SUZUKI FAMILY

133March 2011

Global Communication Magazine

Printed in Japan on recycled paper

Published by:

SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION English versionIssued date: March 2011

SUZUKI FAMILY 133No. Suzuki Family is always happy to hear from our readers. Please send your letter and photo(s) with Suzuki products to: Suzuki Family Editor Global Marketing Administration Department Suzuki Motor Corporation (address shown left)(Letters and photos sent to us cannot be returned, and may be edited for publication.)

300 Takatsuka-cho, Minami-ku, Hamamatsu City, Japan 432-8611

New Swift Wins Prestigious Japanese Awards

New Suzuki Motorcycles Wow Visitors to INTERMOTHamamatsu Social Experiment Project on Next-Generation Eco-Cars Begins Road Trials

With strength,

agility and determination,

Suzuki takes aim at

an exciting future.

Suzuki Hamamatsu Atheletes Club javelin star, Yukifumi Murakami, takes gold at the 2010 Asian Games.(Please see the related article on page 14.)

and more...

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2011 2/3

The award-winning sport compact New Swift delivers more driving fun to active people looking for compact size, eco-friendliness, dynamic performance and style.

New Swift Wins Prestigious Japanese Awards

2011 RJC Car of the Year Award Repeats 2006 TitleThe New Swift team celebrates the award.

New Swift body colour: Ablaze Red Pearl 2 New Swift body colour: Smoky Green Metallic 2

Auto Colour Awards 2011 Honour Outstanding Design

Total global sales of the Suzuki’s first world strategic model Swift reached two million units in January of this year, 6 years and 2 months from the date the model was first launched in November, 2004.

Production of the Swift as Suzuki’s first world strategic model began in Japan in 2004, and later expanded to other countries including Hungary, India and China. At present, there are Swift owners in 124 countries and regions around the world.

Of the two million units sold to date, about 15% were sold in Japan, 39% in India, and 27% in Europe. These numbers reflect the Swift’s international popularity.

The pace of worldwide production set a new speed record within Suzuki, with a total of one million units built by June 2008, a mere three years and eight months after the initial launch, and then reaching two million units in December 2010.

Suzuki Swift Worldwide Sales Reach Two Million Units

Chief Swift Engineer Naoyuki Takeuchi accepts the award.

The Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) in November last year selected the New Swift for the 2011 RJC Car of the Year award.

The Swift, which debuted in 2004 as Suzuki’s first world strategic model, has won numerous awards, including the 2006 RJC Car of the Year award for superior performance, class-eclipsing comfort and comprehensive standard equipment. More than 2 million units* of the Swift have been sold in 124 countries and regions.

The New Swift debuted in August 2010 in Japan and has earned acclaim at home and in Europe, where it stands out in the crowded compact car market. The New Swift is highly regarded for its handling stability

and ride comfort, interior quality, plus high performance and fuel economy.

The Fulfilment of “More Swift!”

At the 2011 RJC Car of the Year award ceremony on 13 December 2010 in Tokyo, Swift Chief Engineer Naoyuki Takeuchi said: “The Swift is Suzuki’s world strategic model. For the New Swift, our task was to ensure that the Swift fulfil expectations anywhere in the world, so we developed the model under the theme “More Swift!”. Our team members pursued more agile handling for fun driving, better fuel efficiency, higher styling and many other “MOREs”…”

*As of January 2011

Award-winning New Swift (Japan-specification model)

In addition, last December the New Swift won the annual Auto Colour Awards 2011 given by the Japan Fashion Colour Association and Japan Fashion Association to new car models with excellent colour design.

The Judges’ Special Award cited the New Swift for two outstanding body colours: Ablaze Red Pearl 2 and Smoky Green Metallic 2. The judges explained: “It‘s striking to see two New Swifts together in such different colours: one a subtle grey-based green and the other a vivid, active red. This is a good sample of so changing character by colours that each appears to belong to a

different category.” The New Swift’s Ablaze Red Pearl 2 aso was the Auto Colour Designers’ Selection as the Best Exterior Colour.

Ablaze Red Pearl 2 carries forward the previous Swift’s lively, fun-oriented character while giving the new Swift a more grown-up look that combines greater passion with a measure of composure.

Smoky Green Metallic 2 conveys the energy of nature, and reflects the designer’s determination to create a green that stirs people’s spirits.

Suzuki Swift ChronologyNov. 2004

Feb. 2005

May 2005

Jun. 2005

Nov. 2005

Jun. 2008

Jun. 2010

Nov. 2010

Dec. 2010

Jan. 2011

Swift goes on market in Japan as Suzuki’s first world strategic model.

Production begins in Hungary.

Production begins in India.

Production begins in China.

Swift wins 2006 RJC Car of the Year award and 2005-2006 Car of the Year Japan “Most Fun” award.

Cumulative worldwide production reaches 1 million units.

New Swift for European market rolls of the line in Hungary.

