Suzuki 2014 Annual Report Download - page 18

16 SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
Topics
Unveiling of the New-Genre Hustler Minicar Crossover
Suzuki created a lifestyle-focused new genre—the minicar crossover—by
unveiling the Hustler, which represents a fusion of passenger miniwagon
and sport utility vehicle (SUV). The Hustler is packaged for spaciousness
and superior rough-terrain performance, has distinctive SUV-inspired looks,
and oers outstandingly user-friendly equipment and functionality. SUZUKI
GREEN Technology gives it nimble, powerful performance and superior fuel
economy. The Hustler with four-wheel drive has functionality that is new
to minivehicles*. Plus, the Hustler incorporates advanced safety tech-
nologies such as the Radar Brake Support
collision-mitigation braking system**.
*The Hustler (except the A grade) with four-
wheel drive and a continuously variable trans-
mission has Hill Descent Control and Grip Con-
trol functions. Suzuki made comparisons with
other vehicles in December 2013.
**The Hustler (except the A grade) with a contin-
uously variable transmission has the advanced
safety technologies.
Launch of More Condence-Inspiring Mobility Scooters:
the Seniorcar ET4D and ET4E
Suzuki enhanced the Seniorcar ET4D and Seniorcar ET4E by incorporat-
ing functions that give the user greater peace of mind by making driving
easier. New features include indicators and voice warnings that encour-
age caution when the vehicle encounters a
steep slope, when the vehicle is turning or
reversing, and when the battery runs low. The
Seniorcar ET4D oers even greater comfort and
convenience by means of a big basket that is
incorporated into a front design that conveys a
sense of freshness and stability.
Suzuki Foundation announces funding of 27 scientic
researches for scal 2013
Suzuki Foundation, which was established in March 1980 to mark the 60th
anniversary of Suzuki, selected 25 scientic research projects and two
proposed scientic research projects for scal 2013, and held a presenta-
tion ceremony. Thus far, the Foundation has made 1,316 supports includ-
ing research projects by universities and research institutes in Japan and
subsidizing programs in Japan for researchers
from overseas. The Foundation does not limit
the usage of the funding to researches, but for
any other purposes as well including transporta-
tion fees. For this reason, the Foundation is val-
ued by many universities and research institutes
that the Foundation supported.
Launch of fuel-ecient new compact car Celerio in India.
Introduction to Thailand and Europe also announced.
Suzuki unveiled a new compact car Celerio at the India Auto Expo, which
was held in India in February. The Celerio adopts a design that surpasses
that of conventional A-segment cars, as well as roomy and elegant pack-
age. It is a global compact model which realizes low fuel consumption by
the combination of new transmission Auto Gear Shift (AGS) to a 1.0L en-
gine, in additon to its lightweight body. Approximately half of the bookings
for the rst two months are equipped with AGS, which is drawing attention
for its advantage in price and fuel-eciency in India, where manual trans-
mission is the mainstream.
Subsequently in March, the Celerio was exhibited at the Geneva Motor
Show (Switzerland) and at the Bangkok International Motor Show (Thailand).
Production of the Celerio started in May at Suzuki’s Thai subsidiary, Suzuki
Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. as its second car that meets the eco-car project
promoted by the government. It is planned to be distributed in Thailand
and its neighboring countries as well as in Europe.
Unveiling of Japan-Specication Hayabusa Sportbike
Suzuki unveiled the Japanese version of its agship sportbike, the Hayabusa.
The company launched the Hayabusa in 1999 and has since sold it mainly
in Europe and North America. In the past few years, Suzuki has expanded
the Hayabusa’s availability to other areas including emerging nations such
as India; the bike has become popular worldwide. The Japan-specication
Hayabusa satisfies Japanese regulations
while delivering the same power as the
European version. It is the first motor-
cycle in Japan to have a transponder for
electronic toll collection (convenient for
touring) as standard equipment*.
*Based on Suzuki research in January 2014.
Resolution to establish automobile manufacturing subsidiary,
Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India
Suzuki resolved to establish an automobile manufacturing subsidiary,
Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited (SMG) in India. SMG has the purpose
to expand production capacity in India for future development of Indian
automobile market and to expand exports from India.
SMG will build automobile manufacturing plant in Gujarat, located in west-
ern India. Start of production is set to be within 2017. In the initial stage,
annual production capacity is scheduled to be 100,000 units, and the
capacity will be increased gradually depending on market trend. Contract
manufacturing agreement between SMG and Maruti Suzuki India Limited
(MSIL) is planned, in which MSIL will become the distributor of vehicles
including exports.
Development of New Transmission Auto Gear Shift
Auto Gear Shift is an automated manual transmission
which makes operations of clutch pedal and gearshift
unnecessary. It features smooth shifting of gears and the
same creep function as in conventional automatic trans-
mission and continuously variable transmission, while
realizing low fuel consumption with its high transmission
eciency. It is equipped on the new compact car Celerio
which was launched in February in India.
Seniorcar ET4D
December 2013 February 2014
January 2014
India Auto Expo Geneva Motor Show