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Suzuki celebrates 100 years of innovation



Suzuki, a global automotive company that continues to grow in reputation, popularity and success celebrates its centenary this October. Through its 100-year history, Suzuki has earned the distinction of manufacting automobile and motorcycle products that offer excellent value for money as well as exceptional reliability. Beginning as a producer of weaving looms, Suzuki has evolved into one of the top 10 automotive manufacturers worldwide.

Humble Beginnings

Michio Suzuki founded the Suzuki Loom Company in Hamamatsu, Southern Japan in 1909. While manufacturing looms for production of plain white fabric, he learned that weavers wanted looms that could produce cloth with vertical and horizontal stripes, so he developed a unique loom capable of weaving patterned cloth from dyed yarn. Suzuki’s new innovation represented the start of an uncompromising focus on creating products that meet people’s needs and realise new lifestyle possibilities.

Suzuki expanded into production of motorcycles in 1952 with the ‘Power Free’ using a 36cc two stroke engine. The Power Free was simple in design, offered very easy maintenance and was unique at that time as it could be ridden fully motorized, partially motorized or by using the pedals without any engine assistance. Just a year later, Suzuki was building 6,000 motorcycles per month.

Suzuki car production began in 1955 with the Suzulight, a compact car with a 360cc two-stroke engine. The Suzulight was one of the first cars to feature front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension and rack and pinion steering. Suzuki’s off-road vehicle heritage began in 1970 with the launch of the LJ series lightweight 4×4. The first marine outboard motor was introduced in 1965, then pre-fabricated houses in 1974, general-purpose engines in 1980 and its first All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) in 1982.

Global Presence

In 2008, Suzuki sold 2.3 million cars globally — strong results for the brand despite the very difficult current trading conditions. Sales of motorcycles are also strong with global figures of 3.4 million last year. In the UK, Suzuki has led the market for the last six years in the above 126cc category.

The same creativity and dedication of Michio Suzuki underpin Suzuki’s development of its world strategic models. The first one in this category, the Swift, is produced in Japan, Hungary, India, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Malaysia. The current Swift was introduced in 2005 and last year, aggregate production of the supermini reached 1 million units.

In 2006, Suzuki created its second world strategic model, the Grand Vitara, as an evolution of the first-generation Vitara series, with which it pioneered the market for compact sport utility vehicles 21 years ago. Worldwide production of the Grand Vitara has now reached 2.6 million units.

The third model, the SX4 sport crossover, proved to have such outstanding chassis potential when launched in 2006 that Suzuki ran it in the World Rally Championship in 2007 and 2008 (45 years after Suzuki’s participation in the first Japanese Grand Prix in 1963).

In March this year the seventh generation Alto was launched; named after the car with which Suzuki has dominated the mini vehicle segment in Japan for 30 years, the Alto is the smallest of Suzuki’s world models and reflects a focus on eco-friendliness with low emissions and excellent fuel efficiency. The Alto is built in India, where Suzuki has a 50 per cent share of the passenger car market. 2009 is also an important milestone for Alto as 10 million have been sold globally since 1979.

Commitment to R&D

One of the essential elements to Suzuki’s growth has been its commitment to continuing research and technology, to meet its customers changing needs. In 2008, the Suzuki SX4-FCV fuel-cell vehicle had been certified by the Japanese government. The company has also announced plans to develop a hydrogen-powered motorcycle, the Suzuki Crosscage.

What was once a small group of dedicated engineers, designing the world’s finest weaving machinery, has today grown into a worldwide company of almost 50,000 people, who create and distribute products in more than 190 nations.

Worldwide, Suzuki sells more than 2-million vehicles annually, surpassing the sales of such renowned marques as BMW, Mercedes, and Mazda. Suzuki motorcycles are the first choice of more than 2-million riders every year.

As it enters its 100th year, Suzuki will continue its tradition of technological trailblazing and appealing to customers who demand unique design, value, reliability and superior engineering.

Timothy Motors, Inc. inaugurated its new motorcycle 3S shop in Zamboanga City last July 17, 2009, under the leadership of its general manager, Mr. Rey C. Cheong. This latest addition brings to 41 the total number of Suzuki 3S shops nationwide.

Like other Suzuki motorcycle 3S shops, Timothy Motors, Inc. is a one-stop, full-service shop that will cater to all customer requirements for motorcycle sales, spare parts and service — all in one convenient location. Timothy Motors displays a complete model line-up of Suzuki motorcycles to give customers a wide range of options to match their needs, requirements and taste. The 5-bay service shop is equipped with specialized tools and equipment, and is manned by factory-trained mechanics who have the competence to do maintenance or service repair on all models. A spare parts counter is also fully-stocked with regular maintenance/repair items.

Timothy Motors, with a floor area of 360 sqm, has been designed to meet Suzuki’s world class lay-out and design standards, so customers can shop in attractive, clean and comfortable surroundings. As part of its marketing promotions, Timothy Motors offers flexible financing schemes, making it very easy to own a Suzuki motorcycle.

According to Timothy Motors general manager Rey Cheong, “Suzuki is one of the leading motorcycle brands, offering quality products at an affordable price. We take pride in bringing a world-class showroom to Zamboanga City, and I hope motorcycle enthusiasts in this part of Mindanao will experience the Suzuki brand of customer satisfaction.”

With its commitment to bring mobility to Filipino consumers, Suzuki Philippines is the only integrated automotive company carrying both automobile and motorcycle products under one roof. It hopes to contribute to the country’s progress and industrialization by introducing more dynamic products and programs for the Filipino motoring public harnessing the power of Suzuki’s Way of Life.

Timothy Motors is located at Sampaguita Road, Guiwan Porcentro, Zamboanga City, with contact numbers (062) 9910773.