New Swift wins 2011 RJC Car of the Year award.

Cumulative worldwide production reaches 2 million units.

Cumulative worldwide sales reach 2 million units.

Large Crowds Meet the Suzuki Lineup

The 2010 INTERMOT show - with more than 210,000 motorcycle enthusiasts converging on Cologne last October - was a great success under the motto “I love INTERMOT”. Featuring 1,107 manufacturers from 40 countries, the show put the spotlight on the who’s who of the world’s motorcycles. With more exhibitors and more attendees than the previous year “I love INTERMOT” showed that the industry is poised for a recovery from the

global economic slowdown. The event was also a rousing success for Suzuki, which exhibited 74 motorcycles with 59 new models, 9 historical bikes, 4 racing bikes, 1 Crosscage and a fuel cell scooter.

At a press conference prior to the public opening, Director and Senior Managing Officer of Global Marketing, Toshihiro Suzuki expressed pride at Suzuki’s well-established position in Europe’s highly competitive market. He noted that by listening to European consumers and by meeting the challenges of inter-brand competition, Suzuki has been able to bring its Way of Life! to a higher

level, living the slogan. A real highlight of the week was the Suzuki NIGHT of the JUMPs freestyle MX World Championships at Lanxess Arena, which attracted more than 10,000 spectators.

New Models Make a Solid Suzuki Start for 2011

Suzuki unveiled three new models at the show: the GSX-R750, GSX-R600 and the GSR750. Said Suzuki International Europe’s Paul M. Rowney, “The response to the new motorcycles is excellent, we are especially pleased by the positive response to the GSR750, a bike designed to meet all the rider’s demands. Suzuki did its homework; consistently keeping its finger on the pulse of the European customer and presented a solid product range for 2011.”

All three models offer excellent performance and at least a 10% improvement in fuel economy (WMTC mode,

Suzuki in-house research). Each model opens a new chapter in the story of Suzuki’s Way of Life!, bringing excitement and joy to the rider. The GSR750 with its edgy, contemporary styling; the GSX-R750, the best-balanced 750cm3 Supersport bike in the world; and the lighter, class-leading GSX-R600 give Suzuki a strong lineup for 2011 and generated enthusiastic discussion at Suzuki’s international distributor conference held at the same time.

The INTERMOT also showcased electrically powered two-wheelers at the intersection between motorized and non-motorized bikes. Over 100 suppliers exhibited everything from pedelecs and e-bikes to e-scooters and e-motorcycles. Suzuki was pleased to show off the Burgman Fuel-Cell Scooter currently under public road testing in the United Kingdom. Media interest made it clear that electric mobility will be an important part of Suzuki's future.

New Products New GSX-R750, GSX-R600 and GSR750

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2011 4/5

New Suzuki MotorcyclesWow Visitors to INTERMOT

Famed riders from Suzuki history unveil 2011 models: (l-r) Harry Everts on GSX-R750; Dieter Braun on GSR750; Eric Geboers; and Toshihiro Suzuki on GSX-R600.

“It’s lighter, it has impressive suspension and brakes and it handles impeccably. And, with one of the lowest seat heights in the class – there’s no easier sportsbike to get your knee down on! What's not to like?” – Superbike editor Kenny Pryde

Unveiling of three new Suzuki models – the top-performing GSX-R750 and the GSX-R600, plus the dynamic GSR750 naked sport bike – generated widespread excitement.

Ultimate Supersport New GSX-R600New GSX-R750: the best-balanced 750cm3 Supersport New GSR750 "Naked Sportbike": contemporary syling

Journalists Enjoy First Ride on 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600

Class-leading performer, New GSX-R600

UK press enjoyed their first meeting with the all-new 2011 GSX-R600 15 December at the Almeria race circuit in Spain. Testers from all major motorcycle publications in attendance expressed extremely positive early feedback about the comprehensive changes to the new GSX-R, which is an incredible 9kg lighter than its predecessor.

Michael Neeves of Motorcycle News enthusiastically shared his views on the new GSX-R: “We’ve only had a couple of sessions on track but already I can feel the major differences over the old bike. The motor feels keener with more mid range and the chassis noticeably sharper. I’m looking forward to getting back out on the bike and trying the settings suggested by three-time BSB champ John Reynolds.”

Superbike Magazine Editor Kenny Pryde came in from his second session and added, “I’ve had the 2010 model all year as my long-term test bike, so I was really keen to get out and try the new bike. Already I can feel more mid-range performance and the chassis is very agile now. The power of the new Brembo brakes is really noticeable!”

SUZUKI Wins World Endurance Title in Qatar Last 13 November, the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) took the 2010 World Endurance Championship in the final round at Qatar. Team riders Sylvain Guintoli, Vincent Philippe and Freddy Foray led all eight hours aboard their GSX-R1000 Suzuki, clinching victory four laps ahead of runners-up Yamaha Austria Racing Team.

