Global Communication Magazine

146Autumn 2017

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SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION English versionIssued date: Autumn 2017

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 & Planning 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-shi, Japan 432-8611

HQ News

SUZUKI FAMILY 146No.

All-new WagonR and WagonR StingrayLaunched in JapanEarly this year Suzuki launched the all-new WagonR and WagonR Stingray minicars in Japan. Roomier and more user friendly, hybrid variants of the new models feature a mild hybrid system which lets the vehicle drive solely on its electric motor when it starts moving. There are advanced safety technologies such as the Dual Sensor Brake Support, and user-friendliness has been enhanced such as umbrella holders on the inside of both rear doors. Since its introduction in 1993 the WagonR has sold approximately 4.4 million units, making it an iconic presence on Japan’s streets.

Suzuki’s Gujarat Plant Begins OperationOn 1st February, Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited, the first 100% automobile manufacturing subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation in India, began operation of its plant located in Hansalpur in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The plant currently manufactures the Baleno, Suzuki’s compact hatchback, which is sold through Maruti Suzuki's NEXA, its new retail experience channel. Subsequently, the vehicles manufactured at the plant are planned to be exported to overseas markets including Europe, Africa and Japan from the neighbouring Mundra Port.

Suzuki Plaza Welcomes

Visitor500,000th

In the eight years since its opening in April 2009, Suzuki Plaza has welcomed a half million visitors. President Toshihiro Suzuki welcomed the 500,000th visitor, a family member who traveled more than 100km to see the plaza. Visitors who come to the Plaza enjoy learning more about the history and manufacturing roots of Suzuki in Hamamatsu and the surrounding Enshu region, a crossroads of Japanese manufacturing expertise.

In his remarks at the ceremony celebrating this milestone, President Toshihiro Suzuki said he is pleased that about 12,000 primary school students visit the Plaza each year and emphasised his hope that the experience of learning about Suzuki’s “monozukuri”, the Japanese art of craftsmanship, today and in the past will encourage the students’ interest in manufacturing.

DF350A: A Revolution in Innovation

SUZUKI FAMILY Autumn 2017 02 03

Suzuki Unveils the DF350A:

The DF350A marks the culmination of a major engineering expedition Suzuki embarked on to build the ultimate 4-stroke outboard. Nicknamed「激」GEKI: PARTING SEAS, another name given to this flagship, the DF350A reaches new levels of performance and symbolises the passion and commitment Suzuki engineers dedicated to achieving a revolution in marine innovation. Packed with Suzuki’s most sophisticated technologies, the DF350A opens up a new chapter in the prestigious history of Suzuki outboard innovation.

Innovation boosts performance, stability and styling

Suzuki engineers began with a blank sheet as they set out to boost power output and enhance the hydrodynamic performance of the lower unit, all while delivering this in a stylish, compact design.

The DF350A adopts the highest compression ratio in its class, improving combustion efficiency and enhancing output. Updated dual injectors further promote efficient combustion, while helping to minimise knock. Suzuki’s innovative Direct Intake System and Dual Louver System keep the tempera-ture of air intake from rising and remove moisture from the intake air.

The Dual Prop system with contra-rotating propellers is another first on a Suzuki outboard. (See “New Technology” on next page)

DF350A launch event in Florida a resounding success

Suzuki unveiled the DF350A on 9th June at a launch event in Boca Raton, Florida. Members of the media, boat builders, distributors and retailers from around the world gathered to witness the launch of this new flagship and experience it through test rides. The response was highly positive and all were impressed with the power, top speed, quietness, and stylish design. The following comment from one attendee sums up the enthusiasm expressed by all. “I think these engines are phenomenal. They’re quiet. They’re fast. They’re beautiful looking. Suzuki has surely hit a home run with the DF350A.”

New Technology

S P E C I A L The Ultimate 4-stroke Outboard

The Dual Prop SystemA revolutionary innovation in outboard technology The advances made to increase engine output are matched by those implemented to optimise the shape of the lower unit and design of the propeller. Keenly aware that this meant realising a smaller, more hydrodynamic gear case design, Suzuki’s engineers came up with the innovative idea of designing a Dual Prop System. Its contra-rotating propellers efficiently convert engine output into forward thrust and provide more “grip” underwater. Also, because they distribute the engine torque evenly, the torque per propeller decreases and gear diameter can be reduced.

