Suzuki Expands Product Line With New Introductions at 2006 New York International Auto Show

World Premiere of All-New Suzuki XL7 and North American Debut of Suzuki SX4 Slated for April 13, at 12:05 p.m.

BREA, CA - March 29, 2006: American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) has been revving its engines at record pace, and U.S. sales have never been stronger. Thanks to an inspired product lineup that includes the media-acclaimed 2006 Grand Vitara, ASMC sold more vehicles in 2005 than any other year in its history. Now the company sets its sights on the 2006 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) and the global debut of its next head-turning vehicle, the all-new 2007 Suzuki XL7 crossover SUV, which delivers expressive adaptability and redefines the midsize SUV.

2006 XL-7 (shown here) set for significant enhancements

In addition to unveiling the XL7, Suzuki also will introduce to the North American market the all-new 2007 SX4, which delivers bold attitude and performance in a compact sport X-over with all-wheel drive (AWD). Both vehicles will be featured during Suzuki's 2006 NYIAS press conference on April 13, at 12:05 p.m., at the Suzuki display (#1215, Level 1) in the Jacob Javits Convention Center. With two new vehicle introductions scheduled for New York, rising sales and increases in its market share, ASMC is capturing consumers' attention.

"New York City is one of the most active cities in the world, and it serves as an appropriate venue to unveil two stylish and sporty vehicles to meet the needs of consumers with active lifestyles," said Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC Automotive Operations. "American Suzuki is excited about the impact these vehicles will have on the company's success and the impression they will make across the automotive industry."

Suzuki XL7

In the creation of the XL7, Suzuki leveraged its SUV heritage and expertise to design an all-new vehicle for the midsize SUV crossover segment, providing style, room and adaptability for mobile lifestyles. The 2007 Suzuki XL7, equipped with a 3.6-liter, V6 DOHC engine, defines the new direction of the midsize SUV crossover market and is one of the first entries to combine room for family and cargo with performance, style and comfort not previously associated with midsize SUVs.

The all-new XL7 has cargo and seating flexibility for all aspects of active lifestyles, on-road performance capabilities, sleek and distinctive style and advanced safety features that provide a confident feeling of being in control in any condition. Suzuki's new generation midsize SUV crossover is slated to go on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2006.

2007 Suzuki XL7 Specifications

Wheelbase: 112.4-in./2,857mm
Overall width: 72.2-in./1,835mm
Overall length: 196.6-in./4,995mm
Overall height: 68.9-in./1,750mm

Suzuki SX4

Globally introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006, the Suzuki SX4 compact sport X-over with AWD will make its North American debut at the NYIAS. The all-new SX4 features a versatile, rigid five-door design, a standard all-wheel-drive system and for the U.S. market, a sophisticated fuel-sipping 2.0-liter DOHC engine.

The Suzuki SX4's advanced intelligent all-wheel-drive system (i-AWD) sends power to the rear wheels as needed with no additional input necessary from the driver. Called the Three-Mode Switchable AWD system, it features a selector switch on the center console that allows the driver to select from three modes: 2WD, AUTO (AWD High) and LOCK (AWD Lock). Customers in the United States will have a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic transmission.

With its contemporary styling, high-output engine, the security of AWD and ABS and five-door versatility, the all-new Suzuki SX4 delivers the bold attitude and performance designed for those who live an adventurous life. The SX4 is slated to go on sale in the United States in the third quarter of 2006.

2007 Suzuki SX4 Specifications

Wheelbase: 98.4-in./2,500mm
Overall width: 69.1-in./1,755mm
Overall length: 162.8-in./4,135mm
Overall height: 63.2-in./1,605mm

In February, Suzuki posted a sales increase of 39 percent, the best February and second-best sales month in company history. The new monthly sales record continues Suzuki's recent sales momentum, which included record sales in January and sales of 82,101 in 2005 -- the best sales year in American Suzuki's 21-year history.

Expanded Product Line

The Suzuki XL7 and SX4 join an impressive and versatile product line, with the media-acclaimed Grand Vitara, the popular Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, the five-door Reno, the Aerio sedan and Aerio SX and the Verona.