American Suzuki Unveils Compact SUV Concept at 2005 New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK, March 24 -- Building on its considerable SUV heritage and borrowing from its recreational lifestyle roots, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today revealed at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) its compact SUV concept -- Suzuki Concept-X2 -- a customer-focused SUV for adventure-seekers unwilling to sacrifice capability, power, performance, safety or style in a right-sized sport-utility package.

The Concept-X2 was unveiled today at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as the second embodiment of the automaker's new customer-focused "Way of Life" philosophy -- a new brand vision for Suzuki that was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit with the Concept-X.

"We're especially excited to reveal Concept-X2 to New York show-goers because it signifies the next great SUV from Suzuki -- and the perfect incarnation of our new 'Way of Life' product-development process," said Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC Automotive Operations.

"Our twenty years of experience in the U.S. SUV market has taught us that SUV enthusiasts don't want to have to sacrifice their own quest for adventure and unique way of life simply because they drive a compact SUV," added Mr. Suzuki. "The Concept-X2 blends refinement, comfort, utility and all-road performance in a right-sized sport-utility design American drivers increasingly want."

The Majestic Graphite Concept-X2 revealed today displays distinctive design, interior sophistication and leading Suzuki SUV engineering. Combining a V6 engine, four-mode, full-time, 4x4 transfer case and built-in ladder-frame construction with class-leading interior features such as an AM/FM/XM CD stereo with seven speakers including a subwoofer, the Concept-X2 was designed to be as comfortable off-road as it is on.

"Way of Life" Philosophy

As a new brand message and corporate philosophy, "Way of Life" has become the consumer-focused blueprint for how Suzuki will develop its cars and SUVs in the future. New Suzuki vehicles like the Concept-X2 and new generations of existing models will be created by considering the specific needs and desires of people Suzuki is calling "life enthusiasts" -- those spirited, adventure-seeking drivers who live life to the fullest instead of watching it from a distance.

"Before our designers ever consider specific product design or performance attributes, they are challenged to completely immerse themselves in the lives of the people who will eventually experience our vehicles," explained Mr. Suzuki. "Instead of contrived solutions, the results are cars and SUVs that outperform their owners' expectations, and add real enjoyment and excitement to their lives."

Suzuki's "Way of Life" philosophy allows it to borrow from its rich recreational lifestyle heritage created from years of developing world-class motorcycle, ATV and marine products -- and from its two decades in the U.S. compact SUV market.

Genuine SUV Toughness

The Concept-X2 is equipped with a V6 DOHC engine with a five-speed automatic transmission expected to deliver 185 horsepower. The result is a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle enabling its drivers to pursue their own adventurous way of life.

Built for authentic off-road capability, the Concept-X2 offers unibody, built-in ladder-frame construction, four-mode, full-time, 4x4 transfer case with locking center differential and four-wheel independent suspension. Four separate 4x4 traction modes -- high-range, high-range lock, low-range lock and neutral -- enable the vehicle to match its off-road capability to any terrain.

Style and Comfort

Evidence of the artful blending of urban sophistication with sporty ruggedness can be found in the Concept-X2's interior and exterior design. The compact SUV has a wide, low stance for a lower center of gravity. Inspired by an athlete at the peak of training, Suzuki designers envisioned bold exterior lines emanating from the vehicle's flared front- and rear-wheel arches, muscular fenders and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels to create a powerful-but-graceful first impression.

The same attention to sporty design and utility can be seen in the Concept-X2's life-enhancing interior features, which include a keyless start system, AM/FM/XM CD stereo with seven speakers, HomeLink(R) wireless remote control system and automatic climate control. Distinctive black leather seating with silver beading and heated front seats demonstrate how closely the interior matches the exterior in its blend of spirited design and comfortable utility.

Safety

Suzuki has engineered a range of active and passive safety systems into the Concept-X2 to provide occupant protection. Suzuki's Electronic Stability Program (ESP) supplements the stability provided by the vehicle's low center of gravity with its four major functions: anti-lock braking system (ABS); electronic brake-force distribution (EBD); traction control (TCS); and stability control.

Other key features include dual front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, a head-impact protection structure, and an energy-absorbing front structure for enhanced injury mitigation.

DESCRIPTION / INSPIRATION
The Suzuki Concept-X2 SUV is a rugged, go-anywhere compact SUV designed for adventure-seekers wanting to blend a full-time, four-mode 4x4 system with uncompromised levels of capability, power, performance, safety and style in a right-sized, sport-utility package.
GENERAL
Vehicle Type	Concept vehicle
Powertrain Layout	Front engine, longitudinal mount
Body Structure	Unibody with built-in ladder frame
Seating Capacity	Five
WHEELS
Wheel Type	18-inch, five-spoke aluminum alloy
Tire Size	P225/55R18
ENGINE
Type	High Output V6 DOHC
Block Material	Aluminum
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission Type	Five-speed, automatic
Drive System	Four-mode, full-time, 4x4 transfer case with locking center differential and four-wheel independent suspension
Four-mode transfer case	High-range, High-range lock, Low-range lock and Neutral
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS / COLOR
Overall Length	176 inches
Overall Width	74.4 inches
Overall Height	66.7 inches
Wheelbase	103.9 inches
Tread	63.8 inches (front) 64.6 inches (rear)
Color	Majestic Graphite
UNIQUE FEATURES
Exterior
Wide tread for lower center of gravity Keyless start system (engine ignition, door locking/unlocking system) Mirror-mount turn signal lamps Flared front- and rear-wheel arches and muscular fenders Large-diameter 18-inch wheels with 225/55R18 tires Body-integrated rear roof end spoiler with LED high-mounted stop lamp Dual-chrome exhaust tips with bumper skid guard
Interior
Sophisticated interior featuring black leather seating with silver beading Automatic climate control air-conditioning system Three-spoke steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches AM/FM/XM CD stereo with seven speakers including subwoofer Center-floor console with armrest and storage compartment HomeLink wireless remote control system available
Safety
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) Traction Control System (TCS) Head-impact protection structure Dual front and side airbags Front and rear curtain airbags Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ISO FIX child seat anchorage

Sales and Product Growth

Even as Suzuki undertakes the most aggressive product expansion in its history, it continues its record sales growth. The latest R.L. Polk data ranked the automaker first in increased sales in 2004 -- with sales up 47 percent over 2003. Sales during the first two months of 2005 were up 17 percent, with February 2005 marking 13 consecutive months of rising sales over the previous year.

In the last two years, Suzuki has launched four new production models as part of its aggressive growth plan: the premium compact Forenza sedan, stylish midsize Verona sedan, five-door Reno and versatile Forenza Wagon. With six cars and two SUVs, ASMC's 2005 model line offers buyers class-leading features and amenities at a great value. Suzuki is committed to applying its "Way of Life" philosophy in all of its future products to support its aggressive growth objectives in the U.S. market.

About American Suzuki

The Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of more than 540 automotive dealerships in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer with sales of more than 2 million new vehicles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has operations in 125 countries. For media information and photos visit www.media.suzuki.com or Suzuki's consumer site, www.suzukiauto.com.