SUZUKI FAMILY Autumn 2017 04 05

The King is Back! GSX-R1000/R

Suzuki Motorcycles Garner Awards in Spain and Indonesia

As Suzuki’s flagship model, the GSX-R1000 has gained world-wide acclaim since its launch in 2001. At INTERMOT 2016, Suzuki unveiled the eagerly awaited, all-new version of its premiere model, the GSX-R1000 and its high-end model GSX-R1000R. Since then “The King is Back!” has been heard around the world.

Guided by the “King of Sports Bikes” concept, the new model benefited enormously from technical feedback from MotoGP racing. With high yet controlled engine power—right across the rev range—an agile chassis that also promotes stability, as well as easy-to-ride ergonomics, the all-new GSX-R1000/R is, without question, again worthy of the top position.

Australian Test Ride Gathers Global AttentionTo show the new contender for “King of the Sports Bikes” in action, an international test ride was coordinated by SAPL (Suzuki Australia Pty., Ltd.) in February at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Members of the press from 57 companies in 16 countries were able to experience close up the highly anticipated GSX-R1000R. Legendary MotoGP champion rider, Kevin Schwantz, joined in, riding along with the journalists.

Spain- Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 was recognised as the sportiest motorcycle of 2017 by Spain’s motorcycle journalists. The prestige of this award, voted by experts in the field, is great and shows the impact of the GSX-R1000 due to its technological components, spectacular power and ergonomics.

Indonesia- In Indonesia, the proof of the high reputation of the GSX-R1000 is the popularity of the GSX-R150 and its variations, the youngest brothers of the series. Otomotif, a major Indonesian automotive magazine, has judged Suzuki as the winner of four categories. In its 10th year, the prestigious Otomotif Award went to GSX-R150 as the Best New Model and the GSX-S150 as the Best Sport Naked 150cm3 model. Presented at the opening day of the Indonesia International Motor Show in Jakarta, the two other awards both went to the SATRIA F150 which was judged Best Hyper Underbone and Best of the Best Underbone.

SPECIAL

Spain

Indonesia

High Ratings from Motorcycle ExpertsThe GSX-R1000R is an outstanding winner in road tests. Acclaimed British former TT racer and currently UK’s fastest road tester, Michael Rutter, was clearly delighted in his GSX-R1000R test report for the UK magazine Performance Bikes. Writing about the Austin, Texas test ride, Quentin Wilson of Motorcycle Daily, commented, “The thrust in the seat of your pants above 10,000rpm is unreal. Suzuki’s new VVT system is superb.”

And in comparison tests for MOTORRAD, Suzuki’s GSX-R1000R won a positive reception among critics in a fiercely competitive field that included the BMW S1000RR. The bikes were tested to their limits over extremely demanding courses, but GSX-R1000R came out tops in 0-100M and 0-200M standing start acceleration tests.

*This picture was shot with a professional rider in closed course.

SUZUKI FAMILY Autumn 2017 06 07

Are you a real VITARA fan? 30th June - Can you put these Vitara models in order of age? The oldest is 30! Watch for more posts on your favourite models.

Share If You Feel ‘Wow!’SORATO, Team HAKUTO’s rover to the Moon!19th April - Check out Japan’s Google Lunar XPRIZE entry, Team HAKUTO. Google is holding an international contest to travel to the moon, drive on its surface and send high resolution images and videos back to earth. Suzuki is sponsoring Japan’s entry, HAKUTO, and supports a wide range of fields of HAKUTO’s mission.

What’s going on in Japan? 6th June - We also send out information from Japan.Take a look at the Suzuki Hustler, the 2017 Invention Award in Japan winner.

New plant in India17th July - Great cars, growing market: Suzuki’s new plant in Gujurat, India, is making cars with Suzuki's global standard manufacturing system and advanced facilities.

Suzuki, a looming machine manufacturer? 15th June - Did you know Suzuki started as a looming machine manufacturer? Take a look at Suzuki’s amazing history.

Want an uplifting mood?26th April - Do you want some excitement? Jump into the world of the all-new Swift.

So adorable and clever!19th May - Take a look at First Place Winner of the ALLGRIP global video competition!

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Excitement – Create a Wow!

There is a lot going on at Suzuki Headquarters and at Suzuki distributors around the world. We have gathered some of these exciting developments to share a few moments with you, a little Wow! So why don’t you visit our page which we launched in April. Take a look at some of the pages we show below and our distributors’ posts on page 15. Look for us at Suzuki Automobile Global and join Suzuki fans from all over the world.

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Natural bounty -Famous for “Mikkabi-Mikan”, Japanese orange.-One of the most hours of sunshine for any region in Japan, introduced solar power production in Japan

Suzuki surname common in Hamamatsu -In the Hamamatsu area, 7% of people are named Suzuki, while in Japan 1.6 % are named Suzuki.

