At the Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki exhibited its latest 'green' concept studies for the future including a Swift with Plug-in Hybrid and an SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV). The hybrid version of the Swift is a supermini aimed at city dwellers that travel around 20 km (about 13 miles) a day and has been designed to be driven primarily on electric power.It is equipped with 600cc engine that is used to charge a lithium-ion battery that powers an electric motor if capacity level drops. The batter can also be charged through any domestic plug socket.
Suzuki did not release any performance or fuel economy figures nor did it say if it intends to produce the Swift Plug-in Hybrid in the future.
The other 'green' study on display at Suzuki's Tokyo Motor Show booth is the is the SX4 FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) which combines a General Motors-sourced high performance fuel cell with a Suzuki developed high pressure hydrogen tank and a compact capacitor that is used to recover energy during braking and using it to reduce fuel cell loading under acceleration.
The SX4 FCV is currently under test on public roads in Japan as Suzuki plans to to commercialize the car in the near future.
Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid
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Suzuki SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle
Strangely enough, and even though the latest generation Suzuki Alto, which is also marketed in some regions including Europe as the Nissan Pixo with a different nose job, was introduced only last year at the 2008 Paris show, the Japanese firm has announced that it will display a near-production concept model of the next generation Alto at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show in late October.The only reasonable explanation (since Suzuki did not bother to clear things up for us in its press release...) is that the production model of the "concept Alto" is destined for markets other than the ones that the current Alto is offered including of course Japan.
Attending the Tokyo Motor Show, or any international auto show for that matter, without having at least one hybrid prototype model at your stand is almost unthinkable nowadays for any mainstream automaker. The Suzuki brand will display a plug-in hybrid concept version of its successful MINI Swift supermini that features a drive system that works in a similar way to the one used on GM's Chevy Volt.The hybrid drivetrain of the Suzuki Swift Concept combines a small displacement gasoline engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. The concept car is designed primarily to be driven only on electric power.
For short distances, the electric motor is powered by the battery that's charged from a household mains socket. If the battery runs low, then the gasoline engine kicks in not to move the vehicle but to power a generator that in turn charges the battery.
Being a concept an all, Suzuki touched up the Swift Plug-in Hybrid with a different headlight treatment and new wheels on the outside, and a set of lightweight front seats with net-like surfacing and special trim on the inside.
Apart from the weird looking X-Head, Suzuki will also introduce a follow up to the striking Kizashi Concept Sedan (click here) previewed at the Frankfurt Show in September at next month’s Tokyo Show. The Kizashi 2 is basically a crossover version of the original concept that takes advantage of AWD system. Differences include the higher ground-clearance and the body cladding which to be frank, doesn’t do justice to the Kizashi. Moreover, instead of using the frugal 2.0-liter diesel engine like the original concept, Suzuki equipped the crossover with a 3.6-liter V6-engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. -Image gallery and press release after the jumpSuzuki Kizashi 2 Concept
The stirring impression the top athlete having and, it adopted the expectation which becomes unknown overflows from inside as design expression the crossover sport wagon. You propose to the user of the wide layer where with the wide field such as the leisure from business, life is enjoyed actively. As for design two keywords, “dignity” and the “stirring impression” adopting the emotional silhouette which raises the satisfaction which uplift impression is owned to running for the axis. As for the 3.6LV type 6 cylinder engine of the sea bass maximum aerodynamic volume displacement not only strong acceleration feeling with the combination with 6 speeds AT, and at high speed regarding cruising, actualizing the running which exceeds class. In addition, you are inserting also the hybrid engine and the like which considers in environment in range of vision.
We’re quite fine thank you, meaning we haven’t mixed our socks with our underwear -yet... The Tokyo Show isn’t only about cars; it also hosts motorcycle and commercial vehicle premiers. Suzuki on its behalf will show off two motorcycle concepts, the Crosscage and the Biplane. We found a Japanese teaser press release on both concepts but it didn’t make much sense so we can only tell you that the Crosscage uses fuel-cells while the Biplane, which incorporates a V4 engine, draws its inspiration from airplanes. -Continued after the jump Translated Press Release
It is the fuel cell car which can do optimum power control by combining the air cooled fuel cell system and the advanced accumulator of simple small size light weight. Starting which fuel economy efficiency is fast low, the intelligent energy corporation of feature (
The request that was included, you feel the enjoyment of the motorcycle in many people, would like to have having interest in the motorcycle " “the design proposition model which designates the joy of running by the motorcycle” as shape” is. You propose in order to have representing the common feeling which is felt from the vehicle where “, it designates the kind of image which is riding the airplane” as keyword, calls the motorcycle and the airplane and is different completely. Although it is the machine, the bosom which makes tenderness feel it forced and “the biplane” (bi- the plainness) designated modelling as design motif, it expressed the open impression of not being covered in the canopy. The engine has designed V type 4-cylinder engine in vertical ranging.