Philippe took the holeshot from BMP Elf 99, then the battle between the two teams raged hour-after-hour. At the halfway stage, SERT and the BMW squad were less than a minute apart, both at 116 laps. But in the second half, the French squad's consistency and high lap times opened up a four-lap lead that they maintained until the finish.

This is SERT's 10th World Endurance title and comes in a season where it suffered a no-score at Le Mans in France and also did not start the third round at Suzuka circuit in Japan.

SERT came into the final round trailing the private Kawasaki Bolliger team by nine points, but the Swiss squad was relegated to runners-up in the series after finishing fourth in the race.

The event justified double celebration for Suzuki, because eighth place gave the Qatar Endurance Racing Team victory in the Superstock class, ahead of fellow GSX-R1000-mounted Team Motors Events.

Rider of Suzuki RM-Z250 Wins 2010 Motocross Spanish Championship At the fourth round of the Motocross Championship 2010 in October, the MX2 class ran on the Parcmotor circuit in Castellolí, Barcelona. Official Suzuki-Import Cross rider José Antonio Butrón, astride his Suzuki RM-Z250, secured the Spanish Championship title, with a round yet to go before the end of the overall championship, which was held 24 October at Talavera de la Reina.

In the first race the Suzuki rider was unstoppable from beginning to end, leading the entire time, although Yamaha riders Cristian Oliva and José Luís Martínez battled hard with Butrón to try to secure the first position.

During the second race on a dry and dusty surface, Butrón was not able to have such a good start. He was in eighth place during the first two laps while the two Yamaha riders were ahead of him at first and second. But Butrón impressively recovered enough ground to finish in second place, securing for him the title of Spanish Champion. Suzuki-Import Cross rider

José Antonio Butrón on his RM-Z250

Launching ceremony for Suzuki’s SWIFT Range Extender and e-Let’s

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2011 6/7

SERT riders Sylvain Guintoli (centre), Vincent Philippe (right) and Freddy Foray (left) take the podium.

Suzuki’s e-Let’s

tions, and the governments of Hamamatsu and of Shizuoka Prefecture. In working together toward the realization of viable EV and PHV solutions, these participants are cooperat-ing on research and development, reliability assurance and developing infrastructure strategies that will allow widespread adoption. This joint effort will also promote business and stimulate innovation in the region, while promoting a move away from carbon dependency to realize a more environment-friendly society.

In conjunction with the road trials, the project partici-pants will forge ahead in examining infrastructure plans that include implementation of both regular and rapid-charging stations. They are firmly committed to developing the advanced technologies and manufacturing systems that will produce innovative parts and control technologies.

Suzuki’s Chairman & CEO Osamu Suzuki remarked, “That local industry, academic and government institutions work together on this project is an epoch-making event. EV will be called the second or third industrial revolution. I hope local small-medium companies will meet the challenge of EV parts, not just conventional part manufacturing.”

Suzuki Motor Corporation completed a prototype of an electric scooter named e-Let’s and began testing it on public roads in Japan after registering e-Let’s as a moped with the local authorities and obtaining a number plate for it in September.

Features include an electric drive system with a high-performance in-wheel motor, regeneration braking capability and a lithium-ion battery pack. The e-Let’s also offers the smooth acceleration, nimble performance, low noise, low vibration and zero-emission environmental performance that characterize electric scooters. The e-Let’s can be charged using any 100V household outlet and travel 30km on a full charge when driven at 30km/h on level roads.

he Hamamatsu Social Experiment Project on Next -Generation Eco-Cars began Electric Vehicle (EV) and

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) road trials on 7 October 2010 as part of a cooperative effort between industry, academic and government institutions based in and around the city of Hamamatsu, where Suzuki Motor Corporation is headquar-tered. The purpose of these trials is to establish the relevant technologies, ensure reliability, establish criteria for determin-ing development issues and examine strategies for imple-menting a battery-charging infrastructure. The launch ceremonies included test drives of Suzuki’s SWIFT Range Extender (EV) and “e-Let’s” electric scooter, Volkswagen’s Golf blue-e-motion (EV) and others.

The 15 participants in The Hamamatsu Social Experi-ment Project on Next -Gen-eration Eco-Cars include Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and other private companies, as well as Shizuoka University and other academic institu-

T

Hamamatsu Social Experiment Project on Next-Generation Eco-Cars Begins Road Trials

Ribbon cutting for Hamamatsu Social Experiment Project

Prizewinning Suzuki Exhibit in the Angola Motorshow Suzuki distributor ANGOLAUTO mounted an outstanding exhibit that won the prize for the best showroom in the Angolan motorshow 2010, held 25-28 November in Luanda. Such a strong showing at Angola’s first motorshow since 2005 (back by popular demand) is a great boost for the Suzuki brand in the country, where Suzuki is already becoming an automotive icon.

Enthused Commercial Manager António Costa Fernandes, “This is a very important moment for all of us on the ANGOLAUTO TEAM. The strong results reflected the commit-ment of a great Team who worked really hard to maintain a high profile and promote SUZUKI brand products in our market.”