MOTOLITE Motorcycle Batteries has announced its support for champion biker Aries Padiernos, who currently holds an unbroken chain of 18 straight victories in the 400cc class. A veteran in his field, the 35-year old Padiernos has won numerous titles in the course of his racing career, most notably the 2008 BRC National Formula 400cc Open Class Champion, 2006 Motorcycle Grand Prix Formula 400cc Champion, 2005 Motorcycle Grand Prix 400cc Unlimited Champion, and the 2004 Casino Filipino Grand Prix Superbike Novice Racer Champion.

An intense competitor, Padiernos hopes his victories could serve as stepping stones for international motorcycle competitions that will bring pride and glory to the Philippines. With only one more race to go in the 2009 season, he expects to finish as the 2009 Champion for the National Formula 400cc Race.

Padiernos is an avid biker and is active as president of the Wacky Riders Motorcycle Club, a group of reputable businessmen who are motorcycle enthusiasts. He is also a ride commander with the AMDG Motorcycle Club and a chief instructor at the BMW Riding Clinic.

MOTOLITE is the leading brand in the local automotive battery market. Boasting the latest advances in battery technology, Motolite motorcycle batteries provide motorcyclists with safe, reliable and long-lasting batteries. Motolite’s new 12-volt motorcycle batteries have been infused with Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Technology for greater fluid retention and longer life. AGM technology also makes the batteries more versatile, as they can now be installed at any angle required by the make and model of the motorcycle – even upside down if needed.

Motolite batteries are manufactured by Philippine Batteries, Inc. (PBI), the largest manufacturer, exporter and distributor of automotive, motorcycle and industrial battery products and solutions in the Philippines. Its 18-hectare fully integrated facility in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, is one of the largest and most modern battery manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asia. It also has the country’s only ISO 14001-certified, environmentally-compliant recycling facility, the second biggest in Asia.

Fastest production bike now available in the Philippines

Filipino bike enthusiasts will be blown away by the latest big bike offering from Suzuki Philippines, Inc., one of the country’s premier motorcycle brands, with its recent introduction of the Suzuki Hayabusa, which has the distinction of holding the Guinness record as the “fastest production bike” in the world, achieving a top speed of 317kph.

Classified as the Ultimate Sport bike, the Hayabusa is powered by a 1340cc inline 4-cylinder fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC engine built to deliver a broad wave of torque for effortless acceleration. Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel injection results in improved power delivery and more linear response. The system uses engine-computer-operated secondary valves to maintain optimum intake-air velocity for maximum combustion efficiency.

Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) serves as a back-torque-limiting system for smoother downshifts and also contributes to a lighter clutch pull for the new Suzuki Hayabusa, while Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) enables the rider to choose from three different power characteristics according to personal preference.

Advanced aerodynamics in the new Suzuki Hayabusa offer superb wind protection both for normal and completely tucked-in seating positions. Improved riding comfort is assured by fully adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping for both the front forks and single rear shock absorber. In addition the inverted cartridge front forks feature Diamond-Like Coating (DLC) surface treatment to reduce friction and improve reaction to small surface irregularities.

The new Suzuki Hayabusa features 310mm dual-floating disc front brakes with efficient, race-proven aluminum-piston, radial-mount brake calipers, and 260mm single-disc rear brake with single-piston brake caliper. Instrumentation includes analog gauges including step-motor-driven tachometer and speedometer. The round LCD panel includes a clock, gear position indicator, S-DMS map indicator, odometer and dual trip meters. Its engine-rpm indicator is programmable to blink or stay on between 4,000 and 11,500rpm.

Priced at a surprisingly affordable Php 849,000, the Suzuki Hayabusa is available at premium Suzuki dealers in Metro Manila. Available colors are white and black.

With its commitment to bring mobility to Filipino consumers, Suzuki Philippines is the only integrated automotive company carrying both automobile and motorcycle products under one roof. It hopes to contribute to the country’s progress and industrialization by introducing more dynamic products and programs for the Filipino motoring public harnessing the power of Suzuki’s Way of Life.

Its mother company, Suzuki Motors Corporation is one of only two automotive companies which registered a profit in 2008, posting 30-billion yen in net earnings from its worldwide operations, the largest such earning among automotive companies. It also takes pride in its unbroken track record of consistently profitable operations for the past 30 years, never registering a loss in its annual financial reports.

Globally, Suzuki employs over 45,000 people, has 35 main production facilities in 23 countries, and distributors in 192 countries. Its manufacturing philosophy is grounded on providing value-packed, high-quality products offering both reliability and originality. Suzuki R&D efforts cover a wide range of the latest advances in energy, environment, electronics, communication, information and control applications — all devoted to creating products what will meet the challenges of the next generation.

The Suzuki Raider J Pro takes on an unusual rider at the 50th staging of the world famous Parada ng Lechon at Balayan, Batangas last 24 June 2009. Suzuki Philippines partnered with New Nemar, one of its top motorcycle dealers, to support this Batangueno tradition. Aside from the Suzuki-mounted lechon, they also offered stunt show, raffle prizes and a videoke singing contest.

The yearly parade of hundreds of mouth-watering lechons originated in the old thanksgiving custom of the working class, where families who receive significant blessings during the year would parade a lechon in the plaza during the feast day of their patron, St. John the Baptist. Through the years, the Balayan Parada ng Lechon has evolved into a grand celebration now dubbed as the ultimate fiesta experience.

Suzuki introduces trendsetting backbone city-sports bike

A trendsetting backbone city-sports bike has been introduced recently by Suzuki Philippines, Inc., one of the key players in the local motorcycle industry. Developed with superlative features at a competitive price range, the new Suzuki Thunder 125 combines the sportiness of a street bike with the durability and comfort of a backbone motorcycle — thus carving out a new niche, the backbone city-sports bike category.