Suzuki will be bringing a hybrid vehicle to the US market in the 2011-12 time frame. But it won't be any of their existing vehicles. The hybrid power-train they have under development could debut in or mid-size or premium sedan, hinted Osama Honda, Suzuki Motor Corporation chief engineer for SX4 compact CUV and Koichi Suzuki, American Suzuki Motor Corporation president-automotive operations. No final decision has been made on what vehicle will get the hybrid setup. The current generation Grand Vitara and XL7 won't but the next generation might get it. Suzuki officials also said the first hybrids they build will be in-house designed and built vehicles, not anything they get from their partnership from GM Daewoo in Korea.
In addition to hybrids, Suzuki is also developing its own small diesel engines for the Chinese, Indian and other markets. They expect to have a new 1.2L diesel available in India in 2008. Suzuki doesn't plan to offer diesels or E85 flex fuel vehicles in the US market for the foreseeable future, although a 4 cylinder gas engine is possible in the Grand Vitara. It looks like Suzuki is just taking baby steps toward a greener lineup in the US, with no real changes for several years yet.
[Source: Wards AutoWorld]
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