2011 Two-Wheel Sector Looks Encouraging at EICMA Show At the EICMA motor show 2-7 November in Milan, Italy, Suzuki Italy displayed the entire 2011 line-up of 45 models, and the innovative and eco-conscious Crosscage and Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter. Over 500,000 visitors passed through EICMA this year, surpassing 2009 by about 50,000.

At the press conference on the 2nd, introducing the new GSX-R600 and 750 and the new GSR750, Suzuki Italy mentioned its commitment to continued sports participation and officially introduced Michael Fabrizio as next year’s Team Alstare Suzuki World Superbike rider and Fabrizio Pirovano, the World Super-sport Champion. The conference ended with both riders helping award the Gladius Cup to 2010 winning riders.

The stand featured a shop of the official Suzuki clothes collection, while the Suzuki “Way of Life!” was everywhere spotlighted by the colours, videos, music and even test rides. To top things off, the No Limits Trial Bike Team performed striking acrobatic jumps with trial bikes.

Emcar Motorcycles Ltd. Showcases Suzukis in Mauritius Emcar Motorcycles Ltd, Suzuki’s distributor on the tropical island of Mauritius, exhibited at the Heat Moto Expo motor-show held the weekend of 29 - 31 October 2010. The show - with participation by major brands from several companies showing motorcycles, autocycles and scooters - attracted more than 10,000 visitors.

Among the many leading motorcycle brands in the show, the Suzuki booth was one of the most visited, featuring 14 different models, including GSX-Rs and the smaller models so popular in the region.

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2011 8/9

World Supersport Champion Fabrizio Pirovano (left) makes an appearance.

Production of Jimny will begin in Brazil in 2012. Paris Motor Show Exhibit

Highlights New Swift’s Appeal

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l’Automobile), which opened 30 September 2010, Suzuki exhibited its unique car line-up. Before the public opening, Director and Senior Managing Officer Toshihiro Suzuki hosted a press conference introducing Suzuki products and highlighting the New Swift.

In line with the “More Swift!” development concept, Suzuki’s New Swift combines stylish design and sporty handling with higher levels of environmental performance. The sporty compact features a 1.2-litre petrol engine and an Engine Auto Stop Start System, with CO2 emissions of just 113g/km and fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km*. The diesel engine’s CO2 emissions are only 109g/km and fuel consump-tion 4.2L/100km. Both models earned the maximum 5-star 2010 Euro NCAP rating demonstrating heightened levels of safety. The New Swift debuted in September 2010 in several countries of Europe, where Suzuki projects annual sales of 100,000 units.

The Kizashi Sport Grade and the Splash were also exhibited. The newly enhanced Splash on display - featuring even higher levels of environmental performance and user-friendliness - introduced Suzuki’s new Engine Auto Stop Start System.

*The CO2 emissions and fuel consumption shown (above) are combined figures calculated based on a Euro 5 standard formula for two-wheel drive and five-speed manual transmission model with Engine Auto Stop Start System..

What’s Goin’ On?

SHOWTIME

Toshihiro Suzuki introduces New Swift.

Kizashi Sport grade

The newly enhanced Splash

The new GSX-R600 draws an enthusiastic crowd. GSX-R600 on display

2011 Kizashi Sport Grade Debut in LA Tops Off Summer Achievements

American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) hit the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show 17-28 November with the show debut of the 2011 Kizashi, following stellar performance in summer events.

Displays of Suzuki’s 2010 Bonneville Special Kizashi, fresh from setting a record during Speed Week*1 in August, and the Kizashi that conquered the gruelling “Tokyo to L.A.: The Hard Way” intercontinental summer road trip*2 were especially big hits with visitors. As Automotive Operations Executive Vice President Koichi Suzuki explained at the press conference, “Suzuki has definitely had an eventful last few months with our Tokyo to L.A.: The Hard Way road trip and land speed record at Bonneville – two activities that illustrate our adven-turous brand spirit”. Topping things off, the 2011 Sport Grade Kizashi had just been named a Consumers Digest Best Buy (Please see page 12 for details).

Suzuki’s full line of 2011 models were also on display, including the spirited four-door SX4 Sport*3, all-wheel-drive five-door SX4 Crossover*4, SX4 SportBack*5, refined Grand Vitara compact SUV and award-winning Equator pickup truck.

*1 The annual Speed Week competition on the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah is famous as the venue of many world land speed records.

*2 Additional information and coverage of “Tokyo to L.A.: The Hard Way” road trip can be found online at http://www.suzukiauto.com/tokyotola/?r=mat_tokyotola

*3 SX4 Sedan model name in US*4 SX4 4WD model name in US*5 SX4 2WD model name in US

2011 Kizashi on display

Jimny Production Signals Promise of the Brazilian Market

The 26th International Automobile Trade Show (Salão Interna-cional do Automóvel 2010) in Brazil - held 25 October through 7 November - featured a Suzuki exhibit of the popular Jimny model.

