Advertisement

Suzuki Regina concept is another Tokyo debutant

November 10, 2011 at 1:39 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, International News, Suzuki

Among the Tokyo-bound brigade will be Suzuki’s Regina concept, which the company says offers a vision of a next-generation global compact car, one displaying excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions through lightness of being and superior aerodynamics.

The Regina weighs just 730 kg, so it’s as light as a minicar, and aided by a clear focus on minimising weight, the company says this funky Suzy has a drag coefficient at least 10% lower than that of current models, all due to uncompromising efforts to heighten aerodynamic performance.

As a result, it offers a fuel economy of at least 32 km per litre (measured in the JC08 test cycle) and CO2 emissions as low as 70 g/km (under the NEDC) using a petrol engine. Of course, there’s no mention of exactly what mill the car uses – more when the 42nd running of the show takes place, one presumes.

16 Comments      

Suzuki-Volkswagen squabble: no backing down either way

October 17, 2011 at 9:26 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Suzuki, Volkswagen

According to reports, the ongoing dispute between Suzuki and Volkswagen over the companies’ capital tie-up took a turn for the worse last Friday, and there’s a likelihood that the matter may be taken to court.

At a press conference in Tokyo, Suzuki executive VP Yasuhiti Harayama said that Suzuki was promised easy access to VW’s environmental car technologies, but it never became a reality, referring to the 2009 agreement between the firms.

The German automaker said that it has honoured its commitments all along, and expostulates that it’s prepared to provide comprehensive technological assistance, but that Suzuki is misunderstanding the situation, the reports add.

On Friday, VW said – in response to Suzuki – that every possibility will be considered in weighing its options, suggesting that it may file suit to prove that the agreement has not been violated on its side.

Volkswagen also reiterated its stand that Suzuki has done nothing about its own violation of the contract, with regards to Suzuki’s cooperation with Fiat to procure diesel engines from the latter – VW says that the engine deal violates their tie-up agreement, but Harayama stated that it was not a breach of contract.

A September 30 deadline issued by Suzuki for VW to retract what it called a defamatory accusation went by without the desired response from the German automaker; it had received a response from the German automaker, but had then stated that it was “not worth commenting on.”

Both sides are effectively refusing to budge, and so a meeting between top executives may hold the key to resolving the conflict; Harayama added that Suzuki is hoping to talk to VW’s chief executive Martin Winterkorn as soon as possible.

16 Comments      


Suzuki Swift GX launched – RM65,888 OTR with insurance

October 5, 2011 at 5:40 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Suzuki

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile (SMA) today introduced its latest Swift 1.5 variant, the GX, which takes the ongoing second-generation hatch to a new price level, dipping well under the RM70k mark.

The arrival of the GX follows on the refreshed variant called the GLX, which was introduced in July, and the idea with this one is to bring the car to a new level of affordability, and very much aimed at specific competition. At RM65,888 on the road, with insurance, it should very well open up the Swift to a new crowd, with the idea of providing ownership that’s easy on the wallet – a monthly repayment of as low as RM550 can be had for it, going through selected loan packages.

For the price, SMA has kept all bits deemed necessary, with nothing omitted in the safety department – the GX has dual SRS airbags, and ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist have been retained.

Essentially, it’s very much the same car as the GLX, sans the new front bumper grille, rear combination lamp, side skirts and rear spoiler. Also, you don’t get the retractable side mirrors with indicator light found on the GLX, and there are no rear headrests on the GX, though SMA says you can buy them as an optional item.

Elsewhere, out go the digital information display and keyless go, and the GLX’s six-speaker radio/CD system is replaced by a Blaupunkt single-DIN head unit with USB connectivity and a two-speaker system, the idea being that owners are more likely than not to up the audio system to something tastier.

Otherwise, you get the same 15-inch alloys, reverse sensors and alarm system with immobiliser as on the GLX. The same five colours available for the GLX – Bayside Blue, Serene Silver, Supreme Red, Superior White and Tranquility Black – are also to be had for the GX.

147 Comments      

Volkswagen-Suzuki rift: no resolution despite deadline

October 3, 2011 at 1:10 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Suzuki, Volkswagen

So does the spat continue with the now out-of-love pair. According to reports, the ongoing feud between Volkswagen and Suzuki remains unresolved, with a September 30th deadline set by Suzuki – for VW to retract what it called a defamatory accusation – having gone past without the desired response.

Suzuki had sent a letter to VW last week giving the German automaker until the above date to publicly revoke a statement that the Japanese automaker had violated a pact by signing a diesel engine deal with Fiat, saying that the claim had damaged Suzuki’s reputation.

On Friday, the reports said that Suzuki stated it had received a response from the German automaker that was “not worth commenting on,” declining to disclose the contents of the response. Suzuki added that it hadn’t yet decided on the next course of action, now that its request had been ignored.

