Autoblog

Suzuki's sales in the United States have been at historically high levels the last two years. Both 2006 and 2007 saw American Suzuki Motor Corporation move more than 100,000 units – a big feat for a little brand in the U.S during these tough economic times. Despite that seemingly good news, Rick Suzuki, president of ASMC, has called the performance dismal and is stepping down in an act of seppuku. The record performance is looked upon so unfavorably because it falls far short of goals laid out by Suzuki in 2003 as part of a five-year plan to eventually sell 200,000 automobiles. Financially, ASMC is taking losses, so Suzuki has put into place a buyout plan that is expected to aid in trimming 55 jobs out of its 674-strong U.S. workforce. Employees who do stay on can expect no bonus or raise this year.

Perhaps Suzuki was caught up in irrational exuberance back in 2003 and set some overly-ambitious targets. Its automotive product line has a certain appeal, and the unveiling of the Kizashi 3 at the New York Auto Show has us excited for what's soon to come from Suzuki. Here's hoping the brand doesn't go the way of Isuzu in the U.S.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

click above image for more pics of the Suzuki Kizashi Concept

We were fans of the Suzuki Kizashi Concept when we stumbled across it at the 2007 Frankfurt show, and are equally interested in the Kizashi 2 Concept debuting in Tokyo soon. The Japanese automaker apparently likes the concepts so much that it will be spawning no less than three production Kizashi models, including a CUV, wagon and four-door sedan that will reportedly rival the Ford Mondeo in Europe. The sedan will be the first to arrive in 2009, reports AutoCar, with the wagon and CUV slated for production a year later. That fact that this news is being reported by AutoCar, a UK-based automotive news outlet, and that the sedan is pegged as a Mondeo rival suggests these vehicles might not be destined for U.S. consumption. On the other hand, resurging Suzuki needs something to replace the mid-size Verona sedan that's no longer on sale in the U.S.

[Source: AutoCar]

click above image for more high-res shots of the Suzuki Kizashi Concept

Suzuki unveiled a stunner today at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show called the Kizashi, but unfortunately the automaker had no information to offer about the car in the form of a press release. Sans that important artifact, we can at least comment on the Kizashi's styling, which we liken to a Japanese interpretation of the Dodge Magnum. Kind of a slung back wagon, the Kizashi features a plunging grille flanked by headlights that follow it all the way down to the ground. Out back are a nice set of rear haunches in the form of muscular fenders topped by a C-pillar that leans back at an angle.

What's it powered by? Will it be made? Is Suzuki interested in selling a large car? Who knows, but it's probably in the press release, which if we ever receive will pass along to you. At least we have photos, all of which you can view in the gallery below.