Paul Tan's Automotive News » Suzuki

New Maruti Swift Dzire spied in India, it’s a ‘Swift Sedan’

Danny Tan — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:01:32 +0000

The previous gen Suzuki Swift, which is still current in Malaysia, spawned a sedan in India called Swift Dzire. The looks were odd, but the booted Swift proved popular. Here’s the new one, based on the latest Swift. Caught on camera by MegaPower Services, it confirms that the Dzire name has been continued, and that a launch is imminent.

Viewed from the rear, the “Swift Sedan” looks decent, but the funny proportions are unavoidable, since Suzuki wanted it to be below four metres in length to enjoy the Indian government’s excise benefits for small cars. As a result, the stubby tailed new Dzire is shorter than the old one, which is 4,160 mm long.

In front, the Dzire is distinguished from the hatch by a new grille and fog lamp housings. The cabin is carried over from the new Swift, which dumped the old minimalist dash for a more conventional layout. Being a sedan, the Dzire is trimmed with “luxury” in mind, as opposed to sporty – a two-tone theme and wood trim can be found.

Engine options are said to include a 1.2-litre K Series petrol and a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel from Fiat, engines that already see service in Maruti’s range.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (21) Think (2) Angry (5) Happy (5) Sad (73) Meh (52)

No related posts.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV debuts at Delhi Auto Expo 2012

Paul Tan — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:00:14 +0000

This is the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV, a production version of the Maruti Suzuki Concept rIII that made its debut in Delhi two years ago. I’m quite curious about the name – rIII becomes Ertiga, sounds like Bahasa Malaysia to me!

The Ertiga sits on a Suzuki SX4 platform stretched to have a long 2,740mm wheelbase (overall length: 4265mm, overall width: 1695mm, overall height: 1685mm). That’s actually a pretty long wheelbase, when you compare it to other vehicles in its class.

The 7-seater compact MPV is powered by either a new K-14 model 1.4 liter VVT four cylinder petrol engine producing 94 horsepower at 6,000rpm and 130Nm at 4,000rpm, or a 1.3 liter Fiat four cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 88 horsepower at 4,000rpm and 200Nm of torque from 1,750rpm.

The interior offers features such as a tilt adjustable electric power steering, twin AC, audio system (USB Compatible, 4+2 speakers), steering mounted audio controls, central door locking and keyless entry, multi information display, power windows with auto down and electrically adjustable mirror.

“The Ertiga brings space, style and compactness to Utility vehicles for customers in India. As India gears to be amongst the largest global automobile markets by 2020, with the foray into UV segment, Maruti Suzuki will strengthen its leadership position in the industry. With Ertiga the Maruti Suzuki will step into the Utility Vehicle segments and effectively create a new Compact MPV segment in India,” said CEO of Maruti Suzuki Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi.

We hear that India will be producing CKD kits to be exported around the world, so this is definitely not an India-only product. Will Suzuki Malaysia offer the Ertiga here in Malaysia?

Live photos by MotorBeam.com

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (21) Think (3) Angry (2) Happy (4) Sad (0) Meh (5)

No related posts.

Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha Compact SUV Concept

Paul Tan — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:53:02 +0000

Compact SUVs seem to be the theme at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012 in India. Not content with letting the Ford EcoSport stand alone, Maruti Suzuki unveiled this concept compact SUV called the Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha at the Auto Expo 2012 today.

The Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha Concept took about 10 months of development time, and 5 Maruti engineers were involved in the project. Maruti Suzuki does not currently have an SUV in the Indian market. SUVs consist of about 14% of the total market in India, and a smaller model like the XA Alpha would probably do better in India compared to larger models like the Grand Vitara.

The production Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha will come with a choice of both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engine is expected to be a 1.3 liter, while details on the diesel engine remains unknown.

“India is set to become one of the top automobile markets of the world. This may become evident as early as the next Delhi Auto Expo. Maruti Suzuki will lead India’s automobile growth and evolution by strengthening its compact car portfolio, entering new segments and creating new product categories across fuel options. The Concept XA is designed for a market of customers with a young urban lifestyle. This Concept showcases the unified R&D efforts of Suzuki and Maruti which will be a big asset for us in India in the future,” said Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki, Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi.