According to a Suzuki spokesman, the company wanted to keep the contents of the recent correspondence private, and that it simply wanted to inform that VW had honoured a request to respond by the due date. Meanwhile, VW also declined to reveal what it said in the emailed letter, but did repeat its demand that Suzuki reverse the alleged breach of contract within several weeks. It has also remained steadfast in its refusal to sell back its 19.9% stake in Suzuki to the Japanese automaker. A full takeover by VW has been bandied recently, but is very unlikely.

Leave a Comment      

Suzuki demands Volkswagen detract claims that Suzuki violated tie-up agreement with Fiat engine purchase

September 23, 2011 at 12:46 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Suzuki, Volkswagen

The drama continues with Volkswagen and Suzuki’s rocky marriage – Suzuki has sent a letter to Volkswagen demanding that the German company retract its claim that Suzuki violated their tie-up agreement by purchasing diesel engines from Fiat.

According to Suzuki, their global reputation has been significantly damaged by the announcement, and denies that the diesel engine purchase from Fiat Powertrain Technologies violated the agreement. Suzuki claims they consulted Volkswagen about buying the Fiat diesel engines in January, and both parties came to an agreement at that time.

Furthermore, it is claimed that Suzuki only turned to Fiat after engines offered by Volkswagen failed to meet Suzuki’s specs.

The following is an excerpt from a press release issued by Suzuki this week detailing their side of the story of what happened:

Last year, both companies negotiated for several months regarding the conditions for Suzuki’s use of certain engines manufactured by Volkswagen AG, however, Suzuki’s requirements were never satisfied.

In January of this year, when Mr. Osamu Suzuki conferred with Dr. Winterkorn in Hamamatsu, Suzuki delivered its message that Suzuki would not be using Volkswagen diesel engines together with background reasons.

In response to such explanation, Dr. Winterkorn requested Suzuki to issue a written notification if Suzuki decided not to use diesel engines manufactured by Volkswagen AG. Within a couple days of such request, we formally notified Volkswagen AG of such decision in writing. Immediately after issuing such notice, engineers from both companies who are responsible for this matter also mutually confirmed with each other that Suzuki will not use diesel engines manufactured by Volkswagen AG.

Volkswagen AG has requested Suzuki in the mentioned notice to implement a process to compare the diesel engines manufactured by Volkswagen AG and by Fiat as a remedial action. We believe it is clearly unreasonable for Volkswagen AG to claim on 11 September that Suzuki is in breach of the Framework Agreement based on presumption that this process is deficient, after a considerable amount of time has passed since Suzuki and Volkswagen AG mutually confirmed that Suzuki would not be using such engine.

In addition to the above, we have fully expressed our views in the rebuttal letter which we have sent today and have included references to the factual background of this matter including negotiations that occurred before the execution of the agreement which established the alliance on 9 December 2009, and detailed quotations from letters exchanged between the two companies.

26 Comments      

Volkswagen takeover of Suzuki is unlikely to happen

September 20, 2011 at 12:46 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Suzuki, Volkswagen

The Volkswagen-Suzuki relationship may be heading south, but the rumour mill continues to run unabated. Now, a report speculates that VW is mulling a full takeover of Suzuki, even as the Japanese automaker is seeking a complete separation from the partnership.

German mag Der Spiegel reported that a senior manager at VW was quoted as saying that he didn’t rule out a full takeover of Suzuki. Other reports, however, have come out stating that this is highly unlikely to happen, given that Suzuki would have to want to sell, and without the willingness on the part of company chairman and CEO Osamu Suzuki in any bid would ultimately fall through.

Earlier reports said that Suzuki is looking to end its two-year relationship, following a fall-out that began when VW accused Suzuki of violating the agreement of the partnership by looking at Fiat for an engine deal. Suzuki has reportedly offered to buy back VW’s 19.9% stake, but VW has said it is happy with the investment and has no intention of selling.

While VW is unable to raise its stake in the Japanese company without the latter’s consent as long as the alliance is still in place, it can begin to do so if Suzuki cancels the partnership, the report adds. The takeover attempt is probably not going to get very far, given that the Japanese will likely adopt a protectionist attitude towards what would be correctly regarded as a hostile foreign bid.

13 Comments      

Frankfurt: 134 hp Suzuki Swift Sport makes public debut

September 15, 2011 at 12:48 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, International News, Suzuki

Although Suzuki is currently having a feud with Volkswagen over the supply of diesel engines from Fiat, it did stop the company from taking part in the Frankfurt Motor Show. It arrived in Germany with the Swift Sport which was already unveiled last month. The Swift Sport is a production version of the Suzuki S-Concept which was shown earlier this year.

It is powered by Suzuki’s high-revving 1.6 litre M16A engine which produces 134 hp and 160 Nm of torque. This is an increase from 125 hp and 148 Nm. The engine is linked to a 6-speed manual cog box along with a suspension that is said to offer “superior cornering stability”. The sporty treatment continues into the interior with sports seats, alloy pedals, a 5-gauge instrument cluster and more.

The Swift Sport also comes with a total of seven airbags and an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). You can learn more about the new Suzuki Swift Sport right here. You can also continue reading to check out some live photos.
[Read more...]

