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American Suzuki Arrives with Momentum at 2005 New York International Auto Show


March 2005
 Filed under: SUZUKI Car News | SUZUKI Headlines

Accelerating Sales, New Brand Philosophy and Return to SUV Roots Move Suzuki Closer to Achieving Long-term Growth Plans

NEW YORK, (March 24, 2005) - Following 13 consecutive months of rising sales and the launch of four all-new vehicles in two years, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) arrives at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) with more momentum than at any other time in its 20-year history of selling cars and SUVs in the United States.
The automaker today unveiled its second all-new SUV concept in three months - the compact Concept-X2 - as the second embodiment of its new "Way of Life" brand and corporate philosophy. With new products and new data showing the company ranked first in the industry in percentage increase of 2004 new-vehicle registrations, ASMC is ideally positioned to achieve its growth plan.

"Suzuki is on the move like never before," explained Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC Automotive Operations. "Against the backdrop of accelerating sales, new Suzuki Square dealerships and compelling new vehicles, a whole new generation of American buyers is discovering the brand for the very first time."

Continually Rising Sales
Suzuki's stop at the NYIAS comes amid record growth for the automaker - both nationally and in New York. According to the most recent R.L. Polk study, total Suzuki new-vehicle registrations increased 47.8 percent in 2004 over 2003, the largest percentage increase of all manufacturers selling vehicles in the United States.

Sales for 2005 continue the upward trend, with the automaker experiencing a 17 percent increase during the first two months of the year over the same period in 2004. Sales in February 2005 alone were up 18 percent over 2004 - making it Suzuki's best February on record since 1987 and the thirteenth consecutive month of rising sales over the previous year.

Locally, while New York has historically been a strong market for Suzuki, the R.L. Polk study establishes it as one of Suzuki's fastest-growing U.S. designated market areas (DMAs). New-vehicle registrations of Suzuki passenger cars - including the Forenza premium compact, Verona midsize sedan, Aerio sedan, Aerio SX crossover and five-door Reno - were up more than 151 percent in the New York area in 2004.

Product Expansion
Suzuki's significant sales successes mirror the most aggressive product expansion phase in its history. In addition to launching four all-new vehicles in two years - the Forenza premium compact, Verona midsize sedan, Forenza Wagon and five-door Reno - Suzuki is poised to launch two all-new SUVs in the next two years.

A derivative of the compact Concept-X2 SUV - premiering today at New York's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center - will be produced, representing the second consumer-focused vehicle created under the company's "Way of Life" philosophy unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

At NAIAS, the automaker also took the wraps off its Concept-X, a midsize SUV concept to be built next year as a 2007 model.

Suzuki Works Techno (SWT)
As another extension of its "Way of Life" philosophy and in direct response to customer demand, Suzuki announced the availability of limited-production "Suzuki Works Techno" (SWT) vehicle styling packages that enable Suzuki owners to personalize their vehicles. While previously displayed only on Suzuki concept vehicles, the distinctive "tuner" elements of the SWT packages are now available for Aerio SX and Reno models at select Suzuki dealerships nationwide.

The five-door Reno SWT in Super Red and crossover Aerio SX SWT in Techno Blue Metallic are on display at Suzuki's NYIAS booth (#1215).

Growing Dealer Network
Thanks to Suzuki's dealer-development efforts and growing product line, the Suzuki dealer network now numbers more than 540 dealers and is expected to grow to 600 by the end of 2006.

A key to this growth has been the 2003 launch of the Suzuki Square Retail Brand Image Program - a comprehensive effort to ensure brand consistency across all Suzuki automotive dealerships in the United States. More than two-thirds of the 540-plus U.S. Suzuki dealers have signed up for the program and have started or completed construction. More than 40 new Suzuki Square dealerships have opened to date, and 200 new or remodeled facilities are expected to open by the end of this year. In all, the investment in Suzuki Square by Suzuki dealers is more than $230 million.

As a testimony to the effectiveness of the program, dealers with completed Suzuki Square facilities report an average 82 percent increase in sales.

Expanded Product Line
With eight body styles - six cars and two SUVs - Suzuki's 2005 models offer class-leading features and amenities at value-conscious MSRPs. Each vehicle also is covered by America's #1 Warranty, Suzuki's industry-leading, 100,000-mile, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

Suzuki's top-selling vehicle in 2004 was the Forenza, introduced in late 2003. The Forenza is a premium compact, front-wheel-drive sedan aimed at first-time buyers looking for abundant features at an affordable price. Thanks to an MSRP starting at just $13,449, the new vehicle continues its popularity in 2005 as a growing competitor to the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

Fueled by the success of the Forenza, Suzuki recently introduced the 2005 Forenza Wagon, combining all the best of the Forenza sedan with the five-door functionality and cargo capacity of a wagon. Forenza Wagon's MSRP starting at $13,949 makes it the value leader in the premium compact wagon category.

Joining the Forenza Wagon in the Suzuki showroom last fall was the 2005 Reno, a sporty compact that blends five-door functionality with sophisticated European design and a long list of standard features. Continuing the Suzuki value proposition, Reno offers a host of features for a starting MSRP of $13,449, giving it a distinctive advantage over other five-door vehicles in its class.

The 2005 model year also includes a substantially restyled Aerio sedan and Aerio SX. On the SUV side, Suzuki offers the right-sized XL-7 and Grand Vitara, two full-capability sport-utility vehicles that have the sheer toughness to stand up to off-road challenges, yet the refined comfort to be perfectly at home on city streets. In all, the 2005 Suzuki product line is on track to cement its position as the value-packed choice - truly the smart move for car and SUV buyers.

America's #1 Warranty
All 2005 Suzuki models are covered by an unmatched warranty. All Suzuki vehicles boast a 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty that's fully transferable to succeeding owners and free of deductibles for covered items. This is on top of the new-vehicle bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. The 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty covers the engine, transaxle, transmission, front and/or rear drive system, and transfer case (when so equipped). The Suzuki powertrain limited warranty is designed to boost resale or trade-in value and underscores the corporation's confidence in its product quality.

About American Suzuki
The Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of more than 540 automotive dealerships in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer with sales of more than 2 million new vehicles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has operations in 125 countries.

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