Live photos thanks to Motorbeam and Maruti Suzuki.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (15) Think (5) Angry (1) Happy (2) Sad (0) Meh (7)

No related posts.

Suzuki on course to triple engine production in Indonesia

Anthony Lim — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:27:42 +0000

Suzuki is on schedule to triple its engine build output to 150,000 units a year in Indonesia – the company’s new engine manufacturing plant, which will take the number to that eventual figure, remains on course, according to a report.

The Nikkei adds that the facility, which will occupy a 1.3 million sq. metre plot on the outskirts of Jakarta, will feature comprehensive engine manufacturing operations by 2015, including the ability to cast and forge engine parts.

The company, which assembles the Swift and SX4 in Indonesia, is working to lift its annual output capacity there from 120,000 vehicles to at least 150,000 next spring. Its engine production capacity in Indonesia however still stands at 50,000 units a year.

The report adds that in addition to using its Indonesian engines and parts locally, Suzuki will consider exporting some output to factories in other ASEAN member countries. At the same time, the company plans to import engines and parts from Thailand to Indonesia, creating a division of labour and cutting costs by consolidating the production of individual engine types.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (9) Think (3) Angry (3) Happy (6) Sad (0) Meh (4)

Suzuki Kizashi Sport: the new big cheese for Suzy globally

Anthony Lim — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:14:59 +0000

There’s a new global flagship model for Suzuki, and it’s the Kizashi Sport. The Sport model features a host of external and internal modifications, which include a muscular front fascia (with chrome accents) and lower grille. It also gets body side-sill extensions, lower body side mouldings with chrome accents, custom lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels and a unique sport steering wheel with contrasting stitching for its leather seats, gear shift surround and parking brake boot.

It’s powered by the 2.4 litre J24B mill, which offers 178 PS at 6,000 rpm and 230 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm for numbers, mated to a CVT gearbox with manual shift. There’s also an intelligent all-wheel-drive system (i-AWD), which offers switchable 2/4WD; the car can be operated in two-wheel-drive mode, where drive is predominantly to the front wheels with minimum torque transmitted to the rear wheels – operation is via a switch on the dashboard and can be altered when the car is in motion.

Kit for the car includes leather upholstery, sports seats, electric glass sunroof, cruise control, an eight-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and USB port. Safety equipment includes seven airbags, ESP, ABS and EBD.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (62) Think (5) Angry (1) Happy (12) Sad (5) Meh (22)

Tokyo 2011: Live photos of the Suzuki Regina concept

Harvinder Sidhu — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:07:05 +0000

We are reporting live from the Land of the Rising Sun and this is the Suzuki Regina concept which could point to a new global compact car from the Japanese brand. Little has been revealed about the car but we do know that it is powered by an 800cc petrol engine that is also turbocharged.

The small engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission or CVT and there is brake energy regeneration and an engine start/stop function. It weighs only 730 kg and has a drag coefficient at least 10% lower than that of current models in Suzuki’s line-up.

This allows the Regina to deliver a fuel economy reading of 3.76 liters per 100 km which is rather impressive. The concept which measures 3,500 mm long and 1,600 mm wide was produced using a new manufacturing process that helps reduce the number of parts required.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (26) Think (6) Angry (2) Happy (5) Sad (4) Meh (16)

Suzuki wants to divorce VW, taking the dispute to court

Danny Tan — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:29:06 +0000

We saw it coming, and the sour relationship between Suzuki and VW is now going to the courts, with the Japanese bride demanding that her estranged German husband sign the divorce papers.

“Suzuki is today commencing arbitration proceedings in London with the ICC, International Court of Arbitration, in order to compel Volkswagen AG to dispose of its Suzuki shares to Suzuki or Suzuki’s designated third party,” the company said in a statement released yesterday.

“The arbitration proceedings follow Suzuki’s termination of its alliance, and Volkswagen AG’s lack of response to Suzuki’s requests for the disposition of its shares,” it added.