12 Comments      

Suzuki and Volkswagen partnership may come to an end over Fiat engine deal

September 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, International News, Suzuki, Volkswagen

The Nikkei has just published a report in regards to the brewing Suzuki/Volkswagen feud, stating that the Japanese brand will offer to terminate its capital and business deals with the German auto giant.

A statement by Suzuki that was sent to the Tokyo Stock Exchange revealed that the decision was made during an unscheduled board meeting today. This comes after Volkswagen claimed on Sunday that Suzuki has breached its partnership with Volkswagen by engaging Fiat to supply diesel engines to Suzuki.

Autonews also reported that Suzuki will ask Volkswagen to sell the 19.9% stake it has in Suzuki. At the same time Suzuki also plans to sell its 1.49% stake in Volkswagen, if it agrees to the arrangement.

This issue has somewhat affected Volkswagen’s plans of forming a strong alliance with Suzuki. The marriage was supposed to combine Suzuki’s dominance in India with Volkswagen’s global reach. A forecasting done by IHS Automotive indicate that Suzuki, or Maruti Suzuki as it is known in India will sell 36% of the total 3.07 million vehicles delivered in the country in 2011.

A technology collaboration was also planned in the hybrid and EV segments but to date, no solid outcome has been announced. Chairman Osamu Suzuki mentioned in a newspaper column in July that he has not found any Volkswagen technologies that he would like to carry over into Suzuki.

He also went on to say that he is open with forming alliances with others and mentioned in an interview on August 10th that he does not see a reason why Volkswagen would be upset in regards to the Fiat deal. Last month, two Suzuki executives also said that “a successful relationship depends on an understanding that the two are equal partners”.

Suzuki also said that the partnership has become non-beneficial for the company’s management freedom. It was in fact stated in Volkswagen’s annual report in March that the company can “significantly influence financial and operating policy decisions” in Suzuki.

Despite all this, Volkswagen said on Sunday that it still considers Suzuki as an attractive investment and has given the company several weeks to remedy the infringement. The company’s CEO Martin Winterkorn revealed in May that his company planned to target the small car segment in India as part of a potential joint project with Suzuki, apart from parts procurement and the alternative-drive technology development.

Suzuki is expected to make an official announcement over the matter soon.

19 Comments      

New Maruti Swift off to a great start, 80% ordered diesel!

August 25, 2011 at 3:06 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, India, Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki launched the new Swift in India last week, and the supermini has got off to the best possible start. Even before the price was announced at the launch, Maruti received an amazing 50,000 bookings for its latest model, and the waiting period starts from three months.

Maruti plans to sell 18,000 units of the new Swift per month, making it the market leading brand’s second biggest model in terms of volume, second only to the Alto. It’s looking like a successful sequel to the success that is the previous gen Swift, which found over 600,000 new Indian owners since it was launched back in 2005.

Here’s something more interesting: of the 50k pre orders, 80% of them were for the Swift Diesel, proving that diesel torque and economy is really catching on in the subcontinent!

The oil burner in question is a Fiat sourced 1.3-litre DDiS engine with 75 PS and 190 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm. Maruti quotes 22.9 km/l economy, which should be a best effort cruising figure. The other option is a 1.2-litre K series petrol engine with 87 PS and 114 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This one does 18.6 km/l.

Wouldn’t it be great if Suzuki introduces a diesel option when they launch the new Swift here?

17 Comments      

New Suzuki Swift Sport – 136 PS, 160 Nm, 6-speed manual

August 11, 2011 at 12:57 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Suzuki


Click to enlarge image

This is the new Suzuki Swift Sport, based on the current generation Swift that was launched last year. To debut in next month’s Frankfurt show, it has emerged almost identical to the Suzuki S-Concept shown in Geneva in March.

Compared to Geneva’s yellow concept, we can see that the production SSS has lost both the vents behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. No red calipers, the alloy design is less flashy and there’s a more subtle rear spoiler. But that’s about it. Like the current car, the Swift Sport doesn’t shout too loud, which is a good thing.


This is the Suzuki S-Concept, production SSS looks almost identical bar small details

Under the hood is Suzuki’s 1.6-litre M16A engine, coaxed for better figures. The high-revving twin-cam naturally aspirated unit now makes 136 PS and 160 Nm of torque, up from 125 horses and 148 Nm. Also important is the fact that max torque is now made at 4,400 rpm, 400 rpm lower than before. There’s also something else current Swift Sport owners will envy – the SSS now comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Handling wise, Suzuki says that the new Swift Sport offers “superior cornering stability and brisker, more responsive handling thanks to struts with internal rebound springs and an exclusive rear-suspension design”. Seven airbags (including driver’s knee) and ESP are among the safety kit.

In today’s landscape where a 200 hp hatch is no big deal, and many cooking variants are turbocharged or diesel powered, the SSS might be scoffed at, but we commend Suzuki for sticking with this formula. A high revving NA engine can be intoxicating for those who know. You may be going faster, but I’m having lots of fun getting there!

75 Comments