Beginning. The Suzuki company was established in 1909 and was called Suzuki Loom Company. Initially, it was successful in the silk industry! However, Michio Suzuki thought that his company should be active in numerous sectors. In 1937, Suzuki started to design a small car, and two years later a few designs were ready for implementation.
Development. During World War II, Suzuki stopped producing cars and went back to manufacturing looms. In 1952, the company manufactured an engine-powered bicycle called Power-Free. A system of two racks made it different from other similar products. The racks made it possible to pedal while the engine was running. In this manner, the company received subsidies from the state and could begin to manufacture motorcycles. In 1955, the first mass-produced vehicle—Suzuki Sunlight—was created. The Suzuki Jimny 4WD is a small off-road car with a four-wheel drive system. It was created at the beginning of the 1970s and it was one of the company's milestones. Initially, this model had a 359 cm3 engine. The Suzuki SS80 (Alto) was another car which became popular outside Japan. In 1981, Suzuki signed agreements with Isuzu Motors and General Motors. Two years later, the Swift was launched onto the market — a car with a 1-litre engine. The 10-millionth Suzuki car was manufactured in 1988 and the Vitara model was launched in 1989. This model was very warmly received.
Present. In the mid-90s, Suzuki constructed manufacturing facilities in Hungary. Owing to an agreement with General Motors, the Grand Vitara model is exported to strategic markets. In 2000, the 30-millionth car left the Suzuki manufacturing facilities. Six years later, the SX4 model (a crossover) was introduced in cooperation with Fiat.
Contribution to the automotive industry. The first Suzuki cars had four cylinders and were cooled with liquid. Interestingly, four-stroke engines were used, which was unprecedented at the time. Those were 13 HP engines with a capacity of 800 cm3. The company is associated with innovation. The Suzulight car was driven through the front axle and it had independent suspension for each wheel. These characteristics became widespread in cars only half a century later.
Trivia. The Suzuki company is also known for producing very good motorcycles. In the 1970s, Suzuki also presented its capabilities in the world of racing by winning several world championship events.
Popular Suzuki models: Suzuki Baleno, Suzuki Vitara, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki Jimny, Suzuki Samurai, Suzuki SX4, Suzuki Wagon R.
Tyres. Suzuki manufactures cars which are equipped with rather small-sized tyres. Sample sizes of tyres suitable for Suzuki cars: 155/65 R13, 165/70 R14, 185/60 R15, 195/65 R15, 205/70 R15, 215/70 R16. Suzuki equips its cars with tyres from various manufacturers. Examples of cooperation: Bridgestone ER300 in Suzuki SX4, Yokohama Geolandar G046 in Suzuki Grand Vitara.