“YAR AMAIKA”SUZUKI FAMILY Autumn 2017 08 09

J A P A N

The Enshu Region Birthplace of Suzuki’s Manufacturing Philosophy

In 1920 Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Co. was officially incorporated with Michio Suzuki as president. To mark this 100th Anniversary Year in 2020 we will present a new series in Suzuki Family featuring Suzuki’s DNA as shown by our history and products.

About Enshu Suzuki’s birthplace, Hamamatsu, is a part of a region called Enshu, which is a word used throughout the history of Japan to describe the area on the western side of Shizuoka prefecture. With the Pacific Ocean bordering its coast, and mountains, rivers, and lakes spread through the region, Enshu was privileged with its fertile agricultural, forest and marine resources. These natural geographic advantages have helped make Enshu a prosperous area for hundreds of years.

The Enshu region, is located at the halfway point between Tokyo and Osaka and has historically been an important area connecting the two cities. With people, culture, and goods crossing paths, the people of Enshu were constantly in contact with the latest ideas and technology, which triggered their curiosity. This later led Enshu to become a region of “monozukuri”, the Japanese art of craftsmanship, and a home to manufactures known world-wide. Loom manufacturing and textile weaving were some of the “monozukuri” which flourished in Enshu, and it is said that the industry started around 300 years ago.

“Yaramaika” spirit: Let’s do itIn this nurturing environment of Enshu, a special spirit developed: a spirit called “Yaramaika”, which means “Let's do it”. Combined with Enshu’s natural advan-tages, this forward-looking attitude gave birth to a remarkable concentration of enterprising energy, skilled craftsmanship and manufacturing expertise. Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Toyota and Kawai are some of the well-known global companies whose roots are in the rich soil of Enshu. For Suzuki, the spirit we have in our home in Enshu has helped us deliver value-packed products to the world.

Michio Suzuki The founder and first president of Suzuki

Suzulight

Looming machine

SUZUKISeries 1 DNA

Tenryu River (mountains and rivers)

Timber industry

Loom manufacturing

Hamamatsu

Tokyo

“Enshu” Region

Osaka

風土

遠州

精神

Climate

Spirit

H A M A M A T S U T R I V I A

Power Free

D55

Lake Hamana and the Pacific Ocean

SUZUKI

SUZUKI

SUZUKI

SUZUKI SUZUKIすずき

すずき

スズキ

鈴木

SUZUKI FAMILY Autumn 2017 10 11

All-New GSX-R1000 Wins Isle of Man Senior TT Race:

On 9th June the all-new Suzuki GSX-R1000 topped all challengers in the historic and most prestigious Senior TT Race on the Isle of Man, located in the Irish sea between Great Britain and Ireland. Ridden by Michael Dunlop of Bennets Suzuki, a motorcycle racing team supported by Suzuki’s British subsidiary Suzuki GB, the all-new GSX-R1000, a full-model change this year, finished 13 seconds ahead of the second place finisher.

Isle of Man TT is a historic road race held on closed public roads from 1907 and has become an iconic world class event in motorcycle racing history and the site of past GP racing, The Senior TT, the most highly regarded race of the series, has been held from 1911. Dunlop’s prestigious win proves the ultimate performance of the all-new GSX-R1000.

Motocross superstar Ricky Carmichael visited the All Japan Motocross Champion-ship Series Round 4 at Sportsland SUGO Miyagi Prefecture in early June. Carmichael is the legend known as GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in Motocross history including winning the AMA Supercross Motocross champion-ship with Suzuki. Carmichael’s visit featured

Motocross Legend Ricky Carmichael Visits with Japanese Fans

Motocross Superstars Carmichael and Atsuta Give Racing Tips

a demo ride and an autograph session with Yoshitaka Atsuta, former All Japan Motocross Champion. Atsuta is also legendary in Japan motocross and during his outstanding career was ranked at the top of world motocross stages. Japanese fans were excited to watch Carmichael and Atsuta take to the track on their Suzuki motorcycles.

After the SUGO event, Carmichael travelled to Iwate Prefecture as host at the Ricky Carmichael University in Tohoku where selected Suzuki racers learn the inside tips of motorcycle racing while riding safely.

Teamed with Atsuta, Carmichael moved around the course at his namesake school and gave student riders on the spot one on one advice on riding and racing techniques.

