American Suzuki Introduces Two New Cars, Mid-Size Verona and Premium Compact Forenza at Chicago Auto Show

American Suzuki to Triple Sales by 2007 with Series of New Models

CHICAGO, Feb. 12 -- American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today took the wraps off two new models - the mid-size sedan Verona and premium compact Forenza -- specifically targeting today's smarter, value-seeking buyer with many of the same styling, interior amenity and performance features as premium models costing thousands of dollars more.

Originating from GMDAT, Verona and Forenza will hit Suzuki showrooms by early 2004 as '04 models.

In addition to offering its current line of sporty Aerio premium compact cars and value-oriented compact SUVs, the Verona and Forenza, will help American Suzuki triple sales from 67,855 in 2002 to 200,000 in 2007. The sales acceleration underscores parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC)'s commitment to growth in the U.S. market. In all, Suzuki plans to debut nine new models in five years.

"Suzuki Motor Corporation sold 1.7 million units worldwide in 2002 and more than 600,000 small and mini cars in Japan alone," said Sokichi Nakano, executive vice president of Suzuki Motor Corporation and chairman of American Suzuki Motor Corporation. "Most of the world already knows us as the best-value automaker with small-car expertise, now we're eager for more U.S. buyers to discover Suzuki for themselves. Suzuki is making the commitment in the U.S. market with a five-year plan to introduce nine new products, providing American consumers with more value."

"Combined with last year's successful launch of the Aerio and Aerio AWD, the new Verona and Forenza give us the opportunity to dramatically expand our model line and sales in the U.S.," commented Rick Suzuki, ASMC president. "We doubled sales in the past five years. Thanks to nine new models in the product pipeline, we are accelerating our efforts to triple our sales in the next five years, by 2007."

The New Suzuki Verona

Combining premium sedan size, power, styling and features for an MSRP thousands of dollars less than the competition, the Verona has been designed specifically for the savvy buyer looking to enter into the mid-size category. Wider than the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, the Verona boasts more front legroom than the Camry and more rear legroom than both the Altima and Honda Accord. The front-wheel-drive '04 model will offer a standard six-cylinder, DOHC engine, which provides a smooth, quiet ride as well as high performance. In addition, its distinctly European exterior styling has been designed by Italdesign in Turin, Italy. Interior amenities include a long list of premium-level features such as automatic climate control and available leather seating. The Verona's safety features include standard dual front airbags, and available ABS and traction control system.

American Suzuki expects the six-cylinder Verona's MSRP to be in the $16,000 to $19,000 range -- thousands less than the Camry, Accord and Altima, which offer standard four-cylinder engines.

The New Suzuki Forenza

The new Forenza joins the Aerio in the Suzuki line, giving ASMC two value-priced compacts offering features typically reserved for pricier models. While the Aerio qualifies as the sportier of the two Suzuki models and was designed for buyers wanting to make a specific style statement, Forenza appeals to first-time buyers' demands for a premium compact with a European design from Italy. The front-wheel-drive Forenza, powered by a 2.0-liter, DOHC-engine, makes a styling statement with a striking, six-window, greenhouse-style exterior; an interior packed with such premium touches as a standard in-dash CD stereo with eight speakers; and a steering wheel with integrated stereo controls. Standard safety features include dual front airbags and four-wheel disc brakes, plus available ABS.

The MSRP ranging from $12,000 to $15,000 enables the Suzuki Forenza to show a distinctive advantage against competitors such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra -- especially because it will save buyers thousands of dollars.

Fit with ASMC Product Line

Introduced in March 2002, the Aerio sedan and five-door Aerio SX crossover proved popular with first-time buyers and young couples wanting breakout style without sacrificing interior features, space, power and performance. The Verona and Forenza models unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show will enable Suzuki to capitalize on its current product, sales and marketing momentum to offer new levels of value to American buyers.

"The Aerio has emerged as a serious contender to virtually every higher-priced small car competitor," said Thomas Carney, ASMC director of marketing. "Our Vitara, XL-7 and Grand Vitara compact SUVs have distinguished themselves by offering the best SUV value in the industry. And now, with these newest 2004 models, Suzuki has an answer for savvy car buyers wanting more luxury for the money."