The Japanese small car expert declared last week that it had ended its alliance with VW, and demanded that the German giant sell back its stake in Suzuki by November 2012. Suzuki also warned that it would seek arbitration if VW refused to sell the 112.21 million shares, or 19.89%, back to Suzuki or an appointed third party.

Suzuki’s executive VP Yasuhito Harayama was previously quoted as saying: “It was made very clear when we tied up with Volkswagen that we did not want to become consolidated, and that we would remain independent. We feel we need to return to the starting point, including over the ownership ratio. The understanding that we are independent companies, and equal partners, is the absolute prerequisite in pursuing any specific cooperation.”

Besides that, Suzuki has complained that VW failed to provide promised access to green technologies, while VW is sore about the supply of diesel engines to Suzuki from Italian rival Fiat.

VW denies any wrongdoing in the marriage and dismissed Suzuki’s claims that it had violated terms of partnership. “Volkswagen categorically rejects these accusations. We are very disappointed (by Suzuki’s decision to seek arbitration). There is no legal reason to take such action,” a company spokesman told AFP.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (30) Think (5) Angry (10) Happy (15) Sad (11) Meh (18)

Suzuki to build new assembly plant in Vietnam

Anthony Lim — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:46:12 +0000

Suzuki says it is going to build a new assembly plant in Vietnam to meet the country’s growing need for cars, a report says. The company has been building motorcycles and cars in Vietnam since 1996, and its existing plant in the country turned out 3,000 vehicles in 2010.

The new factory, which will cost the company about one billion yen, will be built in a different location and is scheduled to commence operation in 2013. Suzuki says the new plant will have an initial annual production of 5,000 vehicles, though there are plans to increase capacity later.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (3) Think (2) Angry (2) Happy (8) Sad (7) Meh (4)

Suzuki Swift EV Hybrid set for Tokyo: market entry in 2013

Anthony Lim — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:30:15 +0000

Yet another Tokyo debutant from Suzuki, and though the Swift EV Hybrid is also coming through in concept form, it’s downright conventional when you consider the likes of its Regina and Q-concept siblings. It’s also set to make its way into production form sometime in 2013.

On battery power alone, the car offers a 30 km operating range, though an engine-driven generator, as the company tags it, extends travel distance – by how much, Suzuki hasn’t said. No specific details are mentioned, but it shouldn’t stray too far from the Swift Plug-In Concept that was shown at the 2009 edition of the show.

That one featured a 658cc mill offering 54 hp (or 40 kW), working in tandem with a 74 hp (55 kW) electric motor, powered by lithium-ion batteries. The series hybrid system then offered around 20 km of pure electric mode driving, so this one improves on things by a bit.

Suzuki says that the car – which features a covered front grille, LED lighting and covered wheels among the external revisions – has a smaller battery that’s quicker to charge, weighs less, uses fewer resources and costs less. More undoubtedly, in Tokyo.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (36) Think (4) Angry (0) Happy (6) Sad (3) Meh (9)

Suzuki Q-concept – is that you, Suzy Q?

Anthony Lim — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:16:21 +0000

Joining the Regina at the Suzuki stand in Tokyo will be the Q-concept, which the company says offers an entirely new kind of mobility, one that’s positioned between conventional motorcycles and cars.

The 2.5 metre long vehicle seats two in a tandem configuration, and Suzuki says it’d be perfect for everyday journeys within a radius of about 10 km, offering more practicality than a car as it’s more manoeuvrable and takes up much less parking space – at the same time, a cabin makes it a more attractive, more comfortable option than a motorcycle.

Which makes it outstandingly handy for shopping, commuting, going to the doctor and transporting children to and from school. Just the thing to have for people who live in towns where businesses, schools, hospitals and other essential facilities are all in relatively compact areas, so it goes.

