograph of Japanese roads?
Idiot.
Xa 6:34PM (6/29/2009)
i wish we could have kei cars in the US. suzuki makes/made so many cool ones.... alto works, lapin, cappucino, wagon r. so cool, so small.
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InTheDriversSeat 7:22PM (6/29/2009)
GREAT ! Another vehicle that looks like the box it came in !
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JRM 8:05PM (6/29/2009)
That's because of the size regulation of kei cars. to maximize the volume, you have to make them into 3-D boxes.
Kei cars are allright. They'll go as fast as 110-120km/h. They are fuel efficient. They'll fit most people, and come in all varieties of styles and can be highly modded/customized--just like Japanese cell phones.
In America, they'd fail though. The speed limit is too high compared to japan. The roads are generally straight, so you don't need something little to go through winding mountain roads like in japan. and of course, the way people drive in america, they'd just push the kei cars out of the roads with their pickups and SUVs.
James 8:16PM (6/29/2009)
@JRM,
"In America, they'd fail though. The speed limit is too high compared to japan. The roads are generally straight, so you don't need something little to go through winding mountain roads like in japan. and of course, the way people drive in america, they'd just push the kei cars out of the roads with their pickups and SUVs."
Tell that to Smart & Mini...
P.V. 11:09PM (6/29/2009)
That's a shame, because a tie-up with VW could mean good things saleswise for Suzuki.
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car industry expert 6:28AM (7/11/2009)
Should Volkswagen buy Suzuki ?
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terence 12:54AM (7/30/2009)
I like to get one of this Suzuki Alto Lapin,when will this be available in the Philippine Market?
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