Suzuki 2013 Annual Report Download - page 17

SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION 15
Topics
1955 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2012 SEP
(Units)
(Fiscal Year)
Accumulated Domestic Sales Units of Minivehicles
20,000,758
20 million units
10 million units
Domestic Minivehicle Sales Reach 20 Million
Units
Suzuki became the first automaker to see its cumulative sales of
minivehicles in Japan reach 20 million units. The company entered the
minivehicle market in October 1955 with the Suzulight and has since
led developments in the market and advances in minivehicle design
and technology. Strong support from customers enabled Suzuki to
reach the 20-million-unit milestone in 56 years and 11 months. The
company continues to develop innovative minivehicles that represent
genuine value for customers.
November 2012
Decision to Wind Down Automobile
Marketing Business in the US
Suzuki’s subsidiary in the US, American Suzuki Motor Corporation, which
distributes automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, marine products and related
parts/accessories in the US (excluding Hawaii), resolved to commence a
reorganization proceeding under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code
on November 5, 2012 (local time). As a result, Suzuki’s distribution of its
automobiles in the continental US was discontinued.
From April 1, 2013, Suzuki’s business in the US was assumed by the
newly established Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., which specializes in
motorcycle/ATV and outboard motor businesses for their sales expan-
sion. As for the automobile business, supply of parts and service is
succeeded.
SUZUKI GREEN Technologies Win RJC
Technology of the Year Award
The Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC)
chose SUZUKI GREEN Technology as the 2013 RJC Technology of the
Year. Suzuki was the rst automaker to gain the accolade for techno-
logical advances in a minivehicle (the new Wagon R). The RJC judges
gave high marks to the ENE-CHARGE regenerative braking system, to
a new Engine Auto Stop Start System, and to the ECO-COOL climate-
control system, each of which Suzuki adopted for the rst time in the
new Wagon R. They also praised
the new Wagon R’s light, impact-
absorbent Total Effective Control
Technology (TECT) body structure
and the measures Suzuki took to
heighten powertrain eciency and
suppress running resistance.
December 2012
Announcement of DF60AV Outboard Motor
at Paris Boat Show
Suzuki told visitors to the Paris Motor Show about its plans to produce
the DF60AV—a new, high-thrust four-stroke outboard motor. The DF60AV
is based on the light, compact DF60A,
which has an overall displacement of
941cm3 and maximum output of
44.1kW (60PS). It has a bigger propel-
ler and a newly optimized nal drive
ratio for easier operation at low and
mid-range speeds.
January 2013
Sales of New Cars in India Top One Million
Units for First Time in Two Years
Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki India, reported that its whole-
sale sales had grown by 6.6% year-on-year to 1,063,599 units in 2012.
The company’s annual wholesale sales topped one million units for
the rst time in two years. Maruti Suzuki India stopped production in
July 2012 following an outbreak of violence. The company restarted
production in August. Production was back at year-before levels by the
end of October. The company subsequently beneted from strong de-
mand for the Ertiga, from
growing sales of diesel
versions of models such
as the Swift Dzire, and
from the launch of the
Alto 800. Suzuki will con-
tinue to play part in India’s
economic development
through car production.
Launch of Skywave650LX Scooter
Suzuki’s agship scooter, the Skywave650 (BURGMAN 650 in overseas
market), earned an excellent reputation from customers in Japan as
well as Europe, the United States, and other markets owing to its relax-
ing ride and high-quality equipment. In January 2013, Suzuki launched
an extensively updated model, the Skywave650LX in Japan (BURGMAN
650/Executive in overseas market). The new model is characterized by a
look of dignity and renement. Plus, enhancements in the engine and
in the control technologies for the continuously variable transmission
yield superior environmental performance; the new model oers fuel
economy of 32km/L*.
* Measured on level ground at
60km/h. Reported to Japan’s
Ministry of Land, Infrastruc-
ture, Transport and Tourism.
Actual fuel economy may dier
depending on variables such as
the weather, the road surface,
the motorcycle’s specica-
tions, the manner in which the
motorcycle is ridden, and the
motorcycle’s maintenance.