Ther Q-concept offers configuration options – you can have a single seat for a parent at the front and a two-person child seat at the rear, or it can be configured as a delivery vehicle with a single seat at the front and a cargo area at the rear.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (12) Think (2) Angry (2) Happy (4) Sad (1) Meh (4)

Suzuki Regina concept is another Tokyo debutant

Anthony Lim — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:39:43 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (11) Think (1) Angry (1) Happy (3) Sad (6) Meh (2)

Suzuki-Volkswagen squabble: no backing down either way

Anthony Lim — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 01:26:08 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (6) Think (4) Angry (0) Happy (1) Sad (1) Meh (1)

Suzuki Swift GX launched – RM65,888 OTR with insurance

Anthony Lim — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:40:56 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (133) Think (15) Angry (57) Happy (19) Sad (29) Meh (46)

Volkswagen-Suzuki rift: no resolution despite deadline

Anthony Lim — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:10:12 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (8) Think (2) Angry (5) Happy (2) Sad (3) Meh (4)

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

Paul Tan — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:46:28 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (14) Think (5) Angry (6) Happy (9) Sad (2) Meh (17)

Volkswagen takeover of Suzuki is unlikely to happen

Anthony Lim — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:46:03 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (7) Think (2) Angry (6) Happy (5) Sad (5) Meh (6)

Frankfurt: 134 hp Suzuki Swift Sport makes public debut

Harvinder Sidhu — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:48:05 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (34) Think (3) Angry (2) Happy (2) Sad (4) Meh (3)

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

Harvinder Sidhu — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:30:38 +0000

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.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (8) Think (2) Angry (2) Happy (9) Sad (6) Meh (4)

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

Danny Tan — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:06:13 +0000

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?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (49) Think (20) Angry (15) Happy (11) Sad (15) Meh (0)

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

Danny Tan — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:57:04 +0000

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!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (13) Think (1) Angry (1) Happy (2) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Suzuki Malaysia refreshens Swift – 1.5 GLX introduced

Anthony Lim — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:44:40 +0000

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile today introduced the updated Swift, now in 1.5 GLX guise. It’s essentially the second-generation one, given some new bobs and bits – there’s no sign of the third-generation model just quite yet.

No change to the drivetrain and powertrain, or their specs and figures, the 1.5 litre M15A VVT DOHC mill continuing along with the four-speed auto transmission. As far as it goes, no changes to the interior too, with the exterior being the only thing reworked. What’s new is to the Swift 1.5L GLX is a deeper front bumper, new lower grille and sporty side skirts

Also on the new list are silver-coloured fog lamp piping, an engine cover and a new ‘expressively styled’ spoiler, as the company puts it, adorning the rear. Meanwhile, the rear bonnet flows downwards into a deeper bumper, which defines the outer edges of a new honeycomb grille that extends to the lower edge of the bumper. New rear combination lamps finish the dressing up of a fave that has sold more than 19,000 units here since it was introduced.

Five colours are available – Bayside Blue, Serene Silver, Supreme Red, Tranquility Black and Superior White. The 1.5 GLX goes for RM75,788, on the road with insurance, which is two thousand more than before with the 1.5A/T. If you’re so inclined, you can opt for the add-on package that is badged the GXS, replete with leather seats, V-Kool tint and an Threebond Ultra Glass Coating Neo treatment, which bumps the price up to RM81,888, again OTR with insurance.

Gallery of launch photos after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (3) Think (1) Angry (16) Happy (0) Sad (1) Meh (2)

Suzuki now looking to expand ties with Fiat

Anthony Lim — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 03:27:24 +0000

In further news that is surely telling about the current climate of that particular relationship, Suzuki is eyeing deeper ties with Fiat as its frustration with Volkswagen grows, reports say.

Automobilwoche reports that a senior Suzuki executive, who was unnamed, told the German weekly that the cooperation with Fiat has been going well in a climate of mutual trust for years. “It is perfectly imaginable that a strengthened partnership would be beneficial to both parties. On the other hand, our cooperation with Volkswagen is still being reviewed,” he said.

Back in May, Corriere della Sera, an Italian daily, reported that a secret meeting took place between Fiat and Suzuki executives in Italy.