The X-Head is one of Suzuki’s many offerings at the forthcoming 2007 Tokyo Motor Show in late October. According to the Japanese carmaker, X-Head is a new type of lifestyle utility vehicle that incorporates the DNA of the Jimny and Grand Vitara. Huh? Looks more like a Jap version of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog if you ask us, but whatev; it’s not as if you’ll ever see one of these going to production. -Translated press release after the jumpTranslated Press Release
“X-HEAD” is " the cross utility vehicle " of the new genre which brings the various values which until recently are not. It has high running the whole distance characteristic, the “gym knee”, “the escudo”, it has high loading characteristic, DNA “of [kiyarii]” was succeeded, functional hopefulness was had. The naming, “X-HEAD” adjusting to the life style and sense of value of the person who rides, has meant the possibility this car which corresponds to various uses becoming unknown. Being possible to combine the carrier unit which is adjusted to life style 2 adults sleeps and can stay " the camper " and in the town coolly to ride it handles, " fashion " and so on, the person who rides " you play and stimulate heart and curiosity ". In addition, supposed the rescue rescue in various road circumstances " rescue " and so on, it is possible to answer also social mission, being tough, you propose the pleasant car.
Via: Le Blog Auto , Source: Suzuki
I can’t believe that I’m saying this for the second time today and God knows how many times during my stay at the Frankfurt Show, but here’s another Japanese car that definitely gets my vote for its unique and dare to say, attractive styling. And mind you, this is no simple exercise. See, Suzuki plans to enter the D-Segment (Ford Mondeo, Mazda6, Honda Accord, BMW 3-Series etc) in the very near future, and the AWD Kizashi that’s powered by a 2.0L turbo-diesel engine, contains the core values of the production model -sporty to drive, exciting to look at and at the same time, affordable. But will the production model actually look like the concept? That remains to be seen, but we certainly hope so. -Press release and high-res images after the jump
Suzuki Concept Kizashi, the World Premiere
The Third Phase of Suzuki's World Strategy
With the Swift, Suzuki began the first phase of its world strategy and gave undiluted form to the attribute that was the theme of the first phase: sportiness.
The Swift won awards around the world by virtue of its superior dynamics and design. Suzuki subsequently pursued sportiness in the Grand Vitara and SX4, and both cars enjoy enormous success.
The Splash is making its world debut at the 2007
The D-segment initiative which is now being revealed represents the beginning of the third phase of the world strategy. The main objective of this phase is status. The brand has developed to such an extent that it's able to communicate status, and Suzuki has overcome the great challenge of making cars that give their owners a feeling of status.
1. Why is Suzuki Entering the D-Segment?
Suzuki has made a name for itself in the compact car and sport utility vehicle segments. Its customers spread in 168 countries and regions around the world. The annual sales have shown steady growth, rising from about 1,654 thousand units in fiscal 1997 to an estimated 2,405 thousand units in fiscal 2007.
Under the mid-term five-year plan, Suzuki is targeting sales of 3 million units in fiscal 2009 (the last year of the plan). The Japanese carmaker achieved consolidated sales of 3 trillion yen in fiscal 2007, meaning that the company is close to a mid-ranking position in the worldwide motor industry.
But despite the progress, Suzuki has not been able to accommodate many of the customers who have expressed a desire to stay with the automaker when purchasing subsequent, larger cars. Suzuki has entirely owed its customers for the growth since its founding in 1909. The carmaker feels obliged to respond to increasing expectations and is convinced that it's essential to offer a wider product range in order to accommodate customers' diverse lifestyles. Consequently, Suzuki has decided to expand its lineup to cover all segments from A to D in the next few years. Suzuki's first-ever D-segment car will stand at the top of the range.
Another major factor behind the D-segment entry is to more fully exploit the high level of Suzuki's technological competence and thus enhance its brand image.
2. Suzuki's D-Segment Entry
Suzuki realises that there's no point in entering the D-segment unless it can offer new value that can't be given by any of the existing brands.
Suzuki paid close attention to the fact that the D-segment is broadly divided into two parts. In one part, there are family-oriented cars that are relatively large and reflect an emphasis on cabin roominess. In the other part, there are “entry luxury” cars that reflect an emphasis on performance, are relatively compact, and offer relatively high levels of quality and prestige. The new value that Suzuki intends to provide will not belong to either group.
Suzuki's “Way of Life!” brand slogan is based on five elements: “straightforward”, “value”, “sporty”, “spirit”, and “excitement”. The words “straightforward” and “value” reflect Suzuki's ability to offer products that are sensible and worthwhile. The words “sporty” and “spirit” reflect the emotional appeal of its products. And the word “excitement” expresses the core factor that Suzuki delivers to customers through all products. Among these factors, “value” (in other words, a level of customer satisfaction higher than the expected from products' prices), is an inherent virtue of Suzuki cars.
