Wednesday, 22 May 2013 10:39
Suzuki’s all-new 2014 SX4 takes one bold move towards the future
Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera | Photos courtesy of Suzuki Motor Corporation
The SX4 is one tough cookie. This Japanese compact car has been turned into a crossover, sport hatchback, a WRC rally car, and a Pikes Peak International Hill Climb winner. So after a six-year life cycle, it's time for a new one to fill in its big shoes. And here it is, the all-new 2014 Suzuki SX4 - based on the S-Cross concept that debuted at last year's Paris Motor Show.The concept behind the all-new SX4 is to combine the qualities of a compact car with technologies used in sport utility vehicles. What they came up with is something they'd like to describe as having “bold styling, class leading space for all passengers, outstanding 4WD performance, and low carbon dioxide emissions.”
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Monday, 06 May 2013 09:02
Suzuki PH's Alto 800 and Swift Dzire now on sale; Prices start at P388,000
Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera
It was only a month ago when the Alto 800 and Swift Dzire made a surprise appearance at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). Back then, we were told that these Indian-built subcompacts will be launched by the end of April. And true enough, just days before Labor day, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated (SPI) made both cars officially official.
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Tuesday, 16 April 2013 07:53
Suzuki's new Alto 800 and Dzire makes unannounced appearance at 2013 MIAS
Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera | Photos courtesy of Maruti-Suzuki
For those who went to the 2013 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), some of you may have noticed two new small Maruti-made cars from Suzuki. Their little booth isn’t as noticeable as some since it was not situated in the the main hall like all the other major manufacturers were. It was also a rather lackluster display from one of their dealers, instead of being a full-blown fiasco funded by Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPI). Still, our peering eyes quickly saw the all-new Alto 800 and Dzire.
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Thursday, 24 January 2013 09:22
Suzuki confirms permanent closure of old assembly plant in Pasig
Words by Christopher Kho
Back in November 2012, Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) moved its entire motorcycle assembly operations from its old plant in Pasig City to a new state-of-the-art P1 billion facility in Canlubang, Laguna. They hope to double their production capacity to over 16,000 units a month and keep up with rising demands. Though 300 employees had to be moved down south, we remember SPH telling us that the Sales and Marketing Department for both motorcycle and automobile divisions will remain to hold office in Pasig. They also had plans of using it as a Suzuki technical training center in the near future. Unfortunately, they're now telling us that this won't be so.
SPH announced in an official statement: “Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) Chariman Osamu Suzuki has visited both facilities, and after careful evaluation of the company's total operation, he decided that it would be more beneficial for the company that all departments are housed in the Canlubang head office.”
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Wednesday, 23 January 2013 06:27
Suzuki Auto Makati is brand's first integrated Auto-Moto dealership
Here in the Philippines, Suzuki sells cars and motorcycles under one giant outfit called Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH). But in the company's recent history, never have they put four and two wheels together under one roof... until now. Located at 2929 Bautista St. cor. Finlandia St., San Isidro, Makati City, Suzuki Auto Makati is SPH's first integrated auto-moto dealership in the country, which carries both Suzuki's automobile and big bike lineup.
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Tuesday, 11 December 2012 10:17
Original na Bida: The end is coming... for cheap motorcycle clones
Words by Charlie Cruz | Photos by Christopher Kho
Some claim that the Mayan calendar predicts the world will end on December 21, 2012. Well, perhaps not yet the end for the human race, but for cheap motorcycle knock-offs. In an unprecedented move, the Philippines' top four motorcycle brands, who are usually competing against each other, united to achieve a common goal - an advocacy for motorcycle safety, quality, and originality.
Honda Philippines, Kawasaki Motors Philippines, Suzuki Philippines, and Yamaha Motor Philippines have joined hands for the first time ever in a campaign called “Original na Bida.” They hope to encourage Filipino motorcyclists to use only original Japanese-designed motorcycles and parts, as opposed to cheap clones.
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Monday, 19 November 2012 08:54
Suzuki inaugurates P1 billion motorcycle plant in Laguna; Plans to build car plant in near future
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Suzuki Philippines Inc.
Suzuki's old motorcycle assembly plant in Pasig City was capable of pushing out 8,000 units per month. But until recently, it had a hard time keeping up with demand, as the country's 3rd biggest motorcycle brand was growing even bigger. So, with P1 billion in hand, Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) built a new facility in Carmelray Industrial Park, Canlubang, Laguna that can now churn out 200,000 motorcycles a year (or roughly 16,667 a month).
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Friday, 09 November 2012 06:17
Suzuki Auto Zamboanga is Suzuki's 21st dealership in the country
Suzuki Philippines is taking on new territories as they open their newest auto dealership down south... way down south in Zamboanga. Located along Nuñez Extension, Zamboanga City, Suzuki Auto Zamboanga is the Japanese automaker's 3rd dealership in Mindanao, and 21st in the country.
This branch will be a one-stop shop for all Suzuki customers. Aside from the main display showroom, it also features a fully-equipped service center that complies with Suzuki's 3S qualities. That means that this dealership provides (1) units, (2) spare parts, and (3) auto service.
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Wednesday, 07 November 2012 08:15
American Suzuki to stop selling cars in the US due to bankruptcy
Words by Christopher Kho
Yep, that's right. American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), which distributes automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, marine products, and relates parts and accessories in the US, has gone bankrupt. Well, it's actually a bit worse than that. They're now in the process of filing for Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to protect them for a US$346 million debt. Thus, they have decided to stop selling cars in the US, which includes the Kizashi, SX4, Grand Vitara, and Equator.
ASMC has cited “various factors such as economic conditions including the currency exchange rate, market trends, the models of Suzuki automobiles sold in the U.S. which are primarily small cars, ASMC’s projected sales volume, and the stringent U.S. environmental and safety regulations” as their reasons for pulling the plug. On the contrary, they're redirecting all resources to its motorcycle, ATV, and marine business which still looks to be profitable.
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Wednesday, 24 October 2012 13:10
India’s new matchbox: Maruti-Suzuki unveils the all-new Alto 800
Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera | Photos courtesy of Maruti-Suzuki
We’re no strangers to Indian-made cars. The Suzuki Alto first made its appearance in our market five years ago. It attracted buyers with its very low price (sub-P400,000) and useable features. Then in 2008, the Celerio followed sporting a 1.0L engine and a slightly larger cabin. And a month before 2011 bowed down, the Alto K10 came in armed with refreshed looks and upgraded engine. But that's not the end of it.
Just recently, India’s leading automobile manufacturer unveiled its latest offering - the all-new Alto 800. It's actually based on the current Alto K10 platform; but according to the New Delhi-based company, the Alto K10 will not cease production because it still sells very well.
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