Meanwhile, Hans Demant, who is in charge of international cooperation at VW, said both automakers were two independent companies with different economic models. “As a result, cooperation should be developed with caution. It is unfortunately taking a little longer than what had been initially planned,” he was quouted as telling Automobilwoche.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (1) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

IIMS 2011: Suzuki Concept-G is based on the JDM Alto

Danny Tan — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:22:25 +0000

Small car is big news at the 2011 Indonesian International Motor Show, and besides the Daihatsu A-Concept that will be unveiled later in the day, Suzuki has a little green thing called the Concept-G. They call the colour Breezy Pasture Green Pearl, and the car is so green that the eco-friendly hue can be seen on the rims and lights as well. Ok guys, we get the message!

If it looks familiar, yes, the Concept-G is based on the Japanese market Suzuki Alto. This JDM Alto, which stays inside the 3.4-metre long and 1.48-metre wide kei car boundary, is a different car from the Suzuki Alto sold in Malaysia, which is made in India for the rest of the world. In Japan, Suzuki also makes the car for Mazda, which calls it Carol.

They’re not giving out any technical details for now, except that the engine is a K-series petrol unit. That’s not surprising, since there’s no need for a 660 cc engine outside of Japan, and the K-series is widely used by Maruti Suzuki in India, where the unit powers cars like the Swift and A-Star (Alto to us).

Last month, Jakarta Post reported that Suzuki will be investing up to US$800 million over the next few years to expand its business in Indonesia, which will act as its regional base. The same report says that Suzuki will set up a new plant in West Java while boosting production capacity at its existing plants in Tambun, Bekasi and West Java.

Will the Concept-G be part of Suzuki’s plans for the region? Live gallery after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (1) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (1) Meh (0)

Suzuki unhappy with Volkswagen’s attitude in partnership

Anthony Lim — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:44:11 +0000

According to a report, Suzuki isn’t very pleased with Volkswagen’s attitude in the partnership the two companies formed at the end of 2009. The tie-up was planned to give Wolfsburg an inside track into Suzuki’s small-car technology, and for Suzuki to access VW’s hybrid and a host of next-gen tech that it had no means financially to develop on its own.

Suzuki’s CEO Osamu Suzuki had insisted back then that the alliance would be formed on an equal basis, limiting VW’s stake in the Japanese automaker to 19.9% and stating it would pay the equivalent value to buy VW’s shares.

Now, cracks in the relationship have come about. Reuters reports that the Japanese automaker isn’t chuffed by its German partner’s claim that it could wield great influence over Suzuki’s management, something that was stated in VW’s annual report to shareholders, no less.

Suzuki’s executive vice-president Yasuhito Harayama told reporters in Japan just who is in charge of Suzuki’s relations with VW. “It was made very clear when we tied up with Volkswagen that we did not want to become consolidated, and that we would remain independent,” he said.

“We feel we need to return to the starting point, including over the ownership ratio. The understanding that we are independent companies, and equal partners, is the absolute prerequisite in pursuing any specific cooperation.”

Harayama added that Suzuki will continue to pursue operational relationships with a wide range of companies, while holding back on any projects with VW until the two parties are able to reaffirm their initial understanding. “Right now, there is no specific joint development project going on with Volkswagen,” he stated.

Last month, Suzuki announced a deal to buy 1.6 litre diesel engines from Fiat, a deal that the company says proves it can do without VW.

Update: Further reports coming about say that Volkswagen, in response to Harayama’s comments, has said it would not encroach on Suzuki’s autonomy.

“Volkswagen and Suzuki are and will remain two independent companies. No increase of Volkswagen’s Suzuki stake has been agreed upon,” Hans Demant, who is in charge of the alliance at VW, told Reuters through comments provided by his spokesman,

The rift isn’t that trivial sounding. As an analyst puts it, “Japanese managers do not readily criticise publicly, so the fact that in this case they have shows that there really is a problem.”
Whether it means the end of a long-term working partnership between the two companies remains to be seen.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

“Monster” Tajima breaks 10 minute barrier at Pikes Peak

Anthony Lim — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:54:32 +0000

Click to enlarge

Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima has become the first person to break the fabled 10 minute barrier at Pikes Peak. The 60-year-old steered his SX4 race car to a record time of 9 minutes, 51.278 seconds to record his sixth consecutive outright win at the international hill climb.

Tajima had to overcome serious mechanical issues on his record-breaking run, in this case a blown radiator and a sudden loss of power steering in the final part of run up the 19.9 km-long course.