Most Prestigious Event

SUZUKI FAMILY Autumn 2017 12 13

Wha

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SHOW

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T O P I C SFrom Italy

RIB with Two Suzuki DF200AP Engines Crosses AtlanticSergio Davì and Alessio Bellavista aboard a rigid inflatable boat powered by 2 Suzuki DF 200AP engines left from Palermo, Italy, and successfully reached Recife in Brazil after crossing the Atlantic. On board their 10 metre RIB, the Master 996, the two Sicilians made stops in the western Mediterranean before braving the open Atlantic. The longest legs of the journey were the 890 nautical miles (1,648km) from Gran Canaria to Cape Verde and from there 1258

nautical miles (2,330km) on to Fernando de Noronha. Despite heavy seas and winds reaching 20 knots (37 km/hour), the Master 996 arrived with fuel to spare during the oceanic crossing. For the Suzuki DF200AP it was proof of the performance and fuel efficiency of this remarkable engine, maintaining an average fuel consumption of 2 litres per nautical mile (3.7 litres per km).

China (Shanghai) International Boat Show––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––The ULTIMATE 4-stroke outboards displayed at Asia’s largest boat show

Suzuki Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd exhibited nine outboard motors at the 22nd China (Shanghai) International Boat Show. Being the largest marine show in Asia, the 22nd annual exhibition attracted more than 40,000 visitors. At the show, Suzuki Motor China introduced the Multi-Function Gauge with the Suzuki Diagnostic System Mobile function, which will give customers more responsive and more complete after-sales service. Display of the DF200A cut-away engine was particularly popular with visitors. Suzuki’s participation in the Shanghai boat show represented Suzuki’s increasing presence in the Chinese market.

INMEX Vietnam––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Delta Marine represents Suzuki Marine at Vietnam’s largest marine event

Since starting business as a dealer in charge of the Vietnam market from December of last year, Delta Marine was the first to represent Suzuki at INMEX Vietnam 2017, the largest marine event in Vietnam held in March. Delta Marine displayed a cut-away engine of DF200A as well as DF250 and DF40, attracting all types of media as well as TV interviews. There was heavy traffic at the Delta Marine booth and now Delta Marine plans to actively raise recognition of the Suzuki brand in the rapidly growing Vietnamese market.

MARINE PRODUCTS

Canary Islands Morocco

Balearic IslandsSpain

Italy

890mile(1,648km)

1,258mile(2,330km)

Cape Verde

Brazil

Sardinia

From Mexico–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Suzuki: A Tourism Plus in CancunSuzuki 4-stroke outboard motors are playing an important part for tourism in Cancun, which attracts 3 million tourists every year. Around 15,000 people every month enjoy the Jungle Tour boat powered by Suzuki 4-stroke outboard motors.

Thanks to its better fuel efficiency and durability, the owner of the boats is very satisfied with its low-running cost. Before having Suzuki OBM, they could make only 2 round trips per day, but with Suzuki, 3 round trips became possible with the same fuel tank.

From Malaysia–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Suzuki Dealers Gather in Kuala Lumpur for Annual Dealer MeetingKTS Trading Sdn. Bhd., Suzuki’s marine distributor in Malaysia, organised a two-day meeting in May with 20 dealers attending from all over Malaysia and SMC staff joining from Japan. In the dealer meeting, participants exchanged opinions and shared marketing information as well as had a chance to learn about the newest technology and innovations. The meeting was very successful in building a stronger relationship between KTS and their dealer network and creating ties among dealers to help them strengthen and expand Suzuki outboard sales in Malaysia.

From France–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Suzuki Marine Supports Barracuda Tour Angler ContestSuzuki Marine France partnered again this year with the popular International Barracuda Tour by Beneteau no kill bass fishing competition in Arzon, Brittany. This was the 5th year the event has been held and for competitors Suzuki supplied outboards for 21 “Barracuda 7” boats powered by DF200AP and 15 “Barracuda 8” boats mounted with DF150AP as well as 5 rigid boats with Suzuki engines and a special Barracuda 7 and 8 dressed in Suzuki’s brand colours. Teams of 3 fishermen and 1 pilot competed during the 3 day contest. Once again, Suzuki thanks the students of Etel High School in Brittany for their help in preparing the boats and teams for the event.

From Indonesia–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––DF200A Test Ride Proves Outstanding Fuel Efficiency to the MarketPT Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS) realized that the best way to get customers to recognize the advantage of fuel efficiency in their DF200A was to prove it in the form of a test ride. At the end of May, SIS held a test run to compare DF200A with a 200HP (147kW) engine of competitors. As a country with many islands and a large demand for travel by water, the fuel efficiency of Suzuki’s DF200A is thought to be a huge advantage in this growing market, and the test run event being covered by the largest local media outlet, Radar Tarakan, shows just how great the expectations are. SIS plans to hold user events regularly to raise Suzuki Marine’s brand image and expand the sales of the Ultimate 4 stroke outboards in Indonesia.