Suzuki is making great headway in the Brazilian market, with 2010 sales growth 52% over the previous year and expansion of the dealer network to 46. Suzuki will begin producing the Jimny in Brazil in 2012. As a result of success-fully adapting to market changes and customer needs, the

compact Jimny has sold over 2.4 million units in 188 coun-tries.

Suzuki also offers the Grand Vitara and SX4 in Brazil. Given growing demand for the three models, the Jimny manufacturing project repre-sents a second step toward consolidation of the Suzuki brand in that country.

WHERE’STHE ACTION?

African Market To Be Served By Exciting New Suzuki OperationsAfrican consumers are experiencing a new Way of Life!

NAMIBIASuzuki Auto South Africa

Suzuki Auto Welcomes New Dealership in Namibia

The steadily expanding Suzuki Auto South Africa has just opened its first automobile dealership in Namibia, a new facility in Windhoek. The dealership includes a new vehicle showroom and comprehensively equipped service and parts centre, to give Namibian Suzuki customers the same high levels of service already offered in South Africa.

The opening gave invited guests and VIPs an opportu-nity to see Suzuki’s current model range, and featured the donation of 50 trees to the City of Windhoek as part of the new dealership’s Cars For Trees campaign, which plants a new tree for every new Suzuki sold in Namibia.

VIPs in attendance included Managing Director of Suzuki Auto South Africa Kazuyuki Yamashita, as well as the director of the Windhoek Vocational Centre, Councillor Joseph Auala, who officially opened the dealership.

“We are very pleased to welcome Suzuki Windhoek to the Suzuki Auto family and we are confident that this dealership will also play an important role in our future sales success and expansion,” Yamashita commented.

“Suzuki is a true lifestyle brand and our brand message is best explained by our international brand slogan of ‘Way of Life!’. Whether your needs are to com-mute, or to explore the beautiful landscapes of Namibia, the Suzuki vehicle range offers an exciting mobility solution with which you can enjoy your way of life.”

SOUTH AFRICASuzuki South Africa

New Suzuki Marine Dealership Boasts Great Location

Suzuki South Africa - importer of Suzuki outboards, motor-cycles and ATVs - in October 2010 opened a new Suzuki Marine dealership, Mariners Hub, in Hartbeespoort, North of Pretoria and Johannesburg. Hartbeespoort’s location near a large dam facilitates boating and fishing, plus off-road activities on motorbike trails in the Magaliesberg mountains.

Mariners Hub actively demonstrates Suzuki’s “Way of Life!” philosophy, offering a complete range of marine products, Suzuki ATVs and off-road motorcycles. Partners Johan Steyn and Susan Henning together have 52 years of retail and marketing experience, 20 of them in the boating Industry.

As the largest Suzuki Marine dealership in the North-West and Gauteng region, the showroom boasts floor space of 1,200m2 for new and used boats. The location is ideal for demonstrations, and the Hub offers such services as buoyancy certificates and Skippers Licenses, while a dedicated workshop is able to deliver high quality services for all Suzuki products.

The grand opening was attended by representatives of most boating and leisure media, and visitors could participate in a Lucky Draw and win an Inflatable Boat equipped with a DF2.5.

Suzuki South Africa is proud to welcome Mariners Hub to the Suzuki Family and firmly believes that the investment will result in greater visibility for the Suzuki Marine on inland waters in South Africa.

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2011 10/11

What’s Goin’ On?

SHOWTIME

Visitors wait for the ‘Suzuki RIB Experience’.Adventurer Bear Grylls signs autographs for kids.

Suzuki outboards will be used to power support boats at the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games Sailing Regatta.

Suzuki Success at Southampton Boat Show

Suzuki GB had a very busy and successful Southampton Boat Show in September 2010. As one of the main sponsors of the show, there was plenty of Suzuki branding around the site, which included logos on the perimeter fence, flags and banners along the pontoons plus sponsorship of the bar, which has now become the ‘Suzuki Marina Bar’!

After much anticipation, the new DF40/50 and DF300 Lean Burn made their UK debuts at the show and in a real show of strength there were more Suzuki outboards on display throughout the event than any other brand.

On the water, activities included running free RIB rides for visitors in the form of the ‘Suzuki RIB Experience’. The boat that was used for the Suzuki RIB Experience was a Ribcraft 7.8m RIB powered by a single DF250, which delivers exciting power and performance but is also compact, lightweight and fuel-efficient, making it the ideal power unit for this type of commercial application.

This proved to be an extremely popular attraction and gave people a taste of some Suzuki powered boating fun.

Meanwhile, on the stand a guest appearance from Suzuki-powered TV adventurer and survivalist Bear Grylls

created a real buzz. Bear spent a couple of hours on the Suzuki stand doing media interviews and signing autographs for hundreds of fans. He also had his own personal RIB on display at the show, which is powered by a twin-rig of the new DF300 Lean Burn outboards. Bear has described these new models as “the most exciting outboards on the market”.