Click to enlarge

A fixture at the event since 1988, Tajima has now won the unlimited division a record 11 times, all behind the wheel of Suzuki vehicles.

Click to enlarge

This year’s win in the turbocharged 912 hp and 890 Nm 3.0 litre V6 Monster Special Pikes Peak SX4 maintains an unbeaten run that now stretches back to 2003.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Suzuki to build new engine plant in Indonesia

Anthony Lim — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:48:34 +0000

Suzuki has unveiled plans to construct an engine plant in Indonesia, which is set to be ready by March 2012, according to the Nikkei.

When operational, the facility – which is being built at its existing production base in West Java – will have a build capacity of 100,000 engines a year. It already makes 50,000 engines a year in Indonesia, but imports the rest from Japan to fulfill the demand from its local assembly operation, which produces the Swift, SX4 and APV minivan.

Local assembly output was 75,000 vehicles in fiscal 2010, but the Japanese automaker is set to increase its annual output to 100,000 units. The new plant will obviously help boost local procurement, lower production costs and improve efficiency. The total investment for the exercise will amount to 30 billion yen (RM1.13 billion)

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

“Monster” Tajima looks for win No 11 at Pikes Peak

Anthony Lim — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:05:53 +0000

Click to enlarge

By the looks of it, as long as he’s able to, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima won’t ever give up doing Pikes Peak. The 60-year-old Suzuki rally legend will of course be in Colorado this coming weekend to defend his title as King of the Mountain at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Tajima has been a fixture at the event since 1988 and has now won the unlimited division a record ten times, all behind the wheel of Suzuki vehicles. This year he will be behind the wheel of his SX4 race car, aiming to maintain an unbeaten run that began in 2003.

He will return to the event with his SX4-based special, though for 2011 the car has undergone significant aerodynamic changes to adapt to the modified road surfaces for this year’s race.

The turbocharged 2.7 litre V6 engine – now measuring just over 3.0 litres in capacity – has resulted in the 1090 kg Monster Special Pikes Peak SX4 producing 912 hp at 8,750 rpm and 890 Nm of torque at 5,850 rpm.

Looks as if everyone else in the class, including the likes of the Dacia Duster ‘No Limit’ , will be hoping Tajima – who of course holds the all-time course record with a time of 10 minutes 1.41 seconds set in 2007 with the Suzuki XL7 Hill Climb Special – doesn’t make it win number eleven in the Race to the Clouds.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Maruti to launch Suzuki Cervo in India later this year?

Danny Tan — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:25:18 +0000

Maruti Suzuki has a large family of small cars in India, ranging from the super basic 800 to the Swift, which is actually a big hatchback there. In between them is the best selling Alto (based on Mk5 Suzuki Alto), the tallboy Estilo (MR Wagon in Japan), the Wagon R, the A-Star (we know it here as the Suzuki Alto) and the Ritz, which is called Splash in Europe.

According to reports, the market leading brand will add another model to that large family of hatchbacks, and it’s the Suzuki Cervo, which comes in a modern monobox design. Launched in Japan in 2006, the Cervo is one of Suzuki’s many kei cars, which means that it conforms to the usual footprint and 660cc limits.

Some Indian commentators say that it will be positioned as a Tata Nano rival, while others claim that it will be placed a notch above the Alto. Its arrival is more certain though, and some say that it will be launched in October, in time for this year’s Diwali celebrations.

Other upcoming models for Maruti are the new Swift and the R III MPV. The latter, which is a “made in India for India” model shown in concept form at last year’s Delhi show, has already been caught undergoing testing lately.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (2) Think (1) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Suzuki to debut Swift-based plug-in hybrid in 2013

Anthony Lim — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 06:32:49 +0000

Looks like the Suzuki Swift will be going electric – the Nikkei reports that the automaker is set to introduce a home-rechargeable plug-in hybrid version of the hatchback sometime in 2013.

The vehicle, which will be a remodeled version of the Swift, will have a lithium-ion battery – offering it a 30 km range on a full charge – as well as a petrol engine, the displacement of which wasn’t mentioned in the report.

