Suzuki's 2003 Heisman Kick-Off Challenge Promotion Pumps Up Dealer Excitement in Suzuki's Heisman Sponsorship

- Suzuki Sales Personnel Can Win Sports Attire, Autographed Footballs and a Trip to the 2003 Heisman Awards in NYC by Selling the Most Suzuki Cars and SUVs by Oct. 3, 20031, 2003 -

BREA, Calif., Aug. 7 -- Suzuki sales personnel who sell the most Suzuki cars and SUVs by Oct. 31, 2003 could find themselves with a Heisman-autographed football or in New York City meeting the next Heisman Trophy winner.

As part of its presenting sponsorship of the Heisman Memorial Trophy, American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) has announced the "Suzuki 2003 Heisman Kick-Off Challenge," a nationwide dealer promotion and recognition program that rewards top Suzuki automotive salespeople and sales managers for selling 2003 and 2004 Suzuki vehicles. The promotion began Aug. 1, 2003 and continues through Oct. 31, 2003 at all 450 Suzuki automotive dealerships in the U.S.

"Suzuki is honored to be the first presenting sponsor in the 69-year history of the Heisman Trophy -- and, naturally, we want to share this excitement with our dealers, sales managers and salespeople," explained ASMC Vice President of Automotive Sales Gary Anderson. "In addition to tapping into the prestige and traditions of the Heisman itself, this year's promotion is special since it covers the 2004 Suzuki Verona midsize sedan arriving in Suzuki showrooms in September."

Certified Suzuki salespeople who sell the most Suzuki vehicles -- which for the promotional period include the new six-cylinder Verona premium sedan; sporty Aerio sedan and Aerio SX; and Vitara V6, Grand Vitara and XL-7 SUVs -- will be eligible to win sports attire or a football signed by a Heisman Trophy winner. Sales managers who qualify can win a trip for two to New York City for the 2003 Heisman weekend featuring the ESPN Heisman Party and Heisman Black-Tie Award Dinner.

To help promote its presenting sponsorship of the Heisman Trophy, Suzuki has teamed up with ESPN the Magazine for a 10-game mobile college football tour entitled, "The Heisman Tour Presented by Suzuki and ESPN the Magazine." The tour provides fans with Heisman-themed interactive games, Suzuki product displays, giveaways, music, and a photo opportunity with the actual Heisman Trophy. Suzuki also established www.voteheisman.com to enable fans to cast an official vote in this year's Heisman Trophy race and to see how 2003 Heisman candidates rank in fan balloting. Different from other Heisman Web sites, www.voteheisman.com represents the only opportunity for the public to cast an officially counted Heisman vote.

The Heisman Trophy, awarded by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York to the most outstanding collegiate player of the year, will be presented on Saturday, December 13, 2003 at the Yale Club in New York City.

About American Suzuki

The Motorcycle, Automotive and Marine Divisions of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), headquartered in Brea, Calif., market more than 65 products through a U.S. dealer network totaling more than 1700 dealerships in 49 states. Suzuki began marketing motorcycles in the U.S. in 1963; in 1977, American Suzuki added its Marine Division and began marketing outboard motors. The Automotive Division of ASMC was formed in 1985.

ASMC's parent corporation, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, automobiles, outboard motors, small engines, power equipment, industrial machinery and prefabricated housing. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it is based in Hamamatsu, Japan, and includes 149 distributors in 190 countries.