In a drive to further increase sales of large horsepower outboards, a new partnership with French boat builder Bene-teau was also announced during the show and to cap it all off Suzuki celebrated being appointed as the sole supplier of up to 90 outboard motors to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Sailing Regatta.

It is the first time that any outboard manufacturer has been chosen as a sole supplier of products to an Olympic Games. The specific models that have been selected are the all-new DF40, the DF90, DF140 and DF200, which will all be used on a variety of support boats. These boats will be used to lay the racing marks prior to each event as well for safety and jury boats during the competitions.

After signing the contracts, Managing Director for Suzuki GB PLC Yasuharu Osawa said, “It is a great honour to be supplying our outboard motors to the London 2012 Olympic Games. It is a great endorsement of Suzuki’s outboard motors and a once in a lifetime opportunity so we are very excited to be involved.”

Winners of the New Swift Competition at the MTV EMAs (r-l): Musician Tyrone Relph, EU FANtastic Sounds winner; Riccardo Schippa, member of FROST, winning band of Italian FANtastic Sounds; Barbara Ansaldi, winner of Italian FAN Award; Lorenzo Sementilli, FROST bandmember; Stéfanie Pire, EU FAN Award winner; and Jacopo Tittarelli Rubboli, FROST bandmember.

Rest stop for press briefing at beautiful La Villa resort on Lake Starnberg

European Journalists Praise the New Swift

Last fall, distributors and journalists from 17 European countries enjoyed a test drive of Suzuki’s New Swift in the countryside around Munich, Germany, along a 127km route that showcased performance in a wide range of driving conditions.

During the day-long drive starting at a hotel near Munich Airport, the over 400 participants enjoyed a rest stop at “La Villa” an elegant and historic venue with modern style on Starnberg Lake, where they were treated to lunch and a media briefing with a Swift history slide show. The test drive destination was the heritage-listed design Hotel Sofitel Bayerpost in the centre of Munich, where the briefing focused on consumer expectations and presentations about New Swift design and

engineering, followed by individual media meetings by country. The final event was a dinner at a gourmet restaurant that created a subtle “Way of Life!” atmosphere.

The consensus among the participants was that the New Swift represents a further evolutionary step forward for Suzuki's popular and successful vehicle. The following quote encompasses the overall opinions of the European media: “the New Swift is a reflection of Suzuki’s desire to offer a sports compact that is perfectly suited to the lifestyles and demands of today.”

2010 MTV EMAs Again Highlight the New Swift

Suzuki has tapped into MTV’s creativity and strong bond with the youth audience by sponsoring the MTV European Music Awards, giving a big boost to Suzuki's brand awareness throughout Europe. Leading up to the award show, Suzuki held two on-line competitions.

In the “FANtasic Sounds” competition, Suzuki was looking for a sound tailored to express the New Swift. From among one hundred unsigned European bands, Irish singer and songwriter Tyron Relph won the hearts of an international jury of music professionals.

Another contest “New Swift FAN Award” tying in with the launch of the new Swift attracted more than 3,000 contestants and collected almost a million website hits. Nineteen year old Belgian student Stéfanie Pire won the online voting as the most dedicated fan by showing that she was the biggest fan of her favourite star to meet the challenge to “Prove it!”.

The winners were invited to the 2010 MTV EMA ceremony, which took place in Spain’s historic capital of Madrid and they had the chance to attend the legendary after-show party.

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Named a US Consumers Digest Best Buy

Since the Kizashi’s July 2009 unveiling in the US, the model has earned worldwide acclaim and a variety of awards. Last November Kizashi continued the tradition by winning a Consumers Digest “Best Buy” designation in the family cars category.

The Best Buy title from the leading US consumer review magazine was based on behind-the-wheel assessment, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities, safety ratings, warranty, ownership costs and price and reflects Consumers Digest’s view of which 2011 models offer exceptional value for the money.

“We are extremely pleased with the recognition of the 2011 Kizashi as a Best Buy,” said Executive Vice President of American Suzuki Automotive Operations Koichi Suzuki, “This acknowledgment from Consumers Digest shines a spotlight on the Kizashi as a safe, reliable and affordable vehicle for U.S. consumers seeking a stylish alternative to the ordinary family sedan.”

Suzuki Sponsors ASEAN Football Federation Cup

Suzuki Motor Corporation was the title sponsor of ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) in 2010 for the second time. The ASEAN region’s largest tournament, the “AFF Suzuki Cup” aims to raise the standard of ASEAN football to world-class levels and increase the game’s regional popularity. The 10 member countries in competition were, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste.