The hybrid is likely to cost 500,000 yen higher than the gas-powered Swift, but its pricing will not exceed 2 million yen. While initial deployment will be for the domestic market, the company is looking at exporting the model as it goes along.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Despite VW stake, Suzuki will continue Fiat collaboration

Danny Tan — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:22:19 +0000

Many would expect the relationship between Suzuki and Fiat to drift apart after Volkswagen bought a 19.9% stake in the Japanese carmaker. But no, both parties are set to continue their 10-year old cooperation and expand it further. Currently, Suzuki builds the Sedici for Fiat in Hungary (Fiat buys 20,000 units a year) and produces Fiat diesel engines under license in India.

Now, according to two persons in the know, Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki met Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne and Fiat chairman/controlling shareholder John Elkann in Turin last week. He offered to build the next generation Sedici for the Italians.

A rebadged SX4, the current Sedici was launched in 2005 and production will end in 2013. Fiat’s product plans does not include a replacement for it, but they might want to have one as the Sedici is Europe’s top-selling small SUV. An option is a small SUV planned in 2013 by Chrysler’s Jeep unit (code-named B-Jeep), but no decision has been made yet.

Moving to India, market leading Suzuki has asked Fiat for permission to double its annual production of the 1.3L diesel engine to 400,000 units as demand for diesels grow, although Fiat prefers to built the additional engines for Suzuki itself in an underutilised, 300,000-unit a year engine plant in Ranjangaon, India, which is part of Fiat’s JV with Tata Motors.

This DDiS engine that features in cars like the popular Maruti Swift is a 1,248 cc commonrail turbo unit with 75 PS and 190 Nm of torque. It’s paired only to a five-speed manual ‘box.

At the high level meeting, the bosses also discussed the possibility of Fiat subsidiary Magneti Marelli supplying Suzuki in India with an automated manual transmission system. The gearbox they’re talking about could be the one used in the Proton Savvy AMT.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 08:57:44 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (0) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (0)

Paul Tan's Automotive News » Suzuki

New Maruti Swift Dzire spied in India, it’s a ‘Swift Sedan’

Related Posts

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV debuts at Delhi Auto Expo 2012

Related Posts

Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha Compact SUV Concept

Related Posts

Suzuki on course to triple engine production in Indonesia

Related Posts

Suzuki Kizashi Sport: the new big cheese for Suzy globally

Related Posts

Tokyo 2011: Live photos of the Suzuki Regina concept

Related Posts

Suzuki wants to divorce VW, taking the dispute to court

Related Posts

Suzuki to build new assembly plant in Vietnam

Related Posts

Suzuki Swift EV Hybrid set for Tokyo: market entry in 2013

Related Posts

Suzuki Q-concept – is that you, Suzy Q?

Related Posts

Suzuki Regina concept is another Tokyo debutant

Related Posts

Suzuki-Volkswagen squabble: no backing down either way

Related Posts

Suzuki Swift GX launched – RM65,888 OTR with insurance

Related Posts

Volkswagen-Suzuki rift: no resolution despite deadline

Related Posts

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

Related Posts

Volkswagen takeover of Suzuki is unlikely to happen

Related Posts

Frankfurt: 134 hp Suzuki Swift Sport makes public debut

Related Posts

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

Related Posts

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

Related Posts

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

Related Posts

Suzuki Malaysia refreshens Swift – 1.5 GLX introduced

Related Posts

Suzuki now looking to expand ties with Fiat

Related Posts

IIMS 2011: Suzuki Concept-G is based on the JDM Alto

Related Posts

Suzuki unhappy with Volkswagen’s attitude in partnership

Related Posts

“Monster” Tajima breaks 10 minute barrier at Pikes Peak

Related Posts

Suzuki to build new engine plant in Indonesia

Related Posts

“Monster” Tajima looks for win No 11 at Pikes Peak

Related Posts

Maruti to launch Suzuki Cervo in India later this year?

Related Posts

Suzuki to debut Swift-based plug-in hybrid in 2013

Related Posts

Despite VW stake, Suzuki will continue Fiat collaboration

Related Posts