Suzuki mulling hybrid version of Grand Vitara

[BMWDave]

Suzuki mulling hybrid version of Grand Vitara for U.S. by 2010
YUZO YAMAGUCHI | Automotive News
Posted Date: 9/9/05
TOKYO -- Suzuki Motor Corp. may introduce a hybrid version of the Grand Vitara SUV to the United States by 2010.

Suzuki hasn't decided which model should have a hybrid powertrain - a gasoline engine plus electric motor. But the automaker suggests the SUV would be a good choice.

A hybrid system should be on "our own existing model," says Suzuki President Hiroshi Tsuda. "Given that, there could be no other vehicles than the Grand Vitara."

He declined to offer details.

The Grand Vitara is a logical candidate. This month, Suzuki will launch a redesigned version of the vehicle in North America with an annual sales target of 50,000.

Globally, Suzuki wants to sell 180,000 units a year - all built at the same plant in Japan. With the exception of minivehicles, Suzuki produces more Grand Vitaras in Japan than any other nameplate.

For the United States, Tsuda rules out hybrid versions of vehicles that GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. builds for Suzuki. That's despite the fact that the Forenza, one of two GM Daewoo models, is Suzuki's best seller in Japan.

Tsuda says a hybrid vehicle would help Suzuki meet U.S. corporate average fuel economy standards.

In addition to the remodeled Grand Vitara, Suzuki will introduce two models in the United States next year: an SUV with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine and a sport wagon with a 2.0-liter engine. The automaker expects those three models to help it achieve a North American sales target of 250,000 in 2010.

Suzuki is developing a hybrid system by itself without help from General Motors or Toyota Motor Corp.

The company already has introduced a hybrid minicar. The Twin, a two-seat hybrid with a 660cc engine, was launched in Japan in 2003. But it flopped. Consumers were unwilling to pay a premium price for a hybrid-powered minicar.

[93JC]

Zuk! Zuk! Zuk! Zuk! Zuk!

[Colonel Cadillac]

If it makes it that long...

[cozmik]

If it makes it that long...

?

Suzuki is doing fairly well. They are profitable. Isuzu on the other hand...

[93JC]

If it makes it that long...

HEY!

You take that back you son-of-a-whore!  :angry:



( )

[ifcar]

Suzuki is selling a mix of Daewoo, GM, and Suzuki-designed vehicles, and is doing a good job at it. Not only does it have decent products for the most part, but they also sell reasonably well, and there aren't development costs for several of their products. They're doing fine.