It might be argued that all existing D-segment cars whose affordability is a selling point are chosen by customers because they offer a good balance of pricing on one hand and the rational factors of equipment, driving performance, and cabin roominess on the other. But the Suzuki D-segment car will be different.
With the D-segment entry, Suzuki is targeting emotional appeal as a way to deliver a level of customer satisfaction far higher than what might be expected from the car's price point. In other words, Suzuki is the first carmaker to target an uncompromised combination of affordability and emotional appeal in the D-segment.
For sportiness, the car's dimensions need to reflect a priority on performance. So while ensuring the cabin roominess that is essential in the D-segment, the car is as lean as possible. And with regard to design, Suzuki has thoroughly studied the nature of sporty, exciting styling in the D-segment and has concluded that the design of the new car should have two themes: grace and dynamism.
Since the overall theme of the third phase of Suzuki's world strategy is status, the expressions of dynamism should not be brash expressions of power. Rather, they aim for styling that's rich in character and conveys a passionate spirit.
The sportiness that Suzuki wants to deliver in the D-segment will perhaps be most directly expressed by the car's dynamics. The kind of dynamics creates a sense of refinement. Suzuki's engineers are striving to devise ways to maximize the quality of the dynamics not only in performance but also in terms of motion that stirs people's emotions. This effort is vital because the kind of sportiness is measured not in terms of times and performance figures but in terms of how it makes people feel. Suzuki has already given form to this thinking in the Swift Sport. Now, they plan to carry it forward and further develop it for the D-segment.
3. The Engineering Approach Supporting Suzuki's New Initiative
In order to achieve its goals, Suzuki is taking a typically Suzuki-like technological approach. The methodology is to combine and apply proven technologies, thoroughly refining them in user-centred ways rather than pursuing features using spectacular new techniques.
This approach is actually one of the greatest benefits Suzuki has gained from its company's motorcycle business (Suzuki is one of only a handful of companies that produce both cars and motorcycles). With a motorcycle – where the man-machine interface is even more crucial than it is with a car – establishing the dynamics based on data alone is impossible. Rather, it's essential to conduct numerous road tests, verifying and interpreting each and every comment from testers and feeding the results back into the design. This method may appear outdated in an industry where virtual-reality technology has become mainstream. Since Suzuki's engineers worked on the Swift, they have been convinced that it's the best way to dramatically heighten the dynamic performance of Suzuki's cars and stir the emotions of users. These factors are behind our focus on delivering a D-segment car that's spirited.
At the same time, Suzuki is conscious of the great demand for environmental compatibility in the D-segment. The main response to this demand is the development of a hybrid car. Its goal is to use a hybrid arrangement (an internal combustion engine provides the main propulsion, and an electric motor provides assistance whenever extra power is needed) to achieve environmental compatibility without sacrificing an emotionally appealing engine feel.
Suzuki is planning to use all-wheel drive (AWD; a technology that Suzuki has refined over many years) to further heighten the car's refined dynamics. For an even better combination of environmental compatibility and dynamic performance, the AWD development targets include the lowest CO2 emissions of any D-segment AWD passenger car.
4. Suzuki D-Segment Preview: The Concept Kizashi
Suzuki unveils the progress of the new project, a concept car called the Concept Kizashi, at the 2007 IAA Frankfurt show.
Kizashi is a Japanese word meaning “prelude” or “foretaste”. The name symbolizes the change within Suzuki.
The Concept Kizashi represents Suzuki's passion for challenges (this is a major aspect of Suzuki's corporate culture), its future direction, and the competitive strengths that are unique to Suzuki.
To fulfill this mission, the design theme for the Concept Kizashi is “a dynamic athlete in motion”. This is because its D-segment ideals are summed up by the attributes of a great athlete: dedication to sporting challenges, physical strength that comes from hard daily training, a honed physique with no superfluous weight, and the presence and dignity of a champion.
Suzuki made a particular effort to express the car's credentials as a highway athlete:
1. Overwhelming presence that breaks the D-segment mould
The body brings to mind the lean, muscular physique of a top-class athlete, and a strongly protrusive front end communicates a dignified character.
2. An energetic look that immediately gives an idea of the car's dynamic performance
Large wheels and wide treads express a capacity for high performance. The bonnet shape hints at abundant engine power. And the body hints at aerodynamics that enable the car to punch through the air while firmly gripping the road.
3. A sense of character and status befitting Suzuki's flagship car
The detailing of individual parts gives a sense of exquisiteness and quality.
The Concept Kizashi is a clear sign of the great things to come from Suzuki as the D-segment initiative continues to take shape.
