Suzuki

Suzuki Motor Corp. was founded in 1909 by Michio Suzuki. Headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, Suzuki is a multinational corporation specializing in automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, motorized wheelchairs, industrial equipment and marine engines.

The organization began manufacturing weaving looms and machines for both the Japanese and overseas markets. It wasn’t until the late 1930s when Suzuki began producing cars. Though production was halted due to World War II, Suzuki returned to transportation production and introduced the Power Free, 2-cycle motorized bike in 1952, as well as Suzulight 360cc, 2-cycle mini vehicle in 1955.

In 1963, the U.S. Suzuki Motor Corp. was established in Los Angeles, California. The 1970s saw expansion of the motorcycle brand as well as entered into the medical equipment industry, with the launch of the Suzuki Motor Chair Z600.

In the 1980s, Suzuki partnered with General Motors to help with the production and marketing of new mini-cars. In addition, Suzuki began entering into new Pacific markets, such as New Zealand and Australia. By 1987, car exports from Japan had reached more than 2 million units.

In 2009, Suzuki celebrated its 100th anniversary of the company’s brand name and for the next six years, developed a partnership with the Volkswagen Group.

In November 2012, Suzuki announced that they would stop selling vehicles in the United States, but continued to sell motorcycles, ATVs and marine products.

Popular Suzuki models include: Grand, Kizashi, SX4, Jimny and Baleno. Popular motorcycle models include: GSX-R600, Bandit 1250S ABS, GSX1250FA, INAZUMA and TU250X.

Suzuki’s R&D department is focused on developing the latest advances in energy, control applications and electronics.

Suzuki’s basic environmental policies were established in 2002. These policies include: reducing the pressure placed on the environment as a result of business activities and products, and maintaining and improving their environmental management system.

In addition, Suzuki Green technologies, such as Ene-Charge and Idling Stop, are incorporated into current Suzuki models.

Thanks to its motorcycle development, Suzuki has had an impact in the racing world, winning motocross events around the globe. Its first win came at the Isle of Man TT in 1963 with driver Mitsuo Itoh. In 1976, Suzuki won its first 500cc world title on the RG 500 by driver Barry Sheene.

Recently, Team Suzuki ECSTAR won the championship at the British Grand Prix.

Suzuki currently participates in the following racing events: Moto GP, MXGP, AARC Supersport 600, Suzuki Asian Challenge, WEC and AMA Supercross.

Suzuki sponsors major winter sporting events including luge, biathlon and cross-country skiing. In addition, Suzuki sponsors ASEAN Football Championship, Italian Serie A club, Torino, and the English League One club of Milton Keynes Dons.