Suzuki Motors
The Suzuki Story
It’s taken over 100 years for Suzuki to become one of the world’s leading car manufacturer’s. However you can trace innovation, great value and a flair for creating products for everyday life, right back to its humble beginnings.
1909 Inspiration
Suzuki Founded: Michio Suzuki founds the Suzuki loom works in the small Japanese village of Hamamatsu.
He creates a loom that is different from the rest. It’s faster, more productive and easier for everyone to use. It came from a philosophy about a way of life that no one
had considered before. Michio Suzuki believed in innovative technology for people.
1947 Expansion
Suzuki Headquarters: With Suzuki now expanding rapidly, the decision is made to move to a larger building in the town of Hamamatsu, where the companies headquarters still reside today.
1952 Original
First Motor Vehicles: Suzuki is now established as one of the worlds leading manufacturers and Michio Suzuki turns to everyday life for inspiration. He discovers the need for affordable and reliable transport. He develops an inventive two-wheeled bicycle powered by an engine, and works on innovative prototypes for a car that is compact as well as practical to drive. Transport now becomes Michio Suzuki’s main focus.
The Suzulight: Fllowing the success of Suzuki motorcycles, an even more successful automobile is launched. The Suzulight breaks the mould with front wheel drive, four wheel independent suspension and rack and pinion steering.
The 1955 Bround Breaking
It’s taken over 100 years for Suzuki to become one of the world’s leading car manufacturer’s. However you can trace innovation, great value and a flair for creating products for everyday life, right back to its humble beginnings.
1961 Compact
Suzulight Carry: Continuing the company’s focus on light cars, Suzuki launches its compact pickup truck, the Suzulight Carry.
1968 Development
Suzuki Carry Van: The successes of the Suzulight Carry are adapted and built upon to produce the Suzuki Carry Van.
Jimny 4x4 debuts & Kosai automobiles plant is born: Bringing the first 'real' 4x4 into the market, Suzuki unveils the Jimny. It allows more and more people to explore off-road, and the car soon becomes a keen favourite amongst drivers.
1980 Progress
Suzuki in Australia: Suzuki Australia a Pty.Ltd (a sales joint venture) is established in Sydney, Australia.
The first All-Terrain Vehicle: Suzuki pioneers all terrain transportation with the invention of the worlds first four wheel all terrain vehicle.
Swift Debuts: Premiering at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show, the Swift starts life with many different names across the world. Ranging from Geo Metro to Margalla. Originally classed as a supermini or supercompact, the success of the Swift has evolved into a hatchback, a sedan and even a convertible.
1989 Milestone
10 million vehicles: A ground-breaking achievement. The production milestone of 10 million vehicles worldwide is reached.
Suzuki ventures into Europe: In a bid to continue with expansion and innovation the company begin to expand into Europe. They also change their name to the more internationally friendly and palatable Suzuki Motor Corporation.