Suzuki 2004 Annual Report Download - page 7

Iwata Plant
Sport utility vehicle and commercial vehicle assembling plant
IGNIS (manufactured at Magyar
Suzuki Corp. For Europe only)
GRAND VITARA DIESEL
SWIFT SPORT (Export name: IGNIS
SPORT)
Overseas Markets
Total automobile exports for this fiscal year grew to
approximately 1,230,000 units, 111% of the previous year.
Although dropping exports to North America meant CBU
exports fell below previous year's level (96%), a growth was
recorded in terms of total volume, due to CKD and SET exports
to India, Pakistan, Taiwan and other countries.
As for new products, the Liana underwent a minor change in
October 2003, further strengthening its refined image.
Responding to popular demands for diesel engines in Europe,
diesel versions of the Jimny and Liana were put on sale in early
2004. Following the Concept-S introduced at the 2002 Paris Motor
Show, the Concept-S 2 was first unveiled in 2003 at the Frankfurt
International Motor Show, and it has been put on display for the
general public at motor shows in the world including Tokyo, Geneva,
Brussels, drawing widespread praise.
One of the mainstays of Suzuki's motorsports activities is the
Junior World Rally Championship. Entering first in 2002, Suzuki
is now in its third year of participation in this event and has
become a seasoned contender. In 2004, Suzuki is fielding a
new machine based on the Magyar Suzuki Corporation-made
Ignis, piloted by four new drivers. Suzuki monopolized the
podium at the Rally of Turkey in June, and expectations are
high for further great results.
As for our overseas production bases, production operation
at Magyar Suzuki is expected to be ever more active, following
the start of production of a new model Ignis in April 2003.
Furthermore, in April 2003, work began on joint development
with Fiat Auto S.p.A. of a new SUV, and agreement was
reached to carry out production of the car at Magyar Suzuki
from the latter half of 2005, and presently, preparations are
underway so this goal can be achieved. At Maruti Udyog
Limited, where aggregate production reached four million units
in April 2003, a decision was announced in May 2004 to
manufacture the latest automobile with a diesel engine using
technology provided based on a licensing contract with Fiat-
Opel.
Business performances at our overseas subsidiaries in 2003
were on the whole favorable. We intend to concentrate our
best efforts to achieve further growth, summed up by our motto:
"In order to survive, let us stop acting in a self-styled
manner and get back to basics."
Kosai Plant
Passenger car assembling plant
SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
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