SUZUKI FAMILY Autumn 2017 14 15

From East Timor––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––The first Suzuki Distributor in East Timor Has OpenedA ribbon-cutting celebration took place during the opening event on the 17th June. Suzuki’s East Timor distributor, TJING FA HO, LDA, opened its first dealership in the capital city, Dili, and launched sales of Grand Vitara, Jimny, Ertiga and APV Truck.

From the United Kingdom––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Baleno Wins the ‘Best Real MPG’ AwardRenowned car website HonestJohn.co.uk. known for reflecting the “true voice” of drivers, lets them log the actual fuel efficiency of their cars. The Baleno, with the BOOSTERJET engine, has been chosen as the best model that performs closest in real world fuel consumption to the advertised official figure. More than 2,500 models and engine configurations were tested by car owners.

From New Zealand––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Suzuki Wins Most Satisfied Customers’ AwardSuzuki has been rated No.1 in the automobile category for the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers’ Award for 2017. Among the automobile brands surveyed, only Suzuki scored the maximum of five stars in all six areas: Reliability, Driving experience, Value for money, Point of sale and After sale service and Overall satisfaction.

From South Africa––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––The Pretoria SPAR Women’s ChallengeOur colleagues in South Africa are sponsoring “The Pretoria SPAR Women’s Challenge”, which is one of the largest road races in the world. Suzuki South Africa held a lucky draw event which gave an opportunity to win the Celerio to all participants.

AUTOMOBILES

Like Us On Facebook :Take a look at some of our distributors’ posts and enjoy sharing some wonderful moments. We will continue to post new Wow! from our worldwide Suzuki Family so please visit us atSuzuki Automobile Global and check us out.

MOTORCYCLESFrom Belgium–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Suzuki Belgium Teams up with ProMove for Riding Classes

ProMove’s training ground right next to the famous track of Zolder, that’s the perfect place for Suzuki and ProMove to offer riding classes for motorcyclists. Tailored entirely to the needs of the rider, the riding courses provide onroad and offroad training. ProMove has been instructing car drivers for many years and now, in partnership with Suzuki Belgium, they are extending their offerings to two wheel enthusiasts. Riders can make use of an SV650, DL650, DL1000 or even a modified Bandit with a stability system.

From Hungary–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Safety Lessons and Fun Riding on Hungaroring Race TrackSuzuki was proud to work with the Hungarian Police and with Hungaroring to stage the 3rd SUZUKI ORFK-OBB Motofest, a family event held to help riders improve skills for safer motorcycling. A rich assortment of programmes attracted 1500 people with nearly 1000 taking the opportunity to participate in a free motor race on the track at Hungaroring.The newest Suzuki motorcycles were on display with the GSX-R1000 attracting the most attention but with many visitors also favouring other popular models from the V-Strom 650 to the Burgman 650. Suzuki racing bikes were also viewed close up by admiring visitors. It was a great day for Suzuki and motorcycle safety in Hungary.

From the United Kingdom–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––UK Team Visits Suzuki ATV Plant in Georgia, USAOn 10th May, twenty-one of the United Kingdom’s top ATV dealers visited Suzuki’s ATV factory in Rome, Georgia. The Rome facility is the home for production of the KingQuad 750, 500 and 400. The dealers had unlimited access to the produc-tion line and could examine close up all aspects of manufac-turing, testing and shipping preparation. The visiting group was impressed with the quality control and enjoyed riding the ATVs on the factory test track. George Cheeseman who heads Suzuki’s ATV operation in the UK said, “It is important for our dealer network to see where the product comes from and to see the passion and detail that goes into making sure every ATV is the best it can be. We believe such a trip builds stron-ger relationships with our franchised network.”

From Guatemala–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Suzuki Katana Tower Opens in Capital CityIn April, the new Suzuki Katana Tower, home of Suzuki’s new agency has opened on the main street of Zona 10 in Guatemala City. The new facilities will offer sales, service and genuine spare parts, all in one new, sparkling, modern facility. For 56 years Suzuki has been active in Guatemala and the brand has fit well with local needs and tastes. By opening the new hub, Suzuki Katana Tower, Suzuki’s reputation for superb capability, modernity, tenacity and entrepreneurship will be further enhanced.