The final rounds were played from 1 to 29 December in the ASEAN homelands of the finalist teams. In the end, Malaysia won a hard-fought final series victory of 4-2 over Indonesia before an excited sell-out crowd of 95,000 spectators in Jakarta on the 29th. The next day, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak declared a public holiday for the 31st, and congratulated the Malaysian football team for making the country proud by winning their country’s very first AFF title.

SUZUKI FAMILYMarch 2011 12/13

AUTOMOBILES

What’s Goin’ On???

AUTOMOBILES

SMARINE PRODUCTSMARINE PRODUCTS MOTORCYCLESS

Suzuki’s sponsorship of sporting events expresses the excitement and passion of the global “Way of Life!” slogan, while stimulating brand awareness of Suzuki as a manufacturer dedicated to providing sport fans around the world with great vehicles.

“Best Buy” Kizashi

Winning Malaysian team celebrates their trophy award. (For further details, please see http://www.affsuzukicup.com/)

Kizashi Awards History

2009 Dec.2010 Jan.

2010 May2010 May2010 Nov.2010 Dec.2010 Dec.2010 Dec.

MexicoUSA

USACanadaUSAPuerto RicoNew ZealandNew Zealand

Best Medium Size CarThe highest ratings in New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash testsVehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA)Best in Class 2010Best Buy in the family cars categorySedan of the YearMotoring Excellence Awards Supreme WinnerCar of the Year

Auto Show TVNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)Auto PacificAuto 123.comConsumers DigestPuerto Rico International Auto ShowNew Zealand Automobile Association (AA)The New Zealand Herald

Country Awards Sponsors Year

MOTORCYCLES Suzuki Manufacturing of America Celebrates 10th Anniversary

On 25 February this year, Suzuki Manufactur-ing of America Corporation (SMAC) celebrated its 10-year anniversary under the theme “10 Years and Beyond.” As Suzuki’s first manufacturing plant in the United States - located in Rome, Georgia - SMAC produces

the world’s best utility ATVs, Suzuki’s award-winning KingQuads. To recognize this event, SMAC team members submitted ideas for a 10th anniversary logo. The winning logo will appear on SMAC produced KingQuads sold in the U.S. in 2011.

For a decade, since initially manufactur-ing the Eiger ATV series, SMAC’s skilled and dedicated team members have been helping to secure Suzuki’s reputation as “First on Four Wheels”. The company has also built a proud history of cooperation with the people of Rome and surrounding communities. SMAC has come a long way since 2001, and looks forward to new milestones in production excel-lence for the next 10 years and beyond.

Pioneering Israeli Burgman Club Celebrates 5th Anniversary

The Burgman Club, a pioneer of model-based clubs in Israel, has sponsored dozens of trips in Israel and around the world, as well as riding instructions and social activities. Last October, the 800 active members of celebrated the club’s fifth anniversary.

Currently led by President Jacky Hakim and Avnir Motor Company Suzuki Brand Manager Israel Viligura, the club has promoted the two-wheel driving culture in Israel by working to improve road safety, and even joined the Italian Burgman Club in a journey across the Swiss and Austrian Alps.

Vice Managing Director of Avnir Motor Company (importer of Suzuki motorcycles to Israel) Kobi Gilon remarked: “Burgman repre-sents a proper way of life for riders of two-wheeled motor vehicles. This is a point of view integrating quality, lifestyle and contribution to society.”

SMAC team marks 10th Anniversary with the 1st Eiger ever assembled and the current KingQuad 750.

Exciting DF300 in action

Yuki Ebihara, women’s javelin gold medalist

Tsuyoshi Takeda, men’s 3000m steeplechase fifth place winner.

MARINE PRODUCTS

For the third consecutive year, Suzuki Motor Spain sponsored the hugely popular Off-Road Festival, held in Barcelona in late November. Open to both motocross and enduro bikes of any brand and displacement, only advance registration was required to participate.

Some of the more than 250 entries in the Suzuki Timed Session dropped out early on because of intense cold and icy patches, but the surface was great by mid-morning. Overall, more than a hundred riders battled it out on the varied nearly 5-kilometre track, where tricky curves alternated with open stretches that allowed riders to pit them-selves against the clock.

The top riders this year were: Roger Planes (5’29.126), Eduard Tribaldos (5’27.554) and Marc Morró (5’29.126), who, along with fourth- and fifth-place riders, received fantastic prizes from the Suzuki official catalogue.

Bear Grylls Becomes a Fan of Suzuki’s New DF300 Lean Burn

International TV adventurer and survivalist Bear Grylls has chosen two of Suzuki’s new DF300 Lean Burn outboards to power his

personal RIB. Built to meet the ‘Born Survivor’ star’s own specifications, the 10m craft is the biggest that British maker Ribquest has ever constructed.

Suzuki’s flagship 4-litre, V6 DF300 offers the ultimate in power and performance. The original Innovation Award-winning DF300 - the very first 220.7kW(300PS) 4-stroke outboard - set a new benchmark for compact and lightweight outboards.