Along with the world premiere of the Splash city car (see here), Suzuki will also unveil a medium size sedan weirdly named Kizashi. According to the Japanese carmaker, the concept previews a production model which will broaden Suzuki’s passenger car line-up in the near future. -Suzuki’s full Frankfurt Show press release after the jumpSuzuki at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show
Two world premiers and the announcement of the WRC driver line-up
Suzuki will be unveiling a number of exciting world premiers at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show which runs from 13th-23rd September.
The first is the all-new compact car, the Splash, the company’s fourth all-new, world strategic model within three years. Like the Swift, Grand Vitara and SX4, Splash incorporates strong European design and styling themes which continue to lead Suzuki’s worldwide new product development strategy.
A further highpoint at the Show is the debut of the Kizashi concept car, an all-new proposal for Suzuki’s first contender in the D-segment and a significant step for the world’s twelfth largest automobile producer as it moves from a manufacturer specialising in compact cars and four-wheel drives to one offering a much broader product portfolio.
There is also likely to be considerable interest in the World Rally Championship version of the SX4, which will make an appearance in Frankfurt before facing its first competitive test in mid October at the Rallye de France in Corsica. And alongside the rest of Suzuki’s current best selling models on the stand will be some leading edge products from Suzuki’s motorcycle and marine ranges.
Suzuki Splash: the fresh, stylish family car
The first phase of Suzuki’s new world strategy focused on sporting performance, leading Swift, Grand Vitara and SX4 to success. Splash is now the first new product of the second product development phase. This all-new compact primarily targets families enjoying an active lifestyle through fresh design, exuberant and cheerful spirit and driving fun.
The all-Suzuki designed, all-new car is 3.7 metres long and 1.7 metres wide. It becomes available in spring 2008 with three engine choices: a 1.0 litre-three cylinder petrol (48 kW/65 PS), a 1.2 litre-four cylinder petrol (63 kW/86 PS) and a 1.3 litre DDiS turbo diesel (55 kW/75 PS) with an optional diesel particulate filter.
CO2 emissions for the Euro 4-compliant vehicles with five speed manual transmission range from 120 to 140 g/km. For safety the Splash is equipped with standard features such as anti-lock braking (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). An electronic stability program (ESP®)* and six airbags (dual front airbags, dual seat-side airbags, dual curtain airbags) will be specified for certain models. * ESP is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler AG.
Concept Kizashi: breakthrough into the medium segment
Concept Kizashi – a Japanese word meaning prelude or foretaste – will be making its world debut at the Show. Full of energy, flexible and emotionally appealing, it represents the first example of the third phase in Suzuki’s new world strategy which will have status as its major theme. With this mid-range model the Japanese automobile producer will complete its ‘upward breakthrough’ enabling it to offer a much wider choice of product in the market.
Suzuki motor sport: SX4 WRC 2007 drivers at the Show
At the Show the much anticipated driver line-up for the SX4 WRC team will be present and on 12th October, 2007 the WRC version of the urban crossover joins the Rallye de France in Corsica where it will take part in its first competitive run.
The final test for 2007 follows at Wales Rally GB [30 Nov-2 Dec], before Suzuki enters its first full WRC season in January, 2008. The WRC car on the stand is likely to be of great interest to more than just the technologically aware members of the motoring and motor sport public and for Suzuki, its entrance into the WRC will be one of the most important marketing and sales initiatives over the next few years.
The Suzuki Way of Life extended to motorcycles and marine products
Suzuki’s Way of Life promotional strategyis being extended to all divisions at Suzuki and exhibits from the Motorcycle and Marine divisions include the new B-King as well as the 4-stroke outboard motor DF 300.
Detailed information about Suzuki models and activities will be available at the Press Conference on 11th September, 2007 at 14:00h, Hall 3.1, Stand A07
About Suzuki
SUZUKI Motor Corporation, with its headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan is the leading international manufacturer of compact cars and – currently – the world’s twelfth largest automobile manufacturer.
The Company employs some 45,510 people and is represented in over 192 countries. Its net sales have grown successively for eight consecutive years. In its last financial year [to 31st March, 2007] turnover reached about 19.4 billion euro [3,163 billion yen] an increase of 15.2 percent over the previous year. In that year worldwide sales included, among many other products, 2.22 million automobiles and 3.06 million motorcycles. Suzuki has 35 main production facilities in 23 countries.
With its Way of Life promotional strategySuzuki stands for brand values that include excitement, a straightforward approach to its business, value-for-money, sporting performance and spirit. These values manifest themselves into innovation, best-fit products for its customers, an impressive motor sport history, a number of ambitious and successful rally engagements and convincing core competence – among others – in the areas of off-road and four-wheel drive, based on almost 100 years’ experience.