Now the addition of Suzuki’s Lean Burn Control technology and new Oxygen (O2) Feedback Control System deliver dramatically improved fuel economy as well as environment-friendly operation without sacrificing any of its famous power. In-house testing shows that while cruising, the new DF300 is 14% more economical than the current DF300.

Remarked Bear Grylls, “The new DF300 Lean Burn is the most exciting outboard on the market – a real credit to the Suzuki engineers.”

Island Experience in the Netherlands Introduces Suzuki DF300

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Last October Suzuki Netherlands organized a sensational introduction of the new Suzuki DF300 lean burn outboard on the North Sea, the “Suzuki DF300 Island Experience”. During this event in a beautiful natural habitat, over eight Marine magazines and the most influen-tial dealers were invited to come on board to experience the superior power and efficiency of the new and improved Suzuki DF300.

The launch started alongside the longest dike of the Netherlands, the 32km(!) long “Afsluitdijk”, where four 8-metre long Rough-neck RIBs, equipped with the new DF300 and the all-new Suzuki Modular Instrument System, took the guests over to the famous Frisian Islands. During a lunch stop at the island of Texel, the group viewed a technical presentation about the numerous technical and environmental advantages of the new Suzuki DF300.

Lake Sanaru Clean-up Inspires Customer Trust and Local Goodwill

On a clear day last winter (12 December), 54 staff members of the sales and engineering departments of Suzuki’s Marine Head Office in Japan worked as a team to clean up the environment around the Lake Sanaru, collect-ing enough trash to fill a mini pickup truckbed!

The team had actively brainstormed ways for Suzuki to be the most competitive brand despite the current difficult market conditions, and decided to get back to Suzuki’s original premise of providing “excitement and satisfaction”, while building consumer trust in the brand. Accordingly, the group committed themselves to cleanup of environments where marine products are used, such as lakes, rivers and seashores. The team kicked off their project at Lake Sanaru, the birthplace of Suzuki outboards.

During the cleanup, local residents encouraged the team, and the successful Lake Sanaru cleanup was prominently reported in the Nikkei and Shizuoka newspapers. The well-received employee teamwork in Japan was just the beginning of a Suzuki project to carry out such environmental cleanup activi-ties worldwide.

Suzuki International Europe GmbH features the unique Lean Burn at the Dusseldorf

The 42nd Dusseldorf International Boat Show was held in Germany on 22-30 January, despite the decline of exhibitor participation in the wake of the 2009 economic crisis, total visitors increased to 250,500 compared to last year’s 240,200, definitely a good sign for future of the marine industry.

In this atmosphere, Suzuki International Europe GmbH featured the New DF40/50 Lean Burn and DF300 Lean Burn. The exhibit also emphasized Suzuki’s unique Lean Burn technology and technical background information with a well-publicized campaign.

Also Suzuki reinforced its relationship with Beneteau by displaying a new Beneteau Antares 880 mounted with two DF150s. Four Beneteau dealers also participated at the Suzuki booth, meeting customers and promoting sales during the show.

Suzuki Strikes Gold at Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games

The 16th Asian Games, the biggest all-round games in the region, was held in Guangzhou, China in November 2010. Three athletes from Suzuki Hamamatsu Athletes Club participated as Japanese national team members: Yukifumi Murakami* (men’s javelin throw), Yuki Ebihara (women’s javelin throw) and Tsuyoshi Takeda (men’s 3000m steeple-chase). Murakami and Ebihara took gold in the men’s and women’s javelin throw respectively and Tsuyoshi Takeda placed fifth in the men’s 3000m steeplechase.

Murakami set a personal best of 83m15 surpassing his own record by 5cm, which had set at the World Championships in Athletics – Berlin 2009. Ebihara also established a new Japanese record of 61m56. Said Murakami: “I am happy to achieve the result under certain pressure. This is a very important win.”

Also, Atsushi Yamamato from Suzuki participated in the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games as a member of the Japanese national team and won gold in the 100m dash with a record time of 13.08 seconds.* Murakami’s javelin throw is shown on the back cover.

Bear Grylls puts twin DF300s through their paces.

Suzuki Marine team’s first cleanup project impressed locals.

Mauritius Riders Tackle Rugged Track on Suzuki Z400 and Z450 Quads

Emcar Motorcycles Ltd, distributor for Suzuki on the tropical island of Mauritius, organized a competition held last June for Suzuki Quad customers. The event took place on a 3- kilometre track through a Deer Hunting Reserve in Chamarel.

JJ Collen of Autosport Ltd. organized and supervised the race marshals and operations in a highly professional manner. Riding times for every lap were recorded, with rankings determined by the best averages of three laps for the riders. The winning riders were Karl Bouic in the 450cm3 category and Guillaume Jollivet in the 400cm3 Category.

Big Crowd of Off-road Riders Challenge Suzuki Motor Spain’s 2010 Chrono-test

Atsushi Yamamoto, 100m dash gold medalist, Asian Para Games